Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 13:3
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
3. since ye seek ] They had demanded a proof of his power, and he would not fail to give it.
a proof of Christ speaking in me ] Literally, of the in-me-speaking Christ. The delicate shade of meaning here can hardly be rendered into English. Perhaps ‘of a Christ who speaks in me’ would be the nearest approach to it. Our version hardly conveys a sufficient idea of the perpetual indwelling of Christ in His members and of the inspiring influence which He constantly exerted on one so devoted to Him as St Paul. See Mat 10:20. For proof see ch. 2Co 2:9, 2Co 8:2. The connection of this verse with what precedes and what follows is to be found in the fact that everything St Paul did, whether in the exercise of his Apostolic power, or in any other way, was done to produce in their lives a conformity to that of Christ. Cf. ch. 6.
which to you-ward is not weak ] Rather, Who to you-ward. St Paul continually (see ch. 2Co 4:10-11, and ch. 11, 12.) identifies himself with Christ, in his weakness as well as his strength. He is going (see next verse) to point to the weakness of Christ as united with his own. But he prefaces this remarkable statement with the observation (cf. 1Co 4:11) that at present the Corinthians knew little of communion with Christ in His weakness, much of His power to change the heart and life. Cf. 1Co 1:18; 1Co 1:24 ; 1Co 2:5. Also ch. 2Co 10:4.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me – see the notes on the previous chapters. They had called in question his apostolic authority; they had demanded the evidence of his divine commission. He says that he would now furnish such evidence by inflicting just punishment on all offenders, and they should have abundant proof that Christ spoke by him, or that he was inspired.
Which to you-ward is not weak – Or who, that is, Christ, is not weak, etc. Christ has manifested his power abundantly toward you, that is, either by the miracles that had been performed in his name; or by the diseases and calamities which they had suffered on account of their disorders and offences (see the note on 1Co 11:30); or by the force and efficacy of his doctrine. The connection, it seems to me, requires that we should understand it of the calamities which had been inflicted by Christ on them for their sins, and which Paul says would be inflicted again if they did not repent. 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.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
2Co 13:3-5
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me.
The proof of our ministry
Notice–
I. Gods method of operation in the Church by His appointed servants.
1. The rebellious Corinthians had spoken ill of the apostle as lacking in power: his personal presence was not commanding, his speech was not fascinating. Paul does not deny the charge, but declares the general principle of power in weakness, by which the Lord conducts the gospel dispensation.
(1) Life, born of death, is the life of our souls (2Co 13:4). By assuming our weakness Christ gained the power to act as our substitute, and put away our sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Because of His being obedient to death, even the death of the Cross, God also hath highly exalted Him, etc. By this sign He conquered: the ensign of His Cross is the seal of victory. It is Himself thus slain which is His power to pardon and to save.
(2) Our Lords power over our hearts comes by His great love, and this matchless manner of His showing it. Stooping so low to save such unworthy ones He conquers our hearts. His dying love has begotten living love within us.
2. Why did Paul interject this teaching? To show us that God does not save by the strength of His ministers, but by their weakness.
(1) Paul was willing to lose all personal honour, though, in truth, not a whit behind the chief of the apostles. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, etc. He cheerfully sank that his Lord might be exalted.
(2) In those days there was a great liking for philosophy. But Paul determined not to know anything among them save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. But at least, they said, what he has to say ought to be delivered with the graces of oratory. No, says Paul, my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
(3) He might have come among them and said, I am an apostle; I have supreme power over churches; out of this Church I shall eject offenders without any question; yet he never used such authority; on the contrary he was the servant of all, gentle, unselfish. If any one was grieved, Paul was grieved with him; if any suffered trial, Paul was tried. Thus he was a power among them. By laying aside authority he became mighty to influence them for good. All who desire to be useful must learn that in self-sinking their usefulness will be found. He who becomes least is greatest of all. When I am weak, then am I strong.
II. The sure proof of power; the indisputable evidence of any ministers call from God to preach the gospel.
1. Ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me.
