John Chrysostom

"But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate." What followed naturally was to have said, "but if ye have become reprobate, yet we have not." He doth not, however, say so, for fear of wounding them, but he hints it in an obscure manner, without either making the assertion thus, "ye are reprobate," or proceeding by question and saying, "But if ye are reprobate," but leaving out even this way of putting it by question, he indicates it obscurely by adding, "But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate."

Homily 29 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

In these words is contained a strong threat, for their meaning is as follows: you desire to acquire proof by means of punishment; and I hope that we will be in a position to give you evidence that we are "what we ought to be," and have not been deprived of the gift of signs and powers. Or else: we have not become so corrupt in our life that Christ should have to abandon us. He abides in us on account of our pious life and will punish the unbelievers who are among you.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

What they might find in the Apostle is mentioned when he says, I hope you will find out that we have not failed. For since those Corinthians could say, "We are not reprobates, but we do not on that account hold to your teachings, because you are not right and should be repudiated." Therefore he says, whatever the case may be with yourselves, I hope that from our life and doctrine, which we have disclosed to you, you will find out that we have not failed and have not taught evil or are excluded from the power we say we have: "A wise …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