Keraia
2 Corinthians 13

2 Corinthians 13:2

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

Translations

Modern
I 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,
Traditional
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:
Literal
I have said before, and I say it before as being present the second time and being absent now, to those having sinned before and to all the rest, that if I come to the same again, I will not spare anyone,
Latin
Prædixi, et prædico, ut præsens, et nunc absens iis qui ante peccaverunt, et ceteris omnibus, quoniam si venero iterum, non parcam.

Original

Greek
English
I 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,

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

Paul (Saul)

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Second Letter to the Corinthians

Topics

Christian Minister: Duties of Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian