2 Corinthians 13:4 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

4 For G1063 G2532 though G1487 he was crucified G4717 through G1537 weakness, G769 yet G235 he liveth G2198 by G1537 the power G1411 of God. G2316 For G1063 we G2249 also G2532 are weak G770 in G1722 him, G846 but G235 we shall live G2198 with G4862 him G846 by G1537 the power G1411 of God G2316 toward G1519 you. G5209

Cross Reference

Ephesians 1:19-23 STRONG

And G2532 what G5101 is the exceeding G5235 greatness G3174 of his G846 power G1411 to G1519 us-ward G2248 who G3588 believe, G4100 according to G2596 the working G1753 of his G846 mighty G2479 power, G2904 Which G3739 he wrought G1754 in G1722 Christ, G5547 when he raised G1453 him G846 from G1537 the dead, G3498 and G2532 set G2523 him at G1722 his own G846 right hand G1188 in G1722 the heavenly G2032 places, Far above G5231 all G3956 principality, G746 and G2532 power, G1849 and G2532 might, G1411 and G2532 dominion, G2963 and G2532 every G3956 name G3686 that is named, G3687 not G3756 only G3440 in G1722 this G5129 world, G165 but G235 also G2532 in G1722 that which is to come: G3195 And G2532 hath put G5293 all G3956 things under G5259 his G846 feet, G4228 and G2532 gave G1325 him G846 to be the head G2776 over G5228 all G3956 things to the church, G1577 Which G3748 is G2076 his G846 body, G4983 the fulness G4138 of him that filleth G4137 all G3956 in G1722 all. G3956

Revelation 1:17-18 STRONG

And G2532 when G3753 I saw G1492 him, G846 I fell G4098 at G4314 his G846 feet G4228 as G5613 dead. G3498 And G2532 he laid G2007 his G846 right G1188 hand G5495 upon G1909 me, G1691 saying G3004 unto me, G3427 Fear G5399 not; G3361 I G1473 am G1510 the first G4413 and G2532 the last: G2078 G2532 I am he that liveth, G2198 and G2532 was G1096 dead; G3498 and, G2532 behold, G2400 I am G1510 alive G2198 for G1519 evermore, G165 G165 Amen; G281 and G2532 have G2192 the keys G2807 of hell G86 and G2532 of death. G2288

2 Timothy 2:11-12 STRONG

It is a faithful G4103 saying: G3056 For G1063 if G1487 we be dead with G4880 him, we shall G4800 also G2532 live with G4800 him: If G1487 we suffer, G5278 we shall G4821 also G2532 reign with G4821 him: if G1487 we deny G720 him, he also G2548 will deny G720 us: G2248

Philippians 2:7-11 STRONG

But G235 made G2758 himself G1438 of no reputation, G2758 and took upon him G2983 the form G3444 of a servant, G1401 and was made G1096 in G1722 the likeness G3667 of men: G444 And G2532 being found G2147 in fashion G4976 as G5613 a man, G444 he humbled G5013 himself, G1438 and became G1096 obedient G5255 unto G3360 death, G2288 even G1161 the death G2288 of the cross. G4716 Wherefore G1352 God G2316 also G2532 hath highly exalted G5251 him, G846 and G2532 given G5483 him G846 a name G3686 which G3588 is above G5228 every G3956 name: G3686 That G2443 at G1722 the name G3686 of Jesus G2424 every G3956 knee G1119 should bow, G2578 of things in heaven, G2032 and G2532 things in earth, G1919 and G2532 things under the earth; G2709 And G2532 that every G3956 tongue G1100 should confess G1843 that G3754 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 is Lord, G2962 to G1519 the glory G1391 of God G2316 the Father. G3962

Luke 22:43-44 STRONG

And G1161 there appeared G3700 an angel G32 unto him G846 from G575 heaven, G3772 strengthening G1765 him. G846 And G2532 being G1096 in G1722 an agony G74 he prayed G4336 more earnestly: G1617 and G1161 his G846 sweat G2402 was G1096 as it were G5616 great drops G2361 of blood G129 falling down G2597 to G1909 the ground. G1093

