Free Bible Commentary
“2 Corinthians 13:1-4”
Categories: 2 Corinthians“This is the third time I am coming to you. EVERY FACT IS TO BE CONFIRMED BY THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES. I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that if I come again I will not spare anyone, since you are seeking for proof of the Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For indeed He was crucified because of weakness, yet He lives because of the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.”
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After a lot of talking and pleading and warning, there comes a time for corrective action. The Apostle Paul was planning to visit the Corinthian church shortly after the writing of this letter. He was giving them ample opportunity to address and correct their issues, and sufficient time for sinners to repent. He was a meek and patient person, but he was also an inspired Apostle of Jesus Christ. He planned to demonstrate his authority when he arrived in order to remove any doubt from the minds of the brethren who questioned his divinely appointed position.
Paul quoted Deuteronomy 19:15 when he wrote, “Every fact is to be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.” But it seems to me that he had the Lord’s instruction in mind to establish the facts by two or three witnesses when encouraging an erring brother to repent and before administering “church discipline” (Matthew 18:15-18). Paul would not deviate from the proper process that Jesus himself authorized. Even though Paul was not a part of the “Original Twelve” when Christ issued this directive, he still received his revelation and authority directly from the Lord (Galatians 1:1).
Appearances and perceptions can be misleading. Paul’s “earthen vessel” was week, but the “surpassing greatness of the power” of the Gospel and Paul’s authority were “of God” (2 Corinthians 4:7). Paul reminded them of the false perception of Christ’s weakness by those who killed Him. As He hung on the cross, seemingly helpless and powerless, people mocked and ridiculed Him. But when He triumphantly arose from the grave, He demonstrated that He was undoubtedly “the Son of God with power” (Romans 1:4). Paul told the Corinthians that the same “power of God” had been, and would be directed toward them.
Friends, don’t be fooled by the kindness and patience of God. Don’t confuse His longsuffering with tolerance and indifference. Soon the full power of God will be revealed from heaven against all the people who refuse to acknowledge God as their Sovereign and obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8). To repeat the first sentence of today’s commentary: After a lot of talking and pleading and warning, there comes a time for corrective action. God’s patience will eventually run out and He will punish us for the sin that we refuse to turn loose of.
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4)
Please read 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
-Louie Taylor
