Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:4

"for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you." — 2 Corinthians 13:4 (ASV)

The relationship between Christ and Paul with regard to weakness and power is now clarified. Jesus Christ was crucified because of “weakness” (GK 819); this weakness was not physical frailty or moral impotence, but the “weakness” of nonretaliation and the “weakness” of obedience to God. Christ’s “weakness” in assuming the poverty of earthly existence (8:9) and in humbling himself and becoming obedient even to death on a cross was, however, the most perfect evidence of strength. But that “weakness” of Christ is past. Now he lives a resurrection life sustained by God’s power, “the Spirit of holiness” (Romans 1:4).

As a result of being in Christ, Paul shared in the weakness of his crucified Master (cf. 12:7–10). As a result of his fellowship with Christ, he shared in the mighty power of his risen Lord, a power imparted by God. From a human standpoint, the nonassertiveness that had marked Paul’s conduct on his second visit to Corinth (cf. 10:1, 10) was simply weakness. But on his forthcoming visit, God’s power would be vigorously displayed through him in his dealings with the Corinthians.