2 Corinthians 13:1-3 This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 2 I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— 3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
Verse 1 repeats Paul’s plans now for a third visit which he mentioned in 12:14. The other two visits included his initial visit in Acts 18 and his painful visit of 2 Corinthians 2:1. He may restate this plan here for emphasis because he adds the additional thought that his witness before the Corinthian church has already been established and this next visit will only confirm what they should already know. The Corinthians had heard his message. They had seen him in action for at least a year and a half and possibly more. His letters have provided additional witness to his message. The charge the Corinthians have against Paul has no evidence. But his charge against them has plenty of evidence. In a court of law, they would lose their case. This legal idea comes from Deuteronomy 17:6.
Verse 2 is one of the strongest statements in any of Paul’s letters that could be taken as a form of threat. This is not a personal threat or revenge of some type but is a matter of spiritual justice and correction. The Corinthians are acting contrary to the gospel. There were some in the church who were sinning and needed to repeat. Paul warned them several times about this, in his personal visits, using the emissaries of Timothy and Titus, and then by letter. His strong rebuke came when he was visiting with them, probably during the so-called “painful visit.” What made this visit painful was that Paul had to confront them about their acceptance of sin. If his letter does not make a difference, then he will have to come with a strong message of conviction and correction. Sparing means to hold back, especially punishment, discipline, or harm. Paul’s patience has run out, not for the sake of his authority but for the sake of the spiritual well-being and salvation of the Corinthians.
What support or proof does Paul have for this plan of visiting with discipline and rebuke? Verse 3 shows that Paul believes Christ has been speaking through him to the Corinthians. These are not Paul’s words. Paul has a strong conviction that his authority is derived from Christ and not any human ability of his own. The opponents appealed to their human abilities and derived their authority from themselves. Paul trusted in the grace of Christ and took second place. Everything Paul said he put through the filter of Christ. The proof is in the effect of his message upon the listeners. The true gospel will bring change in those who trust in Jesus. The Corinthians had seen Christ’s power at work in their midst. Based on all this, they should also note that Paul’s words are authorized by Christ and will also bring change in their lives if only they will listen and change their ways.
It takes confidence in one’s standing before God to put forward directions like Paul. Anytime we need to do something like this, we must make sure that our words are not our own. We can let the Word of God bring the change in people’s lives. There may be times when the situation calls for strong rhetoric, like this letter. These times should be covered with prayer and approached with humility. There should be no fear but only hope for change. Those who receive rebukes like the Corinthians should likewise be humble and willing to listen, especially since God is speaking and not a human authority.
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