March 12, 2006
YE SEEK A PROOF
2 Corinthians 13:1-14

   The church at Corinth, though founded and nurtured in the truth of the gospel by Paul, had strayed such that they questioned his very apostleship and his distinctive message. Judaising teachers had visited and ministered among them and presented their message and credentials as being better than Paul's. This influence was not only carnal and selfish, it was destructive toward their spiritual growth, maturity and unity.
   Paul gave a final reminder that he would indeed pay them a third visit and that if things continued in spiritual disarray, when he got there he would have no choice but to take disciplinary actions against those flagrantly disobedient. However reluctant, Paul would be pressed to use his apostolic authority, but it would be to their mutual embarrassment. He had written before, "Shall I come to you with a rod (of correction), or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?" (1 Cor. 4:21).
   Apparently they had even expressed doubt as to Christ truly speaking through Paul so he reminded them that their own personal salvation and standing as believers was the result of his ministry. Even if not convincing to others, surely this would be abundant proof to them of his genuineness as a Christ-sent apostle" (2 Cor. 13:5).
   "Know ye not that 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 you do nothing evil; not that we should appear approved, but that you should do that which is good, though we be as reprobates" (13:5-7). Paul was not exhorting them to take a self-test to see if they were truly saved. But knowing the genuineness of their professed faith, he is building on that to demonstrate the effectiveness of his own ministry, not at all to bring their conversion into doubt.
   He added that "we are glad, when we are weak (that is that we appear weak) and ye are strong, and we also wish your restoration to wholeness" (13:9). Paul wrote all these exhortations so he would not have to deal sharply when he came. He wanted to use "the power which the Lord had given" him for their up-building and not for their down-casting.
   What tenderness in closing: "Brethren rejoice. Be restored to wholeness, 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."

Ivan L. Burgener