Bible Studies

STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS Chapter 13

by Henry Jaegers
09/22/26
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STUDIES IN SECOND CORINTHIANS

Chapter 13

By Henry Jaegers

Paul’s Final Word

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TpJE4fn-N9GK-he5GCsBswD8QbzFO4Fr/view?usp=sharing

The Need for Repentabce (Verses 1 through 6)

 This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

As a reminder, Paul is visiting them through his writing, sent by either Timothy or Titus. The first thing of importance is to receive and establish a means of receiving truth. It is not a decision made by one person. It must include two or three witnesses to verify the information. The witnesses must be reliable men known to speak the truth. On the other hand, false witnesses are many, and they have no reliable system to establish themselves except their various interpretations of facts drawn from their imaginations. So Paul wisely establishes a system to verify what is true.

  I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

Paul is determined to find a way of dealing with the Pretenders and those who choose to follow them. Although he is absent, he has faithful men assigned to the church to establish order while he is gone. These men operate under the power of the Holy Spirit and with that power will succeed.

  Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

The false professors are seeking proof of Paul's authority. This is why two or three witnesses are required to answer these skeptics with truth; they themselves have no resources to prove themselves but those of like mind. And since they are all liars, what credible evidence is there to prove their right to rule?

Since Christ Himself came as a man in weakness, the Spirit og God worked mightily through his weakness, and Paul identifies himself with Christ and thus establishes similar authority.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

In preparation for Paul's arrival, and to prevent harsh discipline, they are to search their hearts and deal with sin beforehand so they are prepared when judgment comes. Paul is calling on all of them to take spiritual inventory and be reconciled to God immediately. This will further strengthen the Church as they operate together in the power of God to once again present to God an uncorrupted fellowship of strong believers. Paul is now preparing his army for the impending battle.

 But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

Paul reminds them of what they know about him and the leaders who accompany him. It is comforting to know that there are still people, though in the minority, who can be trusted and can rest assured in their strong presence.

A Glorious Benediction  (Verses 7 through 14)

Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

Paul encourages honorable character among them as followers of Christ. However, these false leaders count Paul as a reprobate because he resists them. Perhaps if they reject Paul, maybe faithful Christians abiding in their presence may convince these false leaders of their need for repentance.

 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

What Paul is saying is that truth is foundational. He can do nothing to change it, but what he can do is to declare it. That in itself is God's weapon against all wickedness, and we are safe and strong while truth is at work in our defense.

 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.

Here is a great word from Paul expressing to them how, when they are strong, he also is strong. This reveals the power of mutual fellowship in action. Faithfulness among the body of Christ benefits the whole church.

 Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

In recognizing the need for harshness against disobedience, Harshness is not the desired end which God desires. Edification, not destruction, should always be the priority of our ministry. This benefits everyone, even those who are disobedient. The desired activity of any true servant

 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.  All the saints salute you.  The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

After all that has been said, here is a proper benediction that sums it all up.  If this indeed continues, then all the hard work will be worth it all.