(1) He did not care about what they thought of his own speaking; but he was greatly concerned that they should not think lightly of the Lord Jesus who spoke in him.
(2) Further, the apostle declares that even the power of the living Christ is the power of God. Our Lord kept nothing to Himself, but His weakness through which He was crucified, for He liveth by the power of God. Such must be the power of every Christian worker.
(3) Then, says Paul, If you want a proof of Christs speaking in me with power, look at yourselves. He says elsewhere, Ye are our epistle. Ye are Gods husbandry, and the test of how far our husbandry has been the Lords husbandry must be found in your fruitfulness. The proof that Christ really doth speak by us is that He has wrought by that speaking in you after such a fashion as proves the doctrine to be Divine. Your souls are the seals of Christs power. If ye seek any proof of Christ speaking by me, ye have it in your–
1. Conversion. When the chief priests and scribes saw the man that was healed standing with Peter and John, they could say nothing against them. Conversion proves that He by whose means it was wrought was sent by God.
2. Comfort. If by our speaking the Lord strengthens your weak hands and confirms your feeble knees, He points us out to you as His messengers.
3. Correction. Have you not sometimes felt your hearts turned inside out, as if the spirit of burning were scorching and purging you? Was not that of the Lord?
4. Conduct. My heart sinks within me when I hear of some who have been numbered with us. Do people say, These are members of Spurgeons church? You are either our joy and crown, or else our sorrow and dishonour. You must estimate whether a man farms well by the crops which he raises. True you cannot condemn him if a few thorns and thistles spring up in the hedgerows, but if there is a preponderance of weeds, everybody says, This is wretched farming.
5. Consecration. When your zeal burns, when you speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, then again I can say, seek ye a proof of Christ speaking by me? You are my witnesses inasmuch as by our word you have been stirred up to speak in the power of the Holy Ghost for the winning of souls.
6. Completion of the Christian character, and the display of it in the last hours. I have come down many times from the chamber of dying Christians with faith confirmed and joy increased. No dying man has looked me in the face and said, Sir, you did not preach a religion which a man can die with.
III. A needed proof of ourselves.
1. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. It is something to have our ministry attested, but it is much more to have your salvation attested.
(1) Therefore you are not to take it for granted that you are saved. In London years ago every shop had its sign, and they had a saying that the house which had the sign of the sun in a certain street was darker than any other. So there are some who have grace for their sign, but no sign of grace. To have a name to live is a wretched thing, if we be really dead
(2) Of course we are to examine our lives, but he says, Examine yourselves. Sin within will ruin even if it be not seen in act. Of course we are to examine our doctrines, but even more we are to examine ourselves. Heart error is more deadly than head error.
(3) Prove your own selves. Pry deeper. You have already given yourself a sifting; take a finer sieve and go to work again. You have already been in the crucible–go in again, and become as silver tried in a furnace purified seven times. A man cannot make too sure work about his own salvation. But can we not be certain of our safety? Yes, we can: but certain because we have not shunned the most rigorous self-examinations.
2. And what is to be the point of search? Whether ye be in the faith, whether what ye believe is true, and whether you truly believe it.
3. Dwell mostly on this point, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Is Jesus Christ in you? I know all about Him. Yes, but is He in you? I read of Him. Read on, but is He in you? (C. H. Spurgeon.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ] The conversion of the Corinthians was to themselves a solid proof that Christ spoke by the apostle; and therefore he could, with great propriety, say that this power of Christ, far from being weak, was mighty among them.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Christ (saith the apostle) hath openly showed his power in my ministry, speaking to you; how else came your hearts to be turned from dumb idols to serve the living God? How came you to be furnished with those excellent gifts wherewith you abound? But, seeing all this is not judged a sufficient proof of Christs
speaking in me to you, but you are yet doubting whether I am an apostle or no, and calling for
a proof of Christ in me; I will, if I come, and find any that have lived scandalously, and are impenitent, show you another proof of that power and authority with which Christ hath trusted me. Which must be understood, either of his miraculous power to inflict some bodily afflictions upon them, or (which is more probable) of his power as an apostle to cut them off from the communion of gospel churches.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
3. SinceThe reason why hewill not spare: Since ye challenge me to give a “proof”that Christ speaks in me. It would be better if ye would “proveyour own selves” (2Co 13:5).This disproves the assertion of some that Scripture nowhere assertsthe infallibility of its writers when writing it.
