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2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:1

Examine Yourselves · 2 Corinthians 13:1–10
Read 2 Corinthians 13

Translations

Modern
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
Traditional
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Literal
This third time I am coming to you. “On the mouth of two or three witnesses every word will be established.”
Latin
Ecce tertio hoc venio ad vos: in ore duorum vel trium testium stabit omne verbum.

Original

Greek
English
This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”

Notes

2 Corinthians 13:1–2

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.

2 Corinthians 10:1–13:13

  • In this section, Paul defends his role as an apostle.

  • These chapters present several issues due to a noticeable change in tone and style. Chapters 1–9 express joy from sinners reconciling with God and the Corinthians reconciling with Paul. However, from this point, Paul becomes defensive. These chapters contain harsh words, bitter accusations, passionate irony, and rebuke. The significant shift at 10:1 has led to various explanations:

    1. These chapters might be a separate letter, possibly the “severe letter” sent earlier to Corinth (2:3–4; 7:8–9).

    2. It could be that while most church members obeyed the call for reconciliation, a rebellious minority remained, and Paul addressed these four chapters to them.

    3. More likely, a new situation arose after Titus reported restored harmony (7:5–16). In this case, some anti-Paul missionaries arrived in Corinth and started a strong campaign against the apostolic message of good news (see 11:4, 13–15). They claimed Paul was not a true apostle or even a true Christian (10:7) and that he had no right to bring the gospel message to Corinth, as it was their territory (10:15–16). They brought a foreign message (11:4) and had a domineering attitude. In short, they were doing Satan’s work (11:13–15). Paul, worried about this new situation, reasserts his apostolic authority and writes in a way he dislikes (11:1, 16–17; 12:1) by boasting about his weaknesses and trials. Paul’s apostolic authority is genuine and powerful, yet it is guided by the love shown by the crucified Jesus (10:1; 13:4–10).

Theme notes and profiles

Corinth Paul (Saul)

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Judge Paul the Apostle Second Letter to the Corinthians Witness

Topics

Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Corinth: Visited by Paul Courts of Justice: The Accused: The Evidence of Two or More Witnesses Required In Witness: Two Necessary to Establish a Fact