2 Corinthians 10:3-4 STRONG

For G1063 though we walk G4043 in G1722 the flesh, G4561 we do G4754 not G3756 war G4754 after G2596 the flesh: G4561 (For G1063 the weapons G3696 of our G2257 warfare G4752 are not G3756 carnal, G4559 but G235 mighty G1415 through God G2316 to G4314 the pulling down G2506 of strong holds;) G3794

2 Corinthians 4:7-12 STRONG

But G1161 we have G2192 this G5126 treasure G2344 in G1722 earthen G3749 vessels, G4632 that G2443 the excellency G5236 of the power G1411 may be G5600 of God, G2316 and G2532 not G3361 of G1537 us. G2257 We are troubled G2346 on G1722 every side, G3956 yet G235 not G3756 distressed; G4729 we are perplexed, G639 but G235 not G3756 in despair; G1820 Persecuted, G1377 but G235 not G3756 forsaken; G1459 cast down, G2598 but G235 not G3756 destroyed; G622 Always G3842 bearing about G4064 in G1722 the body G4983 the dying G3500 of the Lord G2962 Jesus, G2424 that G2443 the life G2222 also G2532 of Jesus G2424 might be made manifest G5319 in G1722 our G2257 body. G4983 For we G2249 which G3588 live G2198 are G3860 alway G104 G1063 delivered G3860 unto G1519 death G2288 for G1223 Jesus' G2424 sake, G1223 that G2443 the life G2222 also G2532 of Jesus G2424 might be made manifest G5319 in G1722 our G2257 mortal G2349 flesh. G4561 So G5620 then G3303 death G2288 worketh G1754 in G1722 us, G2254 but G1161 life G2222 in G1722 you. G5213

Romans 6:8-11 STRONG

Now G1161 if G1487 we be dead G599 with G4862 Christ, G5547 we believe G4100 that G3754 we shall G4800 also G2532 live G4800 with him: G846 Knowing G1492 that G3754 Christ G5547 being raised G1453 from G1537 the dead G3498 dieth G599 no more; G3765 death G2288 hath G2961 no more G3765 dominion over G2961 him. G846 For G3739 G1063 in that he died, G599 he died G599 unto sin G266 once: G2178 but G1161 in that G3739 he liveth, G2198 he liveth G2198 unto God. G2316 Likewise G3779 reckon G3049 ye G5210 also G2532 yourselves G1438 to be G1511 dead G3498 indeed G3303 unto sin, G266 but G1161 alive G2198 unto God G2316 through G1722 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 our G2257 Lord. G2962

Acts 4:10-12 STRONG

Be it G2077 known G1110 unto you G5213 all, G3956 and G2532 to all G3956 the people G2992 of Israel, G2474 that G3754 by G1722 the name G3686 of Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 of Nazareth, G3480 whom G3739 ye G5210 crucified, G4717 whom G3739 God G2316 raised G1453 from G1537 the dead, G3498 even by G1722 him G5129 doth G3936 this man G3778 stand here G3936 before G1799 you G5216 whole. G5199 This G3778 is G2076 the stone G3037 which G3588 was set at nought G1848 of G5259 you G5216 builders, G3618 which G3588 is become G1096 the head G2776 of G1519 the corner. G1137 Neither G2532 G3756 is there G2076 salvation G4991 in G1722 any G3762 other: G243 for G1063 there is G2076 none G3777 other G2087 name G3686 under G5259 heaven G3772 given G1325 among G1722 men, G444 whereby G1722 G3739 we G2248 must G1163 be saved. G4982

Worthy.Bible » Commentaries » Matthew Henry Commentary » Commentary on 2 Corinthians 13

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 13 Matthew Henry Commentary


Chapter 13

In this chapter the apostle threatens to be severe against obstinate sinners, and assigns the reason thereof (v. 1-6); then he makes a suitable prayer to God on the behalf of the Corinthians, with the reasons inducing him thereto (v. 7-10), and concludes his epistle with a valediction and a benediction (v. 11-14).