which“who”(Christ).
is not weakin relationto you, by me and in this very Epistle, in exercising upon you strongdiscipline.
mighty in youhas givenmany proofs of His power in miracles, and even in punishing offenders(2Co 5:11; 2Co 5:20;2Co 5:21). Ye have no need to putme to the proof in this, as long ago Christ has exhibited greatproofs of His power by me among you (2Co12:12) [GROTIUS]. Itis therefore not me, but Christ, whom ye wrong: it is His patiencethat ye try in despising my admonitions, and derogating from myauthority [CALVIN].
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me,…. This is the reason why he was determined, that should he come among them, he would not spare them, because they called in question his apostleship, and demanded a proof of it; which, of all men, they had the least reason to do; for they themselves were the seals of his apostleship, and the signs of an apostle had been done among them; they queried whether he was an ambassador of Christ, and was sent by him, and in his name; whether the message he came with was from him, and whether the Gospel he preached was his voice; and particularly whether he had such a power to punish delinquents, as he threatened them with the exercise of; a strange infatuation of the false apostles this, since Christ, who sent him, was with him, and spoke in him, and by him:
which to you-ward, says he,
is not weak, but is mighty in you; the Gospel of Christ, at the first preaching of it to them by him, was the power of God unto salvation to them; and was attended with divers signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Ghost; and besides, they had instances of the power of Christ towards them in an awful way, in punishing sinners; as in the delivery of the incestuous person to Satan, which was done by his Spirit being with them when assembled; and by smiting many of them with sickness, diseases, and infirmities, and with death itself, who had sinned, 1Co 5:4. Wherefore, seeing after all these instances of the voice and power of Christ in him, they yet questioned his apostolical authority, and sought proof of it; and especially since this was not so much a tempting of him, as a tempting of Christ in him, he was resolved not to spare them.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
A proof of Christ ( ). He will give it to them. “I will not spare.” He will show that Christ speaks “in me” ( ).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
A proof of Christ speaking in me [ ] . Lit., of the Christ that speaks in me. An experimental proof of what kind of a being the Christ who speaks in me is. In you [ ] . Better, among you. He is speaking, not of Christ as He dwells in them, but as He works with reference to them [] and among their number, inflicting punishment for their sin.
Through [] . Lit., out of, marking the source of both death and life. Are weak in Him. The parallel with ver. 3 must be carefully noted. Christ will prove Himself not weak, but mighty among you. He was crucified out of weakness, but He is mighty out of the power of God. A similar weakness and power will appear in our case. We are weak in Him, in virtue of our fellowship with Him. Like Him we endure the contradiction of sinners, and suffer from the violence of men : in fellowship with His risen life we shall be partakers of the power of God which raised Him from the dead, and shall exhibit this life of power toward you in judging and punishing you.
Toward you. Construe with we shall live.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “Since ye seek a proof,” (epi dokimen zeteite) “Since ye seek a proof or an evidence;” that Paul was sincere, earnest, doing the work of Christ, evidenced by his testimony and deeds, 1Co 5:4; Col 3:17; 1Co 9:22-27.
2) “Of Christ speaking in me,” (tou en emoi lalountos Christou) “of Christ speaking in me;” concerning the church and her obligation to do the work of Christ according to the testimony of Christ, 1Co 9:2; 1Co 11:1-2; Eph 3:2; Eph 3:7-10; Eph 3:21.
3) “Which to you-ward is not weak,” (hos eis humas ouk asthenei) “who is not weak toward you all,” or on behalf of you all, the Corinth church. Twice he had visited them, twice now he is completing an extended Divine advisory letter the them, no weakness in this.
