2 Corinthians 13:4

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:1-6

In these verses observe, I. The apostle threatens to be severe against obstinate sinners when he should come to Corinth, having now sent to them a first and second epistle, with proper admonitions and exhortations, in order to reform what was amiss among them. Concerning this we may notice, 1. The caution with which he proceeded in his censures: he was not hasty in using severity, but gave a first and second admonition. So some understand his words (2 Cor. 13:1): This is the third time I am... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

13 For the third time I am coming to you. Everything will be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses. To those who have already sinned and to all others I have already said, and I now say, just as I said it when I was with you on my second visit, now I say it while I am absent, that if I come to you again, I will not spare you. I will take decisive action because you are looking for a proof that Christ really is speaking in me, Christ who is not weak where you are concerned, but... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness ,.... Of the human nature; for the nature which Christ assumed was in all things like to ours, excepting sin; it was subject to all sinless infirmities; it was mortal, passible, liable to sufferings, and death, and so he came to be crucified; though not against his will, or without his previous assent; as God, he was able to have prevented his crucifixion if he would; he gave an instance of his power over men, at the time of his apprehension, by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness - It is true Christ was crucified, and his crucifixion appeared to be the effect of his weakness; yet even this was not so; he gave up his life, none could take it away from him; and in his last struggle, had he even been deficient in power, he could have had more than twelve legions of angels to support him against the high priest's mob, Matthew 26:53 ; but how then could the Scripture be fulfilled? And had he not died, how could the human race... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:4

Verse 4 4.For though he was crucified. He speaks, with particular intention, of Christ’s abasement, with the view of intimating indirectly, (949) that nothing was despised in him, but what they would have been prepared to despise, also, in Christ himself, inasmuch as he emptied himself, even to the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:8.) He shows, however, at the same time, how absurd it is to despise in Christ (950) the abasement of the cross, inasmuch as it is conjoined with the incomparable... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

About to visit the Corinthians "the third time." he informs them very distinctly what they had to expect. In the words of the Old Testament Law, he says, "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." The strength of his resolution to punish impenitent offenders is declared—"I will not spare." A crisis was at hand, and he was fully prepared to meet the issue. He refers to the main source of all the trouble, viz. the disparagement of his office as Christ's apostle.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

Paul's epistolary farewell to the Corinthians. "This is the third time I am coming to you, etc. This chapter concludes Paul's letters to the Corinthians. There is no evidence that he wrote a word to them after this. The letters had evidently been a task to him. To a man of his tender nature no duty could be more painful than that of censure and reproach. Nothing but a sense of loyalty to the holiness of Christianity could have urged him to it. no doubt he felt a burden rolled from his... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:4

For though. The "though" should be omitted. Through weakness; literally, out of weakness; i.e. as a result of that human weakness of our nature which he took upon him, and which rendered him liable to agony and death ( 2 Corinthians 8:9 ; Philippians 2:7 , Philippians 2:8 ; 1 Peter 3:18 ; Hebrews 2:10-18 ). But we shall live with him… toward you. This thought of participation alike in Christ's humiliation and his glory, alike in his weakness and his might, was very familiar... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:4

It must have been very painful to the sensitive and benevolent mind of the apostle to have written thus to any congregation of Christians, especially to a congregation so intimately connected with him as was this at Corinth. The whole society was to blame for suffering the Judaizers and the questioners of St. Paul's authority; when they should have taken the part of their spiritual benefactor, and have indignantly resented the slights and misrepresentations which they tolerated. In the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:4

I. THE FORMER WAS THROUGH WEAKNESS . 1 . Christ assumed a nature which was capable of crucifixion. Who could crucify God? But the God-Man might walk in weariness and weakness to Golgotha. What a pathetic consideration that Christ voluntarily chose a nature which was subject to suffering and death! 2 . Christ repressed his innate power. II. THE LATTER WAS IN POWER . 1 . A marvellous event. What a contrast between the first day and the third! How... read more

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