2 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong; and this we pray, that you may mature. 10 This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
These are Paul’s final push and appeal to the Corinthians to change their ways. Verse 9 restates what he has been trying to do in his personal ministry and writing to the Corinthians. He has been honest about his weaknesses. Being vulnerable is not always easy. It is risky because it is easy to take advantage of or manipulate weak and honest people. By connecting his dependency to the grace of Christ, Paul has actually found an endless source of limitless power. He reminds the church that his weakness has enabled them to be strong. His sacrifice for ministry over the years has made it possible for them to grow.
He hopes that his example has inspired them to correct their wayward path and grow in their spiritual maturity. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, he called them babies who were living like the world. Now he urges them again to grow up, learn from their mistakes, and get going in the right direction. He has been praying for this in their behalf. It is up to them to respond to what God is leading them to do. God was working in their lives through Paul’s writing, the visit of Titus, Timothy, and the brother, and through the Holy Spirit in answer to Paul’s prayers. This should put a lot of conviction on them. They should know the clear way forward and some clear steps they can take to become more transformed as new creations in Christ. The goal is clear, so now they need to step forward in faith and obedience.
The reason Paul has written this letter is now clear. If indeed this letter was all written at one point (not a combination of multiple letters as some argue), then even the earlier parts of the letter where Paul defends himself in strong terms should help the Corinthians grow in the right direction. He ends the body of the letter with one final appeal and reminder of his apostolic authority. This came from the Lord Jesus. Paul was a spiritual father to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 4:14-15). He was also their spiritual leader. His authority came from Jesus and confirmed by signs and wonders in their midst. He would rather use this authority to teach them, encourage them, and inspire them to grow into Christlikeness. He could come to them with strong words of rebuke. That would not be pleasant for him or for them.
Paul’s example in this letter and his approach to the problems in Corinth may not be easy to follow and may not fit every situation. He did not threaten other churches quite like this but he does have strong words in other letters. He was not afraid to confront sin or heresy. This can be challenging in our day because of the fear that people will leave our church or walk away. Paul’s rebuke could be successful for several reasons. One is that the Corinthians had faith. They were believers in Jesus Christ. Paul builds his exhortation upon this core confession and hopes they will take the initiative required in obedience. Another is that he had an established relationship with this church. They should have respected his authority. One final reason is how Paul builds his argument in this letter and particularly in these chapters. He shames the Corinthians by showing that by following the false teachers, they are exerting their humanness against God’s desire for them to be humble and to trust in grace. We must always start with the grace of Christ working in us, but also not be afraid to confront obvious errors that could destroy people’s faith.
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