4) “But is mighty in you,” (alla dunatei en humin) “but is dynamic in you all,” the Corinth church, 1Co 1:5-7; 2Co 10:10; Christ was powerful in their midst, in spite of the carnality that existed 1Th 2:13. Christ was powerful in this church because of his resurrection victory over death that empowers every believer to overcoming life and service, and because of his sustaining the apostle in his writing and labors on behalf of the Corinth church and other churches that were to benefit from his victorious writings, 1Co 15:57-58; 2Ti 4:7-9.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
3. Since ye seek a proof A twofold meaning may be drawn from these words. The first is, “Since you wish to try me, whether I speak of myself, or whether Christ speaks by me; ” and in this way Chrysostom, and Ambrose, explain it. I am rather inclined, however, to understand him as declaring, that it does not so much concern himself as Christ, when his authority is detracted from — that when his admonitions are despised, Christ’s patience is tried. “It is Christ that speaks by me; when therefore, you bring my doctrine under your lash, it is not so much to me as to him that you do injury.”
Some one, however, will object thus: “What! Will a man’s doctrine, then, be exempted from all investigation, so soon as he makes it his boast, that he has Christ as his authority? And what false prophet will not make this his boast? What distinction, then, will there be between truth and falsehood, and what will, in that case, become of that injunction:
Try the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1Jo 4:1.)
Every objection of this nature Paul anticipates, when he says that Christ has wrought efficaciously in them by his ministry. For these two clauses, Christ speaking in me, and, who is mighty in you, not weak, must be read in connection, in this sense: “Christ, by exercising his power towards you in my doctrine, has declared that he spoke by my mouth, so that you have no excuse on the ground of ignorance.”
We see, that he does not merely boast in words, but proves in reality that Christ speaks in him, and he convinces the Corinthians, before requiring them to give him credit. Whoever, then, will speak in the Church, whatever be the title that he claims for himself, it will be allowable to inquire as to his doctrine, until Christ has manifested himself in him, and thus it will not be of Christ that judgment will be formed, but of the man. When, however, it is apparent, that it is the word of God that is advanced, what Paul says holds good — that it is God himself who is not believed (947) Moses spake with the same confidence. (Num 16:11.)
What are we — I and Aaron? You are tempting God.
In like manner, Isaiah:
Is it too small a thing that you grieve men, unless you grieve my God also? (Isa 7:13.)
For there is no more room for shuffling, when it has been made apparent, that it is a minister of God that speaks, and that he discharges his office faithfully. I return to Paul. As the confirmation of his ministry had been so decided among the Corinthians, inasmuch as the Lord had shown himself openly, it is not to be wondered, if he takes it so much amiss, that he meets with resistance. On good grounds, truly, (948) might he throw back upon them, as he does, the reproach, that they were rebels against Christ.
(947) “ Que si on ne la recoit, cest oster a Dieu son authorite;” — “That if this is not received, that is to take from God the authority, which belongs to him.”
(948) “ Tant y a qu’il auoit bonne occasion et droict;” — “To such an extent had he good occasion and right.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(3) Which to you-ward is not weak.There is still a touch of indignant sadness in the tone in which the words are uttered. Men will not be able to cast that reproach of weakness upon Him whose might they will feel all too keenly.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
3. Since The 2Co 13:3-8 must be taken as a separate paragraph, with a period (and not a colon, as in the English version) at close of 2Co 13:2. The key-word running through the passage, , test, in its different forms, is unhappily translated in our version without due uniformity. The connexion between 2Co 13:3; 2Co 13:5 is: Since ye seek a test of me Test your own selves. From which, inclusive to you, 2Co 13:4, is a parenthesis. The word proof or test, 2Co 13:3, reappears in prove, 2Co 13:5, and in reprobates, test-condemned, in 2Co 13:5-7. The thought running through the whole is, Since you are putting my apostleship to the test, see that your own genuineness, as Christians, can stand the test.
