John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:2

"I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;" — 2 Corinthians 13:2 (ASV)

I told you before, and foretell you. The friendly and agreeable admonitions that he had addressed to them so frequently had been of no advantage. He, accordingly, resorts to a more severe remedy, with which he had previously threatened them in words when present with them.

When we see him act with so much strictness, we need have no doubt that they were surprisingly unruly and obstinate; for it appears from his writings what mildness and unwearied patience he was otherwise prepared to manifest. However, just as it is the part of a good parent to forgive and bear with many things, so it is the part of a foolish parent, one who has no proper regard for the welfare of his children, to neglect to use severity when there is occasion for it, and to temper strictness with mildness.

We are well aware that nothing is more hurtful than excessive indulgence. Therefore, let us use mildness when we can safely do so—mildness that is dignified and properly regulated; let us act with greater severity when necessity requires.

1. It is asked, however, why the Apostle allowed himself to expose the particular faults of individuals so openly, as if pointing his finger at the very persons? I answer that he would never have done so if the sins had been hidden. But since they were manifest to all and widely known, thereby setting a harmful example, it was necessary that he should not spare the authors of a public scandal.

2. It is asked, what kind of chastisement he threatens to inflict on them, since he could hardly chastise them more severely in words? I have no doubt that he means he will inflict punishment on them by excommunication. For what is more to be feared than being cut off from the body of Christ, expelled from the kingdom of God, and delivered over to Satan for destruction, (1 Corinthians 5:5), unless you repent?