Final Admonition: Test Yourselves and Repent
2 Corinthians 13:1-10
2Cor.13.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Τριτον: ADV
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ερχομαι: VERB,pres,mid/dep,ind,1,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας·επι: PRON,acc,pl,2
- στοματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- δυο: NUM,acc,pl,m
- μαρτυρων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τριων: NUM,gen,pl
- σταθησεται: VERB,fut,pass,ind,3,sg
- παν: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- ρημα: NOUN,acc,sg,n
Parallels
- Deuteronomy 19:15 (quotation): The Mosaic law: 'A matter shall be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses'—the exact legal maxim Paul cites and echoes here.
- Deuteronomy 17:6 (verbal): Another Old Testament legal text using the 'two or three witnesses' formula specifically for confirming crimes and administering judgment, reinforcing the legal background of Paul's statement.
- Matthew 18:16 (allusion): Jesus applies the 'two or three witnesses' rule to church discipline—an intertestamental application of the same evidentiary principle that Paul invokes for his authority and actions.
- 1 Timothy 5:19 (thematic): Paul's later pastoral instruction that accusations against elders be supported by two or three witnesses repeats the same procedural safeguard for adjudicating charges within the church.
Alternative generated candidates
- This will be the third time I am coming to you. "Every charge must be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses."
- This is the third time I am coming to you. 'Every matter must be confirmed by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'
2Cor.13.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προειρηκα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- και: CONJ
- προλεγω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ως: ADV
- παρων: PART,pres,act,nom,m,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- δευτερον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- απων: PART,nom,sg,m
- νυν: ADV
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- προημαρτηκοσιν: PART,perf,act,dat,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- λοιποις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- εαν: CONJ
- ελθω: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- παλιν: ADV
- ου: PART,neg
- φεισομαι: VERB,fut,mid,ind,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 (verbal): Same letter addressing disciplinary action: Paul refers to punishment already inflicted by the majority and urges forgiveness so that when he comes he may not have to be severe—directly connected to the threat 'if I come again I will not spare.'
- 2 Corinthians 13:1 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: the motif of multiple visits and the establishment of charges ('this will be the third time') frames Paul's warning about returning and exercising authority.
- 1 Corinthians 4:21 (thematic): Paul contrasts coming 'with a rod' versus 'in love and a spirit of gentleness,' reflecting the same tension between gentle correction and stern authoritative action implied by his warning not to spare on a future visit.
- Titus 3:10 (thematic): Gives a comparable pattern of escalating correction—'warn a divisive person once, and then before them a second time'—paralleling Paul's reference to a 'second' summons and consequences for unrepentant sin.
- Matthew 18:15-17 (thematic): Jesus' procedure for confronting sin in the community (private rebuke, then witnesses, then public action) resonates with Paul's progressive disciplinary posture culminating in refusing to spare an unrepentant offender upon return.
Alternative generated candidates
- I warned those who sinned before—and all the rest—and I warn now, as when I was present the second time: if I come again I will not spare.
- I warned those who sinned before, and I warned them as when I was present; and now, as when I am absent, I warn them again—lest when I come I should not spare.
2Cor.13.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επει: CONJ
- δοκιμην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ζητειτε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- λαλουντος: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,sg,masc
- Χριστου·ος: NOUN,gen,sg,m+PRON,nom,sg,3
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ουκ: PART,neg
- ασθενει: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- αλλα: CONJ
- δυνατει: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- Galatians 2:20 (verbal): Paul’s claim that Christ lives in him ('I have been crucified with Christ... Christ lives in me') parallels 'the Christ speaking in me'—the indwelling presence/voice of Christ in the apostle.
- Colossians 1:27 (verbal): ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory’ echoes the idea that Christ is present and active among believers—like 2 Cor 13:3’s assertion that Christ is powerful in them.
- Romans 8:10-11 (thematic): Paul’s teaching that Christ/Spirit indwelling believers brings life and power parallels the emphasis that Christ is not weak toward them but exerts life‑giving power within them.
- 1 Corinthians 4:20 (thematic): ‘The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power’ resonates with 2 Cor 13:3’s contrast between mere weakness and the real, effective power of Christ at work in and among the Corinthians.
- Galatians 4:19 (allusion): Paul’s language of striving until ‘Christ be formed in you’ reflects the same concern with Christ’s presence and formative, powerful work within believers that underlies 2 Cor 13:3.
Alternative generated candidates
- Since you seek proof that Christ speaks in me: he is not weak toward you, but is mighty in you.
- Since you seek proof that Christ speaks in me—he is not weak toward you, but he is powerful in you.