Proof of Christ speaking in me They, the Christine influence in Corinth, were putting St. Paul’s authority from Christ to experiment. Christ speaking in me is a very intense declaration of his own inspiration from Christ. It claims that his own apostolic words are Christ’s words.
Which Who, referring to Christ. The Christ speaking in me is not weak, but mighty in his announcements, threatenings, and sentences of judgment, toward (not in) you.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Seeing that you seek a proof of Christ that speaks in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you, for he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.’
His firm and severe attitude will be because they seek a proof that Christ is speaking in him. So he will follow their criterion. He will come powerfully, and not in humility and meekness as he had before. They claim that Christ is not weak towards them but is powerful in them. That is their justification for their attitude. And in a sense, as long as they are His, it is true, for although He was crucified in weakness (let them note that), yet He lives through the power of God. But they fail to see that the One Who reveals His power within men does so through ‘crucifying’ them. It is by dying with Him continually that they experience His power. (Which is why he will now query whether Christ really is in them – 2Co 13:5).
Well, they should consider that Paul is ‘in Him’ and that is why he has been like Christ, not only through outward manifestations but in every way. In Him he has, like Jesus Christ, been meek and lowly and has suffered. And through that God’s power has been revealed, as it was through the cross, as many have responded to God’s saving power. But now, contrary to his usual attitude, he will ‘live with Him through the power of God’ towards them. They will be made to recognise that Christ is with him in the power of God by how he is among them. If they reject lowliness and meekness they will experience the power they desire to see, the very power of God manifested, but in judgment. (This contrast is needed, although some see ‘towards you’ as meaning ‘in your service’. But the question must be whether this would answer the proof that they are seeking, and fit in with the connection with ‘I will not spare’).
What the Corinthians in their folly constantly ignored was the weakness of Christ, the ‘sufferings of Christ’ through which His work went forward and will go forward, as Paul has constantly demonstrated throughout the letter (2Co 1:5 and often). It is through that that His power is most effectively revealed and effected. It is the ‘word of the cross’ that is the true power of God, it is Jesus Christ as the crucified One Who must be proclaimed (1Co 1:18; 1Co 2:2). They rather boast in powerful manifestations, concentrating only on His power in the resurrection, a kind of spiritual infusion. They refuse to see that God works powerfully through weakness, and that that is how His work is accomplished in us all, through our dying with Christ that we might live with Him. (How we are all prone to overlook this). Well if that is how they want it they shall have it, they will see the power of God at work.
We do not know exactly what Paul has in mind. It would suggest that like Peter before him (Act 5:1-11) he is aware that God will act in judgment at his word. Possibly he also bears in mind 1Co 11:30 and has the confidence that God will act in the same way towards those who bring judgment on themselves by their behaviour towards His chosen Apostle. For if the whole church is against him internal church discipline would not work. (Although we would probably be right to assume that a core is still with him, including some of the leadership). What they will need is to see God’s active judgment directed at them. They want to know whether he brings the word of Christ? Well, if they do not repent and become different, they soon will. And it will be their own fault because it is they who have demanded it.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
2Co 13:3 . I will not spare you; for ye in fact will not have it otherwise! Ye challenge, in fact, by your demeanour, an experimental proof of the Christ that speaks in me. Thus , before which we are to conceive a pause, annexes the cause serving as motive of the , that was under the prevailing circumstances at work. Emmerling begins a protasis with , parenthesizes . . ., and the whole fourth verse, and regards in 2Co 13:5 as apodosis. So, too, Lachmann, Olshausen, Ewald, who, however, treat as a parenthesis merely 2Co 13:4 . This division as a whole would not yield as its result any illogical connection, for, because the readers wish to put Christ to the proof, it was the more advisable for them to prove themselves . But the passage is rendered, quite unnecessarily, more complicated and cumbrou.