2Cr 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 (v. 1): This is the third time I am coming to you, referring to his first and second epistles, by which he admonished them, as if he were present with them, though in person he was absent, v. 2. According to this interpretation, these two epistles are the witnesses he means in the first verse, referring rather to the direction of our Saviour (Mt. 18:16) concerning the manner how Christians should deal with offenders before they proceed to extremity than to the law of Moses (Deu. 17:6; 19:15) for the behaviour of judges in criminal matters. We should go, or send, to our brother, once and again, to tell him of his fault. Thus the apostle had told these Corinthians before, in his former epistle, and now he tells them, or writes to those who heretofore had sinned, and to all others, giving warning unto all before he came in person the third time, to exercise severity against scandalous offenders. Others think that the apostle had designed and prepared for his journey to Corinth twice already, but was providentially hindered, and now informs them of his intentions a third time to come to them. However this be, it is observable that he kept an account how often he endeavoured, and what pains he took with these Corinthians for their good: and we may be sure that an account is kept in heaven, and we must be reckoned with another day for the helps we have had for our souls, and how we have improved them.
    • 2. The threatening itself: That if (or when) he came again (in person) he would not spare obstinate sinners, and such as were impenitent, in their scandalous enormities. He had told them before, he feared God would humble him among them, because he should find some who had sinned and had not repented; and now he declares he would not spare such, but would inflict church-censures upon them, which are thought to have been accompanied in those early times with visible and extraordinary tokens of divine displeasure. Note, Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent, notwithstanding all his methods to reclaim and reform them.
  • II. The apostle assigns a reason why he would be thus severe, namely, for a proof of Christ's speaking in him, which they sought after, v. 3. The evidence of his apostleship was necessary for the credit, confirmation, and success, of the gospel he preached; and therefore such as denied this were justly and severely to be censured. It was the design of the false teachers to make the Corinthians call this matter into question, of which yet they had not weak, but strong and mighty proofs (v. 3), notwithstanding the mean figure he made in the world and the contempt which by some was cast upon him. Even as Christ himself was crucified through weakness, or appeared in his crucifixion as a weak and contemptible person, but liveth by the power of God, or in his resurrection and life manifests his divine power (v. 4), so the apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, did yet, as instruments, manifest the power of God, and particularly the power of his grace, in converting the world to Christianity. And therefore, as a proof to those who among the Corinthians sought a proof of Christ's speaking in the apostle, he puts them upon proving their Christianity (v. 5): Examine yourselves, etc. Hereby he intimates that, if they could prove their own Christianity, this would be a proof of his apostleship; for if they were in the faith, if Jesus Christ was in them, this was a proof that Christ spoke in him, because it was by his ministry that they did believe. He had been not only an instructor, but a father to them. He had begotten them again by the gospel of Christ. Now it could not be imagined that a divine power should go along with his ministrations if he had not his commission from on high. If therefore they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate (v. 6), not disowned by Christ. What the apostle here says of the duty of the Corinthians to examine themselves, etc., with the particular view already mentioned, is applicable to the great duty of all who call themselves Christians, to examine themselves concerning their spiritual state. We should examine whether we be in the faith, because it is a matter in which we may be easily deceived, and wherein a deceit is highly dangerous: we are therefore concerned to prove our own selves, to put the question to our own souls, whether Christ be in us, or not; and Christ is in us, except we be reprobates: so that either we are true Christians or we are great cheats; and what a reproachful thing is it for a man not to know himself, not to know his own mind!