2Cor.13.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- εσταυρωθη: VERB,aor,pass,ind,3,sg
- εξ: PREP
- ασθενειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- ζη: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- εκ: PREP
- δυναμεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ασθενουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- ζησομεν: VERB,fut,act,ind,1,pl
- συν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- εκ: PREP
- δυναμεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Galatians 2:20 (verbal): Paul: 'I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me' — direct verbal and conceptual parallel to being 'crucified' and yet 'living' through Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 4:10–11 (thematic): Paul speaks of carrying in the body the death of Jesus so that Jesus' life may be manifested in us — echoes the paradox of sharing Christ's weakness/death and experiencing life by God's power.
- Romans 6:8–11 (thematic): If we have died with Christ we believe we shall also live with him — same theological claim of participation in Christ's death and consequent life.
- Philippians 3:10–11 (thematic): Paul's desire to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and to share his sufferings/death connects the experience of crucifixion with participation in resurrection power.
- Romans 8:11 (allusion): The Spirit who raised Jesus will give life to our mortal bodies — parallels 'lives by the power of God,' grounding the living of believers in God's raising power.
Alternative generated candidates
- For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but by God's power we shall live with him for your sake.
- For though he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we too are weak in him, but by God’s power we will live with him for your sake.
2Cor.13.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- πειραζετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- δοκιμαζετε·η: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- ουκ: PART,neg
- επιγινωσκετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- εαυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μητι: PART
- αδοκιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Cor 11:28 (verbal): Paul's explicit command to 'examine yourselves' before Communion—same verb and pastoral concern for self-testing and discernment.
- Colossians 1:27 (verbal): The phrase 'Christ in you' (Christ in you, the hope of glory) echoes 2 Cor 13:5's claim that Jesus Christ is in you.
- Galatians 2:20 (thematic): Paul's language of personal union—'Christ lives in me'—parallels the theme of Christ's indwelling as the basis for authentic faith.
- Galatians 6:3-4 (thematic): The injunction to test or examine one's own work ('let each one test his own work') parallels the call to self-examination in 2 Cor 13:5.
- 1 John 4:15 (thematic): Claims that 'God abides in him, and he in God' and the need to discern true confession relate to Paul’s concern that believers know and demonstrate that Christ is in them.
Alternative generated candidates
- Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not recognize yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail the test.
- Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail the test.
2Cor.13.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- γνωσεσθε: VERB,fut,mid,ind,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εσμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- αδοκιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 13:3-4 (structural): Immediate context: Paul appeals to proof of Christ working through him and to Christ’s power in him—directly connected to his claim that they are not 'adokimoi' (not disqualified).
- 2 Corinthians 12:11-13 (thematic): Paul defends his apostleship and contrasts his genuine ministry with the claims of 'super-apostles' (asserting he is not inferior or disqualified), a recurrent theme in defending legitimacy.
- 1 Corinthians 9:2 (verbal): Paul rhetorically asks whether the Corinthians are not a proof (seal) of his apostleship—parallel rhetorical strategy to urge them to recognize his authenticity ('you will know that we are not disqualified').
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 (thematic): Paul appeals to the testimony of his conscience and upright conduct as the basis for his boast—another claim to integrity and fitness that parallels 'we are not disqualified.'
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 (verbal): Paul insists he has renounced deceitful ways and does not handle the word of God deceitfully, supporting the same claim of moral and ministerial soundness implied by 'we are not disqualified.'
Alternative generated candidates
- I hope you will find out that we have not failed.
- I hope you will come to know that we have not failed the test.
2Cor.13.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ευχομεθα: VERB,pres,mid/dep,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- μη: PART
- ποιησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- κακον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- μηδεν: PRON,acc,sg,n
- ουχ: PART,neg
- ινα: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- δοκιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- φανωμεν: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,pl
- αλλ᾽ινα: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- καλον: ADJ,nom/acc,sg,neut
- ποιητε: VERB,pres,act,subj,2,pl
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- δε: CONJ
- ως: ADV
- αδοκιμοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ωμεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Romans 13:10 (verbal): “Love does no wrong to a neighbor” echoes the injunction not to do harm (Greek: μὴ ποιήσαι κακόν); both state the basic ethic of refraining from wrongdoing toward others.
- Romans 12:17 (thematic): “Repay no one evil for evil… provide things honorable (τὰ ἀξιόπιστα/τὰ ἀγαθά)” parallels the call to “do what is right” (τὸ καλὸν ποιεῖν) rather than seeking retaliation or self-approval.
- 1 Corinthians 4:3-4 (thematic): Paul’s indifference to human judgment — ‘I do not even judge myself… the Lord is the judge’ — parallels 2 Cor 13:7’s contrast between seeking the Corinthians’ good and appearing ‘approved’ himself (δοκιμοί/ἀδόκιμοι).