. . .] That is, since you make it your aim that the Christ speaking in me shall verify Himself, shall give you a proof of His judicial working . To take as genitive of the subject (comp. 2Co 9:13 ; Phi 2:22 ) better suits the following . . ., than the objective rendering (Billroth and Rckert, following older expositors): a proof of the fact that Christ speaks in me .
. . .] who in reference to you is not impotent, but mighty among you . By this the readers are made to feel how critical and dangerous is their challenge of Christ practically implied in the evil circumstances of the church (2Co 12:20 f.), for the Christ speaking in the apostle is not weak towards them, but provided with power and authority among them, as they would feel, if He should give them a practical attestation of Himself. A special reference of to the miracles, spiritual gifts , and the like, such as Erasmus, Grotius, [394] Fritzsche, [395] de Wette, and others assume, is not implied in the connection (see especially 2Co 13:4 ); and just as little a retrospective reference to 2Co 10:10 (Hofmann).
Of the use of the verb no examples from other writers are found, common as was . Its use in this particular place by Paul was involuntarily suggested to him by the similar sound of the opposite . Yet he has it also in Rom 14:4 ; as regards 2Co 9:8 , see the critical remarks on that passag.
] not of the internal indwelling and pervading (Hofmann), which is at variance with the context, since the latter has the penal retribution as its main point; but the Christ speaking in Paul has the power of asserting Himself de facto as the vindex of His word and work in the church , so far as it is disobedient to Him and impenitent.
[394] Grotius: “Non opus habetis ejus rei periculum facere, cum jampridem Christus per me apud vos ingentia dederit potentiae suae signa.”
[395] Fritzsche, Diss. II. p 141: “qui Christus largiendo, miracula regundo, religionis impedimenta tollendo, ecclesiam moderando, ipse vobis se fortem ostendit.” This emphatic ipse is imported, which arose out of Fritzsche’s regarding the apostle , not Christ, as the subject of .
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
Ver. 3. A proof of Christ speaking in me ] The Church is Christi docentis auditorium, saith Bernard, the place wherein he ordinarily teacheth, who hath his school on earth, though his chair in heaven. Scholam habet in terris, Cathedram in caelis.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
3. ] gives the reason why he will not spare: they required the exertion of discipline; and they challenged him to the proof of his apostolic authority.
] The genitive is either objective, a proof of Christ speaking in me , i.e. ‘that Christ speaks in me,’ or subjective, a proof given by Christ speaking in me ‘a token of my authority vouchsafed by Christ speaking in me.’ This latter meaning is more suited to what follows, where Christ becomes the subject . Such proof would be, the immediate execution, by divine power, of some punishment denounced by Paul’s word, as in Act 13:11 .
, i.e. Christ: see above.
, to answer to , refers both to gifts and miracles, and to the Power of Christ which He would exert in punishment; and differ the being hypothetical, the , matter of fact. The assertion tends to remind them of the danger of provoking Christ, who spoke by Paul.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Co 13:3 . . . .: seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me ( cf. Mat 10:20 ), i.e. , a proof that I am really an “Apostle” with a “mission” from Christ to speak in His Name. This last thought leads him into a short digression. “He who has thus commissioned me is not weak, but strong, and this paradoxical strength in weakness is mine also” (2Co 13:3 b , 2Co 13:4 ). . . .: who is not weak in relation to you, sc. , as you think me to be (2Co 10:10 , 2Co 11:21 ), but is powerful in your midst . And this is true for two reasons: ( a ) because of His Resurrection, as the Victor over Death; ( b ) because of the strength with which He empowers us in the discharge of our duty to you. Each of these reasons is now introduced by .
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
proof. Greek. dokime. See 2Co 2:8.
Christ. App-98.
speaking. Greek. laleo. App-121.
in. Greek. en. App-104.
Which = Who.
to you-ward = unto Greek. eis. App-104. you.
is mighty. Greek. dunateo. Only here. See 2Co 8:8.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
3.] gives the reason why he will not spare: they required the exertion of discipline; and they challenged him to the proof of his apostolic authority.
