John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:10

"For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not when present deal sharply, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for casting down." — 2 Corinthians 13:10 (ASV)

According to the power. In the first place, he arms the strictness of which he speaks with God's authority, so that it may not appear to be thunder without lightning, or a rashly provoked attack. Furthermore, he lets them know that he would rather use his power for another purpose, for which it was specifically designed—promoting their edification. “I will not rashly resort to cruel remedies, nor will I indulge my passion, but will simply carry out the commission the Lord has given me.”

When he speaks of power given him for edification, and not for destruction, he uses these terms for a somewhat different purpose than he had done previously in 2 Corinthians 10:8. For in that passage, there was a commendation of the Gospel based on the benefit it provides—because what is for our advantage usually is agreeable and is willingly received by us.

Here, however, he simply means to declare that although he might justly inflict a severe blow upon the Corinthians, he was much more inclined to exercise his power for their advantage rather than for their destruction—the former being its proper design. For just as the Gospel, in its own nature, is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16) and an odor of life unto life (2 Corinthians 2:15–16), but incidentally is an odor of death; so the authority conferred upon its ministers ought to be beneficial to the hearers.

If, on the other hand, it results in their condemnation, that is contrary to its nature. The meaning, therefore, is this: “Do not, through your own fault, allow that to turn to your destruction, which God has appointed for salvation.” Meanwhile, the Apostle admonishes all pastors by his example how they should limit the use of their power.