Fathers

2 Corinthians 13

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This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare; seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you 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 will live with him through the power of God toward you. Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know about your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified. Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect. For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down. Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

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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 ↗