2 Corinthians Chapter 13

vs 1

This is not the way we would use Scripture at all. We'd call it inappropriate interpretation. But Paul thinks it fits in this circumstance. We can ask whether he is really extrapolating a biblical principle here, or just making a point. I'd say the latter. He's saying that now that he will be visiting them for the third time, his judgements of them will be accurate, and therefore binding.

vs 2

That's quite a warning. We could tell from the beginning of this letter that last time Paul wasn't really happy with what he'd had to do in his last visit. And yet he is prepared to do that again if need be.

vs 3

And yet Paul says that it will not be him that deals harshly with them, but Christ, because they are questioning if Paul really speaks the words of God. He reckons they'll find out, and not like it when they do.

vs 4

Paul alikens his weakness to Christ's crucifixion, saying that his weakness allows him to live at God's pleasure. And he sees his life as being in God. he also sees his life as based around serving the church because of this.

vs 5

Paul tells them to test themselves, but doesn't give them a testing regime. I assume he means they should test themselves by what he has taught, against what the false teachers have taought. Even if they pass the test, he is still telling them to realise that Christ lives in them. And he wonders, perhaps expects some of them to fail this test.

vs 6

Now this, this here is a very intersting statement. We would normally say that you can't judge whether someone is a Christian or not. But Paul here suggests that they could test him and see that he is not wanting. How do we feel about that? I think the Bible isn't nearly as clear on this issue as we expect it or would like it to be.

vs 7

This is just a little confusing. Read the NASB version! It is much, much clearer. There shouldn't be a full stop in this sentence. Paul is saying that he doesn't care how he looks in this situation - rather, he cares that the Corinthians do the right thing. Then doing right is more important than him looking good.

vs 8

Paul supports truth, not looking good.

vs 9

Paul doesn't care how weak he gets, if it will see the strengthening of the Corinthian church. Besides, it doesn't matter how weak he gets, because God is strong.

vs 10

It's hard to receive a harsh letter, but harder to receive a harsh visit. Paul wants the visit to be nice, so that he can use it to build them up and encourage them, rather than pull them down.

vs 11

Wow, concentrated Paul into one verse.

vs 12

Doooo iiiit! If you read the Bible literalistically, I want to see smoochers all around!

vs 13

That's nice.

vs 14

And then we end with this benediction, which I find one of the most useful ways for ending prayers. It's triune, it's memorable. Classic.