What does Paul mean by “This is the third time I am coming to you”?

When Paul says this is the third time he is coming, he is reminding the church that he has dealt with them and their problems more than once. His past visits and letters act like “witnesses” that show he has warned them clearly about certain sins. He is not making an empty threat. He is preparing them so that, when he arrives again, they will already have repented and corrected what is wrong, instead of forcing him to deal sharply with unrepentant people in the church.

Why does Paul say, “I will not spare” if he comes again?

Paul’s words, “I will not spare,” show that he is ready to use his authority to deal with ongoing sin in the church. He has been patient and gentle for a long time, but if people continue in open disobedience, he will confront it clearly. This is not because he enjoys being harsh, but because he cares about the health of the whole church and the honor of Christ’s name. His aim is loving discipline that leads to repentance and restoration, not revenge.

What does “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” mean?

When Paul says, “Examine yourselves,” he is telling the believers to test their own hearts rather than only judging him. They are to ask, “Do I truly trust Christ? Is he living in me?” Real faith shows itself in changed lives, turning from sin and loving what is right. If there is no sign of Christ’s life in them, they should be worried. But if they see his work in their hearts, that also confirms Paul’s ministry, because they came to faith through the message he preached.

What does this passage teach about Christ’s power in weakness?

Paul points to Jesus, who was crucified in weakness but now lives by God’s power. On the cross, Christ looked weak and defeated, yet his death and resurrection are the very place where God’s power is shown. Paul connects this to his own life. He may seem weak in person, but Christ’s power is still at work through him. This helps believers see that God often works through what looks small or unimpressive, and that spiritual strength comes from God, not from human show or status.

Why does Paul pray that they “do no evil” instead of proving himself right?

Paul explains that his main concern is not to appear approved in their eyes, but that they live in a way that honors God. He would rather they do what is right and make him look weak than sin and give him a chance to prove his authority. This shows a real shepherd’s heart. He cares more about their holiness and the truth of the gospel than about winning arguments or defending his reputation. Their obedience and spiritual health are the outcome he truly wants.

What does “We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” mean?

This line shows how strongly Paul is bound to God’s truth. He is saying that he cannot rightly use his authority in any way that fights against what is true. Everything he does as a leader must support and serve the truth. Even if his plans or desires had to change, he would still stand on the side of what is right and real before God. For believers today, this reminds us that our words, choices, and even church discipline should always line up with God’s revealed truth.

Why does Paul rejoice when he is weak and the Corinthians are strong?

Paul says he is glad when he is weak and they are strong because his goal is their maturity, not his comfort. If his own suffering, limits, or low status lead to their growth in faith and obedience, he counts that as a good outcome. He desires their “perfection,” meaning their being made complete and steady in Christ. This flips normal thinking. Instead of wanting to look strong and successful, he is willing to seem weak if it helps others grow closer to Jesus and stand firm in the truth.

What is the meaning of Paul’s final blessing about grace, love, and communion?

Paul ends with a rich blessing: the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost. He is reminding them that everything they need comes from the triune God. Jesus gives saving grace, God the Father loves them, and the Holy Spirit brings them into shared life with God and with one another. This is not just a formal ending. It is a prayer that they will live in the daily experience of God’s kindness, love, and close fellowship.

How can believers apply “be of one mind, live in peace” today?

Paul’s call to “be of one mind, live in peace” urges believers to seek unity around the truth of Christ and to guard their relationships. It does not mean they will agree on every detail, but that they should share the same heart toward the gospel and toward each other. This involves turning from pride, refusing to feed divisions, and choosing patient, honest love in the church. Paul adds that the God of love and peace will be with them, so their unity flows from staying close to God himself.

2Cor.13.1

2 Corinthians 13:1

KJV

This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Examine Yourselves

1 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.

Benediction and Farewell

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.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.