John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 13:3

"seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:" — 2 Corinthians 13:3 (ASV)

Since you seek a proof—a twofold meaning may be drawn from these words. The first is, “Since you wish to test me, whether I speak of myself, or whether Christ speaks by me;” and in this way Chrysostom and Ambrose explain it. I am rather inclined, however, to understand him as declaring that it does not so much concern himself as Christ when his authority is detracted from—that when his admonitions are despised, Christ’s patience is tested. “It is Christ who speaks by me; therefore, when you bring my doctrine under your lash, it is not so much me as him that you injure.”

Someone, however, will object as follows: “What! Will a man’s doctrine, then, be exempted from all investigation as soon as he boasts that he has Christ as his authority? And what false prophet will not make this boast? What distinction, then, will there be between truth and falsehood, and what, in that case, will become of that injunction: Try the spirits, whether they are of God?” (1 John 4:1).

Paul anticipates every objection of this nature when he says that Christ has worked effectively in them by his ministry. For these two clauses, Christ speaking in me, and, who is mighty in you, not weak, must be read in connection, in this sense: “Christ, by exercising his power toward you in my doctrine, has declared that he spoke by my mouth, so that you have no excuse on the ground of ignorance.”

We see that he does not merely boast in words, but actually proves that Christ speaks in him, and he convinces the Corinthians before requiring them to give him credit. Whoever, then, speaks in the Church, whatever title he claims for himself, it will be permissible to inquire about his doctrine until Christ has manifested himself in him; and thus, judgment will be formed not of Christ, but of the man.

When, however, it is apparent that it is the word of God that is advanced, what Paul says holds true—that it is God himself who is not believed. Moses spoke with the same confidence (Numbers 16:11).

What are we—I and Aaron? You are tempting God.

In like manner, Isaiah asks: Is it too small a thing that you grieve men,
unless you grieve my God also? (Isaiah 7:13).

For there is no more room for evasion when it has been made apparent that it is a minister of God who speaks and that he discharges his office faithfully.

I return to Paul.

Since the confirmation of his ministry had been so decisive among the Corinthians, because the Lord had shown himself openly, it is no wonder that he takes it so much amiss when he meets with resistance. Truly, on good grounds, he might throw back on them—as he does—the reproach that they were rebels against Christ.