2 Corinthians 13:9 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

Here we have, I. The apostle's prayer to God on the behalf of the Corinthians, that they might do no evil, 2 Cor. 13:7. This is the most desirable thing we can ask of God, both for ourselves and for our friends, to be kept from sin, that we and they may do no evil; and it is most needful that we often pray to God for his grace to keep us, because without this we cannot keep ourselves. We are more concerned to pray that we may not do evil than that we may not suffer evil. II. The reasons why... 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 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak ,.... Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus: and ye are strong ; stand fast in the doctrine of faith, and are lively and active in the exercise of the grace of faith; are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and in the power of his might, to withstand... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad, when we are weak - It will give me indescribable pleasure that I should still appear to be poor, despicable, and destitute of this extraordinary power with which God has clothed me, so that you be strong in all the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. And this also we wish, even your perfection - We cannot be satisfied that persons, with such eminent endowments, and who have once received the truth as it is in Jesus, should be deficient in any of the graces that... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:9

Verse 9 9.For, we rejoice. Either the causal particle γὰρ, (for,) must be taken as meaning — therefore; or it is a second reason, why he does not refuse to be regarded as a reprobate — for their sake, and with a view to their advantage. Let the reader select whichever he may choose, for it is of no consequence. (963) When he says, Provided you are strong, I shall willingly submit to be reckoned weak, there is an antithesis in the words — not in the meaning; for weakness means here, as formerly,... 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 13:9

When we are weak, and ye are strong . Strong; "powerful ( 2 Corinthians 10:4 ). We wish; rather, we pray. Your perfection; rather, your perfect union; "the readjustment of your disordered elements." A similar word occurs in Ephesians 4:10 , and the verb in Ephesians 4:11 ; 1 Corinthians 1:10 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:10 , etc. It is also used in the Gospels for "mending nets" ( Mark 1:19 , etc.). read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak ... - We rejoice in your welfare, and are willing to submit to self-denial and to infirmity if it may promote your spiritual strength. In the connection in which this stands it seems to mean, “I am content to appear weak, provided you do no wrong; I am willing not to have occasion to exercise my power in punishing offenders, and had rather lie under the reproach of being actually weak, than to have occasion to exercise my power by punishing you for wrongdoing;... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

2 Corinthians 13:7-10. Now I pray God that ye do no evil To give me occasion of showing my apostolical power; not that we should appear approved I desire not to appear approved by miraculously punishing you; but that ye may do that which is honest Το καλον , that which is beautiful, amiable, and good; though we should be as if we were disapproved Having no occasion to give that proof of our apostleship. For we can do nothing against the truth Neither against that which is... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 13:1-14

Final appeal for order (13:1-14)As he writes, Paul is already on his way to Corinth. He therefore repeats his former warning that if the Corinthians do not discipline the trouble-makers among them, he will be forced to discipline them himself when he arrives. He will determine the truth of matters not according to gossip but according to evidence that can be tested (13:1-2). They have wanted proof of Paul’s Christ-given authority, but when they see it in action among them, they will be sorry.... read more