Fathers

2 Corinthians 13

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. 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: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 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. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 13:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

He joins the unwritten to the written, as he has done also in another place, saying, "He that is joined to an harlot is one body; for the twain," saith He, "shall become one flesh." Howbeit, this was spoken of lawful marriage; but he diverted its application unto this thing conveniently, so as to terrify them the more. And so he doth here also, setting his comings and his warnings in the place of witnesses. And what he says is this: "I spoke once and again when I was with you; I speak also now by letter. …

Homily 29 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Just as God Himself threatens much but always delays punishment, so too Paul, imitating Him, gathers many witnesses beforehand, saying: as it is written, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established, that is, confirmed (Deut. 17:6), so also by my three comings every threatening word of mine is determined and will be confirmed against you, if you do not repent. For he puts his comings in the place of witnesses.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Having said many things to the disadvantage of the false apostles, the Apostle now speaks against those who have been misled by them. In regard to this he does two things. First, he rebukes those who have been misled; secondly, he congratulates those who remained faithful (v. 11). In regard to the first he does three things. First, he threatens a severe sentence; secondly, he discloses his judiciary power (v. 3); thirdly, he warns them to amend themselves (v. 5). In regard to the first he does three things. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