- 1 Corinthians 10:24,33 (structural): “Let no one seek his own good but the good of his neighbor” and Paul’s pattern of pleasing others (not himself) reflects the same pastoral priority: the apostle’s willingness to forgo reputation so the community may do what is right.
Alternative generated candidates
- But we pray to God that you do no wrong—not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is right, even though we may seem unapproved.
- Now I pray to God that you do no wrong—not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even if we seem to be failing.
2Cor.13.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- δυναμεθα: VERB,pres,mid/pass,ind,1,pl
- τι: PRON,int,nom,sg,n
- κατα: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- υπερ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αληθειας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 (verbal): Paul explicitly rejects deceitful practice and says he commends himself by the 'manifestation of the truth'—closely related language and concern with acting for (not against) the truth.
- 1 Corinthians 13:6 (thematic): Love 'rejoiceth in the truth,' echoing the ethical and devotional priority Paul here assigns to being for the truth rather than opposing it.
- John 18:37 (thematic): Jesus declares his mission 'to bear witness to the truth'—a parallel emphasis on serving and standing for truth as a governing aim of ministry and action.
- 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (structural): Paul contrasts worldly (carnal) warfare with spiritual means used to demolish strongholds—parallel in that his struggle is not 'against the truth' but directed toward establishing truth and obedience.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
- For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
2Cor.13.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- χαιρομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- γαρ: PART
- οταν: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ασθενωμεν: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,pl
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- δε: CONJ
- δυνατοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ητε·τουτο: VERB,impf,act,ind,2,pl+DEM,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- ευχομεθα: VERB,pres,mid,ind,1,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- καταρτισιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 12:10 (verbal): Paul likewise affirms gladness in weakness because weakness evokes divine/Christ‑power — close verbal and theological parallel within the same letter (weakness → strength/power).
- Romans 15:1–2 (thematic): Paul exhorts the strong to bear with the weak and to act for the good of others, reflecting the mutual strengthening and concern for one another's edification implicit in 2 Cor 13:9.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6–8 (structural): Paul reports rejoicing when Timothy brought word that the Thessalonians were standing firm; like 2 Cor 13:9, his joy and sense of life are bound up with the believers' strength and stability.
- Colossians 1:28–29 (thematic): Paul’s labor and prayer to present everyone mature in Christ parallels the petition in 2 Cor 13:9 for the Corinthians' 'restoration' or completion/maturity.
- Ephesians 4:11–13 (structural): The goal of equipping the saints 'until we all attain to the unity and maturity of Christ' echoes the concern for believers’ strengthening and perfection expressed in 2 Cor 13:9.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong; your restoration is what we pray for.
- For we rejoice when we are weak but you are strong; it is for your restoration that we pray.
2Cor.13.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ταυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- απων: PART,nom,sg,m
- γραφω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- παρων: PART,pres,act,nom,m,sg
- μη: PART
- αποτομως: ADV
- χρησωμαι: VERB,aor,mid,subj,1,sg
- κατα: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εξουσιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κυριος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εδωκεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εις: PREP
- οικοδομην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εις: PREP
- καθαιρεσιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 10:8 (verbal): Uses nearly identical language about authority given by the Lord 'for building up and not for tearing down,' echoing the same purpose for Paul's authority.
- 2 Corinthians 10:1 (thematic): Paul appeals to meekness and gentleness (of Christ) in contrast to severity—reflects the same pastoral tone and intent to avoid harshness when present.
- 1 Corinthians 4:21 (thematic): Paul poses the choice between coming with a rod (severity) or with love and a spirit of gentleness—directly parallels the contrast between harshness and building up.
- Galatians 6:1 (thematic): Instructs restoring a sinning brother 'in a spirit of gentleness,' emphasizing corrective action aimed at edification rather than destruction.
- Ephesians 4:29 (verbal): Commands speech that 'builds up' (oikodome) rather than tears down—shares the key concept of edification as the proper Christian aim.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore I write these things while absent, that when present I may not use severity—by the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
- Therefore I write these things while absent, so that when I come I need not use severity, by the authority the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
This is the third time I am coming to you. 'By the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter shall be established.'
I already warned you when I was present the second time; and though I now write to you while absent, I do so as if I were present—
for I will not spare those who have sinned, since you are seeking proof that Christ speaks in me. He is not weak toward you, but is 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 by God’s power we will live with him for your sake.
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or do you not recognize that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?
I hope you will find that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you do no wrong— not that we may be approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear disqualified.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We pray for this very thing: your restoration.
Therefore I write these things while absent, so that when present I may not have to use severity—by the authority the Lord has given me for building up, not for tearing down.