] The genitive is either objective, a proof of Christ speaking in me, i.e. that Christ speaks in me,-or subjective, a proof given by Christ speaking in me-a token of my authority vouchsafed by Christ speaking in me. This latter meaning is more suited to what follows, where Christ becomes the subject. Such proof would be, the immediate execution, by divine power, of some punishment denounced by Pauls word, as in Act 13:11.
, i.e. Christ: see above.
, to answer to , refers both to gifts and miracles, and to the Power of Christ which He would exert in punishment;- and differ-the being hypothetical,-the , matter of fact. The assertion tends to remind them of the danger of provoking Christ, who spoke by Paul.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Co 13:3. , ye seek a proof) A metonymy for, you provoke me; you tempt me; you desire to find out what I am; see 2Co 13:5 [ , prove your own selves].- has its conjugates in 2Co 13:5-6 [].- ) i.e., whether Christ is speaking in me. The Corinthians had doubts; he presently proves that they ought not to doubt.- , , to you-ward, in you) The particles differ; see ch. 2Co 10:1- , is not weak) by me and this very epistle.[91]-) The ardour of his mind produced this new word by a paraphrase in respect to .
[91] [Christ, who] is not weak towards you, as far as I and this very epistle can effect.-ED.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Co 13:3
2Co 13:3
seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me;-They had lightly spoken of his humble manner, and lack of apostolic power and authority, and challenged him to show his power by miraculous gifts, the presence of Christ in him by exhibition of power.
who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:-The powers had been manifested with might toward them. Paul had both worked miracles before them, and had bestowed gifts upon them. [There had been evidences enough, even in the church at Corinth, that Gods power was unmistakably in Christ. These evidences were chiefly those of Christian character, developed by the power of the gospel.]
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
ye seek: 2Co 10:8-10
Christ: 2Co 2:10, Mat 10:20, Mat 18:18-20, Luk 21:15, 1Co 5:4, 1Co 5:5
which: 2Co 2:6, 2Co 3:1-3, 2Co 12:12, 1Co 9:1-3
Reciprocal: Jos 3:10 – Hereby ye Hab 2:1 – unto me 1Co 4:10 – we are weak 1Co 9:3 – them 2Co 10:1 – bold 2Co 10:4 – mighty 2Co 10:7 – even 2Co 10:11 – such 2Co 13:6 – General Gal 2:20 – but Gal 3:5 – worketh Col 1:29 – mightily
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Co 13:3. Paul claimed to be a true spokesman for Christ, but he could not truly make such a claim were he to come short of his duty in rebuking sin. (See Act 20:26-27.) The Corinthians understood that Christ was no weakling when it came to condemning wrongdoing, and therefore they would know that a true teacher for Him would also not spare when he was dealing with professed disciples who had become corrupt in their conduct.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Co 13:3. Seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in mesince there are those among you who question my apostolic authority, and demand proof of it, they shall have it,
who to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in youYe are yourselves witnesses of what the Christ that is in me can effect. Was He weak in the marvellous transformation of so many of you? Was He not mighty in you then?
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 3 They had challenged Paul’s inspiration and accused him of preaching a weak Christ. He responds by reminding them that Christ’s power had been evident in his work in Corinth.
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 3
Of Christ speaking in me; of my claim to authority from Christ. Which; that is, Christ.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
13:3 {1} Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is {a} mighty in you.
(1) A most sharp reprehension, because, while they despise the apostle’s admonitions, they tempt Christ’s own patience: and also while they condemn him as wretched and miserable, they lay nothing against him, which is not common to him with Christ.
(a) And will be most mighty to be avenged upon you, when need will be.
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes
Then his critics would have first-hand proof of his divinely given power. Christ-like gentleness and humility (2Co 10:1) did not impress the Corinthians as displays of power did (2Co 11:20). Paul’s threatened judgment of the erring in the church would provide the proof that many of them required that the powerful Christ was working through Paul. Jesus Christ will Himself likewise experience vindication one day when He comes in judgment.