2Cr 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, v. 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 the apostle put up this prayer to God on behalf of the Corinthians, which reasons have a special reference to their case, and the subject-matter about which he was writing to them. Observe, he tells them,
    • 1. It was not so much for his own personal reputation as for the honour of religion: "Not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is honest, or decent, and for the credit of religion, though we should be reproached and vilified, and accounted as reprobates,' v. 7. Note,
      • (1.) The great desire of faithful ministers of the gospel is that the gospel they preach may be honoured, however their persons may be vilified.
      • (2.) The best way to adorn our holy religion is to do that which is honest, and of good report, to walk as becomes the gospel of Christ.
    • 2. Another reason was this: that they might be free from all blame and censure when he should come to them. This is intimated in v. 8, We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. If therefore they did not do evil, nor act contrary to their profession of the gospel, the apostle had no power nor authority to punish them. He had said before (ch. 10:8) and says here (v. 10) that the power which the Lord had given him was to edification, not to destruction; so that, although the apostle had great powers committed to him for the credit and advancement of the gospel, yet he could not do anything to the disparagement of the truth, nor the discouragement of those who obeyed it. He could not, that is, he would not, he dared not, he had no commission to act against the truth; and it is remarkable how the apostle did rejoice in this blessed impotency: "We are glad,' says he (v. 9), "when we are weak and you are strong; that is, that we have no power to censure those who are strong in faith and fruitful in good works.' Some understand this passage thus: "Though we are weak through persecutions and contempt, we bear it patiently, and also joyfully, while we see that you are strong, that you are prosperous in holiness, and persevering in well-doing.' For,
    • 3. He desired their perfection (v. 9); that is, that they might be sincere, and aim at perfection (sincerity is our gospel-perfection), or else he wished there might be a thorough reformation among them. He not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness, and that all that was amiss among them might be rectified and reformed. This was the great end of his writing this epistle, and that freedom he used with them by writing these things (those friendly admonitions and warnings), being absent, that so, being present, he should not use sharpness (v. 10), that is, not proceed to the utmost extremity in the exercise of the power which the Lord had given him as an apostle, to revenge all disobedience, ch. 10:6.

2Cr 13:11-14

Thus the apostle concludes this epistle with,

  • I. A valediction. He gives them a parting farewell, and takes his leave of them for the present, with hearty good wishes for their spiritual welfare. In order to this,
    • 1. He gives them several good exhortations.
      • (1.) To be perfect, or to be knit together in love, which would tend greatly to their advantage as a church, or Christian society.
      • (2.) To be of good comfort under all the sufferings and persecutions they might endure for the cause of Christ or any calamities and disappointments they might meet with in the world.
      • (3.) To be of one mind, which would greatly tend to their comfort; for the more easy we are with our brethren the more ease we shall have in our own souls. The apostle would have them, as far as was possible, to be of the same opinion and judgment; however, if this could not be attained, yet,
      • (4.) He exhorts them to live in peace, that difference in opinion should not cause an alienation of affections-that they should be at peace among themselves. He would have all the schisms that were among them healed, that there should be no more contention and wrath found among them, to prevent which they should avoid debates, envyings, backbitings, whisperings, and such like enemies to peace.
    • 2. He encourages them with the promise of God's presence among them: The God of love and peace shall be with you, v. 11. Note,
      • (1.) God is the God of love and peace. He is the author of peace, and lover of concord. He hath loved us, and is willing to be at peace with us; he commands us to love him, and to be reconciled to him, and also that we love one another, and be at peace among ourselves.
      • (2.) God will be with those who live in love and peace. He will love those who love peace; he will dwell with them here, and they shall dwell with him for ever. Such shall have God's gracious presence here, and be admitted to his glorious presence hereafter.
    • 3. He gives directions to them to salute each other, and sends kind salutations to them from those who were with him, v. 12, 13. He would have them testify their affection to one another by the sacred rite of a kiss of charity, which was then used, but has long been disused, to prevent all occasions of wantonness and impurity, in the more declining and degenerate state of the church.
  • II. The apostolical benediction (v. 14): The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Thus the apostle concludes his epistle, and thus it is usual and proper to dismiss worshipping assemblies. This plainly proves the doctrine of the gospel, and is an acknowledgment that Father, Son, and Spirit, are three distinct persons, yet but one God; and herein the same, that they are the fountain of all blessings to men. It likewise intimates our duty, which is to have an eye by faith to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost-to live in a continual regard to the three persons in the Trinity, into whose name we were baptized, and in whose name we are blessed. This is a very solemn benediction, and we should give all diligence to inherit this blessing. The grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion (or communication) of the Holy Ghost: the grace of Christ as Redeemer, the love of God who sent the Redeemer, and all the communications of this grace and love, which come to us by the Holy Ghost; it is the communications of the Holy Ghost that qualify us for an interest in the grace of Christ, and the love of God: and we can desire no more to make us happy than the grace of Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost. Amen.