2 Corinthians 13:4 NIV

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:2-4

(2) I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: (3) Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. (4) For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth 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. I pause at this... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:4

He was crucified through weakness. That is, he took upon him our weak and infirm nature, in which he was made capable of suffering, and of laying down willingly his life for us on the cross. But he liveth again by the power of God, of his divine power. --- We also are weak in him, like him liable to sufferings, undergoing sufferings by his example; but we shall live with him by the power of God, of which you have also a share. (Witham) read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:1-6

1-6 Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent. Christ at his crucifixion, appeared as only a weak and helpless man, but his resurrection and life showed his Divine power. So the apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, yet, as instruments, they manifested the power of God. Let them prove their tempers, conduct, and experience, as... read more

Frank Binford Hole

F. B. Hole's Old and New Testament Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:1-99

2Co 13 AS AN APOSTLE he had special authority and power in this direction. When once the apostles had passed off the scene the only discipline possible was that exerted by the church or by the saints collectively; and that so often in these days appears to be singularly ineffectual. There are of course reasons for this. One reason is that it has been so often perverted to ends of a personal or party nature that the whole idea of it has fallen into disrepute. Another is that even when... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

A Concluding Admonition and Greetings. Paul announces his determination to use all severity, if necessary: v. 1. This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. v. 2. I told you before and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time, and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare, v. 3. since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me,... read more

Johann Peter Lange

Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Critical, Doctrinal and Homiletical - 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

XVI—REPROOF OF SOME MORAL IMPERFECTIONS NOT YET REMOVED, AND ADMONITION TO SPARE HIM THE NECESSITY OF APOSTOLIC DISCIPLINE. CONCLUDING ENCOURAGEMENTS AND BENEDICTION2 Corinthians 12:19-21. 2 Corinthians 13:1-1419Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? [For a long time 22 ye are thinking that it is to you that we are excusing ourselves πάλαι δοχεῖτε; ὅτι ὑμῖν ]; we speak before 23 God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, [but all, beloved,] for your edifying. 20For I fear,... read more

Frederick Brotherton Meyer

F.B. Meyer's 'Through the Bible' Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:1-6

“Prove Your Own Selves” 2 Corinthians 13:1-6 Once more Paul refers to the charge that his ministry was characterized by weakness. This deeply wounded him. He admitted that in his personal appearance and speech he might be all that his enemies averred, but he contended that weakness did not count when married to the divine. Was not Christ weak when He was crucified? yet through that cross He has exerted His mighty saving power upon myriads! Through the weakness of death He passed to the right... read more

G. Campbell Morgan

G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

In view of his intention to visit them again the apostle urged them to personal examination. They were to test themselves, and to prove themselves whether they were in the faith. The reason for his appeal, he urged, was not that he might be approved, but that they might do right. All this long-continued argument of the apostle can hardly be read without a consciousness of his deep anxiety that the Corinthians should understand him, and know that the only motive prompting him in all his... read more

Peter Pett

Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:3-4

‘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... read more

Arthur Peake

Arthur Peake's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:1-10

2 Corinthians 13:1-2 Samuel : . Warnings in View of a Visit.— This closing chapter starts from a vivid realisation of that which is only too likely to be the situation when he arrives for the third time. With increased emphasis, and added detail, he reiterates his solemn warning, and with biting irony turns against his adversaries one of the sarcastic demands they level at him. They ask for proof that Christ speaks in him. They shall have it ( cf. Isaiah 28:9 ff.). Christ will show Himself... read more