2 Corinthians 13:1-14 " Paul's 3rd Visit:
"I'm Coming With "Apostolic Authority""
"This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare — since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified".
Paul Prefers Gentleness
"Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction".
Greetings and Benediction
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen".
"I'm Coming With "Apostolic Authority""
"This will be the third time I am coming to you. "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established." I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare — since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you. For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives 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. Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? — unless indeed you are disqualified. But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified".
Paul Prefers Gentleness
"Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction".
Greetings and Benediction
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen".
Bible Study Outline of 2 Corinthians Chapter 13
Apostle Paul’s 3rd Visit: “I’m Coming With Authority!”
I. Paul’s 3rd Visit: “Coming with Authority!” (verses 1-4)
A. I’ll be coming a 3rd time. Remember the Scripture that says, "A matter becomes clear after two or three witnesses give evidence." (Deuteronomy 19:15, John 8:17)
{The term 2 or 3 witnesses could also mean the number of times Paul had contact with the Corinthian church} (vs. 1) Also Matthew 18:1
B. Concerning my 2nd visit, I warned that bunch that keeps sinning over and over in the same old ways that when I came back I wouldn't go easy on them. Now, preparing for the third, I'm saying it again from a distance. If you haven't changed your ways by the time I get there, look out. (warning) vs.2
C. Concerning you Accusation Against Me: You who have been demanding proof that Christ speaks through me will get more than you bargained for. You'll get the full force of Christ, don't think you won't.
(vs. 3)
Note: In the previous chapters, they had called Paul’s apostolic authority into question. They had demanded evidence that he had been called. In this verse, Paul said he would furnish the evidence they demanded by inflicting severe and just punishment on all offenders, and they should have abundant proof that Christ spoke by him, or that he was inspired. Paul also wanted the Corinthian church and those accusers in particular to know: That Jesus Christ manifested his power in abundance toward them, in 3 ways:
A. Either by the miracles that had been performed in his name,
B. Or by the diseases and calamities which they had suffered on account of their disorders and offences.
C. Or by the force and efficacy of his doctrine. The idea is, that they had had ample demonstration of the power of Christ to inflict punishment, and they had reason to apprehend it again.
D. Comparing Christ with Us: (vs.4)
1. Jesus in “comparison” looked weak to the public when he hung and died on the cross as our Savior. But now, He’s mighty in power (alive) in the power of Jehovah God the Father.
2. In the same manner: Paul said: We didn’t look like much either when you humiliated us…but next time, we will deal with you in the power of Christ, as we are strengthened by God.
II. Examine Yourselves: (verses 5-6)
A. Test yourselves Are you of “the faith” (vs. 5)
Test yourselves to see whether you are true Christians; whether you have any true faith in the gospel, that you have any real faith in Jesus Christ, and in the promises of God through him. Faith is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a true Christian; and to ascertain whether we have any true faith, therefore, is to ascertain whether we are sincere Christians.
B. Prove yourselves “Live it out”
Examine your hearts and lives. (lifestyles) Compare your views and feelings with applying the Word of God to your lives and prove it in your daily life and use it especially when the storms of life are raging.
Paul challenges them to examine themselves because:
1. He expressed concern that they had been deceived by the false teachers that criticized and turn them against Paul’s ministry.
2. So gross were the irregularities and disorders in the church at Corinth that many of them had shown themselves very ignorant of the nature of the Christian religion. They didn’t understand what it really meant to be a Christian.
3. It was important, in the highest degree, for them to conduct an impartial and strict self-examination to determine if they had altogether been deceived.
Note: We should also examine ourselves also (1 Corinthians 11) not just for taking communion, but to make sure that we aren’t being deceived by the devil in any way doctrinally. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Question: How do you know you got “good religion?” If a person wishes to know what his religion is really worth:
1. Try it in the places where religion is of any value.
2. Go into the world with it. Let him go and try to do good works; to endure affliction in a proper manner.
3. Use it to combat the errors and foolish behavior, to put away “childish things” (“follies” of life;)
4. Use it to witness and admonish sinners of the error of their ways and turn them toward Jesus Christ.
5. Use it on the evangelistic field to forward the great work of the conversion of the world, and you will soon see there what your religion is worth. Don’t just sit down and think, and compare yourself with the Bible and look at your own heart-valuable as this may be in many respects-but let him treat his religion as he would anything else-let him subject it to actual experiment.
Good Religion will:
1. Enable you to become “imitators” of Jesus Christ in the way you sow good seeds and do good deeds.
2. Enable you to endure persecution for the name of Jesus; to bear calamity without complaining; to submit to a long series of disappointments and distresses for Christ's sake.
3. Prompt you to a life of prayer, without ceasing and in an instant and to live a life of self-denial. The “Christian” way of life will make you always conscientious, industrious, and honest.
