Examine Yourselves
Paul announced his plan to return to Corinth...
Paul announced his plan to return to Corinth for the third time (see study note on 12:14–15). He found support for his plan in the Scriptures. The reason for this quote is unclear. However, considering the context of Deuteronomy 19:15, Paul might have wanted to warn them. He intended to judge every wrongdoing (listed in 2 Corinthians 12:20–21) upon his arrival. The two or three witnesses against the Corinthian wrongdoers were Paul's letters or visits and his promise to come the third time.
1This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”†
2I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,
Christ is speaking through me: Paul represented Christ...
Christ is speaking through me: Paul represented Christ to the Corinthian congregation and used God's power to guide them.
Paul's weakness mirrored Christ's humiliation, as Christ was crucified in weakness (see 8:9). Paul judged sinners with Christ's love in mind (5:14–21).
We are also weak: Paul's humanity was frail, but he relied on Christ's strength (12:10).
Christ is speaking through me: Paul represented Christ to the Corinthian congregation and used God's power to guide them.
Paul's weakness mirrored Christ's humiliation, as Christ was crucified in weakness (see 8:9). Paul judged sinners with Christ's love in mind (5:14–21).
We are also weak: Paul's humanity was frail, but he relied on Christ's strength (12:10).
3since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you but is powerful among you. 4For He was indeed crucified in weakness, yet He lives by God’s power. For we are also weak in Him, yet by God’s power we will live with Him concerning you.
The issue is straightforward. If the Corinthians cannot...
The issue is straightforward. If the Corinthians cannot see that Jesus Christ is living among them, they have failed the test of true faith (literally are disproved). There is a wordplay here: They wanted "proof" of Paul's authority as an apostle, but Paul tells them to test themselves (or prove yourselves). If Christ is not present, it would show they are not true Christians. However, Paul has shown that he has passed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).
5Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test? 6And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.
Despite the problems Paul faced at Corinth, his...
Despite the problems Paul faced at Corinth, his main goal was clear. He wanted the best for these people, hoping they would become mature and strong. Paul always aimed to improve their well-being, even when he corrected them.
7Now we pray to God that you will not do anything wrong—not that we will appear to have stood the test, but that you will do what is right, even if we appear to have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. 9In fact, we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong, and our prayer is for your perfection.
10This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Benediction and Farewell
The letter ends with: Paul's final request (13:11),...
The letter ends with:
11Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another,† be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
holy kiss: The kiss was a common Jewish...
holy kiss: The kiss was a common Jewish greeting, not just a sign of personal affection. It was common in the New Testament church (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). It may have held significance in worship services by uniting fellow believers (the "kiss of peace"). The word for sacred (Greek hagiō) is the same word translated as God’s people (literally the saints; Greek hagioi) in the next sentence.
God’s people here were the believers in the place where Paul was writing in Macedonia.
holy kiss: The kiss was a common Jewish greeting, not just a sign of personal affection. It was common in the New Testament church (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14). It may have held significance in worship services by uniting fellow believers (the "kiss of peace"). The word for sacred (Greek hagiō) is the same word translated as God’s people (literally the saints; Greek hagioi) in the next sentence.
God’s people here were the believers in the place where Paul was writing in Macedonia.
12Greet one another with a holy kiss.
13All the saints send you greetings.
14The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.†