2Cor 13:1-4 | Clarke | STEP | The apostle again says that this is the third time he has purposed to come and see them; and threatens that he will, by the power of Christ, punish every incorrigible sinner, . Exhorts them to examine themselves, whether they be in the faith, , . Prays that they may do no evil, . And shows how ardently he wished their complete restoration to unity and purity, , . Tells them for what reason he writes to them, . Bids them farewell, , Gives them some directions, and concludes with his apostolical benediction, .

2 Corinthians 13:1-4

Introduction

The apostle again says that this is the third time he has purposed to come and see them; and threatens that he will, by the power of Christ, punish every incorrigible sinner, 2Cor 13:1-4. Exhorts them to examine themselves, whether they be in the faith, 2Cor 13:5, 2Cor 13:6. Prays that they may do no evil, 2Cor 13:7. And shows how ardently he wished their complete restoration to unity and purity, 2Cor 13:8, 2Cor 13:9. Tells them for what reason he writes to them, 2Cor 13:10. Bids them farewell, 2Cor 13:11, Gives them some directions, and concludes with his apostolical benediction, 2Cor 13:12-14. Verse 2

I told you before, etc. - As Calmet maintains that Paul had already been twice at Corinth, it is well to hear his reasons: "St. Paul came to Corinth the latter end of the year of our Lord 52, and remained there eighteen months, Act 18:1, etc. He came there a second time in the year 55, but stayed only a short time, as he had to return speedily to Ephesus, 1Cor 16:7; hence it is that St. Luke makes no mention of this second journey in the Acts. Finally he determined to visit them a third time; as in effect he did about the year 57. Of his second voyage to Corinth, which is not mentioned in the Acts, he speaks expressly in this verse." I do not see sufficient evidence to induce me to subscribe to this opinion of Calmet. I believe the apostle had been but once before at Corinth; and this matter is set in a clear point of view by Dr. Paley. See the Introduction, Section 11.

I will not spare - I will inflict the proper punishment on every incorrigible offender. It does appear, from all the apostle's threatenings, that he was possessed of a miraculous power, by which he could inflict punishment on offenders; that he could deliver the body to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus, 1Cor 4:21; 1Cor 5:5. What he says he told them before probably relates to 1Cor 4:21 : Shall I come with a rod, etc. Verse 3

Since ye seek a proof of Christ - The conversion of the Corinthians was to themselves a solid proof that Christ spoke by the apostle; and therefore he could, with great propriety, say that this power of Christ, far from being weak, was mighty among them.

Verse 4

For though he was crucified through weakness - It is true Christ was crucified, and his crucifixion appeared to be the effect of his weakness; yet even this was not so; he gave up his life, none could take it away from him; and in his last struggle, had he even been deficient in power, he could have had more than twelve legions of angels to support him against the high priest's mob, Mat 26:53; but how then could the Scripture be fulfilled? And had he not died, how could the human race have been saved?

Yet he liveth by the power of God - Though he appeared to be crucified through his own weakness, yet he now liveth by the power of God; exerting an almighty energy by which all things are subject to him.

We also are weak in him - Because we are on Christ's side we appear to you as weak as he did to the Jews; but it is not so, for we live with him - under the same influence, and partaking of the same life; manifesting by our preaching and miracles the power of God towards you. While I do not use the rod, I appear to you weak; I will use it, and then you shall find me to be strong.