4. Live your life as “witness” according to Matthew 28:19-20, and by doing this the disciple of Christ will begin to warn sinners of the errors of their ways, and admonish them to seek Jesus Christ as their personal savior, the friendship of Christians, and join the Body of Christ to seek the salvation of the world, is pure and genuine.. Any other professed religion than this is worthless.
C. Know Yourselves! Don’t you know Yourselves? (vs. 5)
“You should know if you have Jesus on the inside of you; that your religion is true and not false; and your faith in Christ will stand and you won’t be found a “reprobate”
D. Know us! We are not disqualified- we trust you know that (vs. 6)
III. Paul: We prefer to use Gentleness (verses 7- 10)
A. We Pray for you that you do the following: (vs.7)
1. That you do no evil. Not that we appear to be approved
2. Do what is honorable. Even though we seem to be (in your eyes) disqualified.
Paul told them: “No matter how you view us, you still should do the right thing and avoid doing evil. My objective, and main desire, is not to urge my claims to the apostolic office and clear up my own character but that you should lead honest lives, whatever may become of me and my reputation” As a matter of fact, I’m willing to be regarded as whatever you want to regard me as …as long as you lead godly lives. As a Christian, we must walk worthy of our calling in Christ no matter what they say about us.
B. We can do nothing against the truth. All we do is for the truth. (vs.8)
We are under the influence of the Holy Spirit who commissioned us to be Apostles, and under the “anointing”, we can do nothing against the great system of truth we are charge to both promote and defend. Our aim is to promote “the truth”, and to do what is right. We cannot in regard to our own reputation, or personal advantage, do what is wrong, or countenance, or desire what is wrong in others.
C. We are glad when we are weak: (vs. 9)
I am content to appear weak, provided you do no wrong; I am willing not to have occasion to exercise my power in punishing offenders, and had rather lie under the reproach of being actually weak, than to have occasion to exercise my power by punishing you for wrongdoing; and provided you are strong in the faith and in the hope of the gospel, I am very willing, nay, I rejoice that I am under this necessity of appearing weak."We rejoice in your welfare, and are willing to submit to self-denial and to infirmity if it may promote your spiritual strength.
D. Therefore I write these things: (vs.10)
1. Lest being present I should use sharpness] In order that when I come I may not have to come off severe.
2. [According to the power ...] That I don’t use the power Christ has invested me for maintaining discipline in his church.
IV. Benediction and Final Greeting (verses 11-14)
A. Finally, farewell brethren.
1. Be complete.
2. Be of good comfort.
3. Be of one mind.
4. Live in peace and the God of Love and Peace be with you.
5. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Final Greetings: All the saints greet you.
Benediction Prayer: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Dr. William Edward Boddie
Apostle Paul’s 3rd Visit: “I’m Coming With Authority!”
I. Paul’s 3rd Visit: “Coming with Authority!” (verses 1-4)
A. I’ll be coming a 3rd time. Remember the Scripture that says, "A matter becomes clear after two or three witnesses give evidence." (Deuteronomy 19:15, John 8:17)
{The term 2 or 3 witnesses could also mean the number of times Paul had contact with the Corinthian church} (vs. 1) Also Matthew 18:1
B. Concerning my 2nd visit, I warned that bunch that keeps sinning over and over in the same old ways that when I came back I wouldn't go easy on them. Now, preparing for the third, I'm saying it again from a distance. If you haven't changed your ways by the time I get there, look out. (warning) vs.2
C. Concerning you Accusation Against Me: You who have been demanding proof that Christ speaks through me will get more than you bargained for. You'll get the full force of Christ, don't think you won't.
(vs. 3)
Note: In the previous chapters, they had called Paul’s apostolic authority into question. They had demanded evidence that he had been called. In this verse, Paul said he would furnish the evidence they demanded by inflicting severe and just punishment on all offenders, and they should have abundant proof that Christ spoke by him, or that he was inspired. Paul also wanted the Corinthian church and those accusers in particular to know: That Jesus Christ manifested his power in abundance toward them, in 3 ways:
A. Either by the miracles that had been performed in his name,
B. Or by the diseases and calamities which they had suffered on account of their disorders and offences.
C. Or by the force and efficacy of his doctrine. The idea is, that they had had ample demonstration of the power of Christ to inflict punishment, and they had reason to apprehend it again.
D. Comparing Christ with Us: (vs.4)
1. Jesus in “comparison” looked weak to the public when he hung and died on the cross as our Savior. But now, He’s mighty in power (alive) in the power of Jehovah God the Father.
2. In the same manner: Paul said: We didn’t look like much either when you humiliated us…but next time, we will deal with you in the power of Christ, as we are strengthened by God.
II. Examine Yourselves: (verses 5-6)
A. Test yourselves Are you of “the faith” (vs. 5)
Test yourselves to see whether you are true Christians; whether you have any true faith in the gospel, that you have any real faith in Jesus Christ, and in the promises of God through him. Faith is one of the distinguishing characteristics of a true Christian; and to ascertain whether we have any true faith, therefore, is to ascertain whether we are sincere Christians.
B. Prove yourselves “Live it out”
Examine your hearts and lives. (lifestyles) Compare your views and feelings with applying the Word of God to your lives and prove it in your daily life and use it especially when the storms of life are raging.
Paul challenges them to examine themselves because:
1. He expressed concern that they had been deceived by the false teachers that criticized and turn them against Paul’s ministry.
2. So gross were the irregularities and disorders in the church at Corinth that many of them had shown themselves very ignorant of the nature of the Christian religion. They didn’t understand what it really meant to be a Christian.
3. It was important, in the highest degree, for them to conduct an impartial and strict self-examination to determine if they had altogether been deceived.
Note: We should also examine ourselves also (1 Corinthians 11) not just for taking communion, but to make sure that we aren’t being deceived by the devil in any way doctrinally. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Question: How do you know you got “good religion?” If a person wishes to know what his religion is really worth:
1. Try it in the places where religion is of any value.
2. Go into the world with it. Let him go and try to do good works; to endure affliction in a proper manner.
3. Use it to combat the errors and foolish behavior, to put away “childish things” (“follies” of life;)
4. Use it to witness and admonish sinners of the error of their ways and turn them toward Jesus Christ.
5. Use it on the evangelistic field to forward the great work of the conversion of the world, and you will soon see there what your religion is worth. Don’t just sit down and think, and compare yourself with the Bible and look at your own heart-valuable as this may be in many respects-but let him treat his religion as he would anything else-let him subject it to actual experiment.
Good Religion will:
1. Enable you to become “imitators” of Jesus Christ in the way you sow good seeds and do good deeds.
2. Enable you to endure persecution for the name of Jesus; to bear calamity without complaining; to submit to a long series of disappointments and distresses for Christ's sake.
3. Prompt you to a life of prayer, without ceasing and in an instant and to live a life of self-denial. The “Christian” way of life will make you always conscientious, industrious, and honest.
4. Live your life as “witness” according to Matthew 28:19-20, and by doing this the disciple of Christ will begin to warn sinners of the errors of their ways, and admonish them to seek Jesus Christ as their personal savior, the friendship of Christians, and join the Body of Christ to seek the salvation of the world, is pure and genuine.. Any other professed religion than this is worthless.
C. Know Yourselves! Don’t you know Yourselves? (vs. 5)
“You should know if you have Jesus on the inside of you; that your religion is true and not false; and your faith in Christ will stand and you won’t be found a “reprobate”
D. Know us! We are not disqualified- we trust you know that (vs. 6)
III. Paul: We prefer to use Gentleness (verses 7- 10)
A. We Pray for you that you do the following: (vs.7)
1. That you do no evil. Not that we appear to be approved
2. Do what is honorable. Even though we seem to be (in your eyes) disqualified.
Paul told them: “No matter how you view us, you still should do the right thing and avoid doing evil. My objective, and main desire, is not to urge my claims to the apostolic office and clear up my own character but that you should lead honest lives, whatever may become of me and my reputation” As a matter of fact, I’m willing to be regarded as whatever you want to regard me as …as long as you lead godly lives. As a Christian, we must walk worthy of our calling in Christ no matter what they say about us.
B. We can do nothing against the truth. All we do is for the truth. (vs.8)
We are under the influence of the Holy Spirit who commissioned us to be Apostles, and under the “anointing”, we can do nothing against the great system of truth we are charge to both promote and defend. Our aim is to promote “the truth”, and to do what is right. We cannot in regard to our own reputation, or personal advantage, do what is wrong, or countenance, or desire what is wrong in others.
C. We are glad when we are weak: (vs. 9)
I am content to appear weak, provided you do no wrong; I am willing not to have occasion to exercise my power in punishing offenders, and had rather lie under the reproach of being actually weak, than to have occasion to exercise my power by punishing you for wrongdoing; and provided you are strong in the faith and in the hope of the gospel, I am very willing, nay, I rejoice that I am under this necessity of appearing weak."We rejoice in your welfare, and are willing to submit to self-denial and to infirmity if it may promote your spiritual strength.
D. Therefore I write these things: (vs.10)
1. Lest being present I should use sharpness] In order that when I come I may not have to come off severe.
2. [According to the power ...] That I don’t use the power Christ has invested me for maintaining discipline in his church.
IV. Benediction and Final Greeting (verses 11-14)
A. Finally, farewell brethren.
1. Be complete.
2. Be of good comfort.
3. Be of one mind.
4. Live in peace and the God of Love and Peace be with you.
5. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Final Greetings: All the saints greet you.
Benediction Prayer: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
Dr. William Edward Boddie
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