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

When Paul says, “This is the third time I am coming to you,” he is reminding the Corinthian church that he has already dealt with them more than once. There were earlier visits and letters where he warned, taught, and pleaded with them about their sins and divisions. By using this language, he is saying that things have gone on long enough. Now, if there is still open sin when he arrives, he will have to act firmly. It shows both his patience over time and his resolve to deal with ongoing wrong.

Why does Paul mention “two or three witnesses” in this passage?

Paul quotes the rule that every matter should be established by two or three witnesses to show that his coming discipline will be fair and careful, not impulsive. He is following a principle God gave long before, that serious charges and judgments should be confirmed, not based on rumor or one person’s word. In this context, his past visits and letters can be seen as witnesses, and he is preparing them that any sin that remains unrepented will be clearly proven and then addressed. It underlines that church correction should be orderly and just.

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

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith” is Paul telling the Corinthians to look honestly at their own hearts and lives. Instead of just judging Paul and demanding proof from him, they should ask if they really trust Christ and follow him. This is not about trying to earn God’s love, but about checking if their lives show signs of real faith, like repentance and obedience. If Jesus is truly in them, it will show. If there is no sign of him at all, they should not assume everything is fine but turn to him in truth.

What does it mean that Christ was “crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God”?

When Paul says Christ was “crucified through weakness,” he is talking about how Jesus chose to suffer and die in a way that looked weak and shameful to the world. He did not fight back or use force. Yet his resurrection shows that God’s power was at work the whole time. Now he lives by the power of God. Paul uses this to explain his own ministry: it may look weak, with suffering and lowliness, but God’s power is still working through it. True spiritual strength often comes in ways people do not expect.

Why does Paul pray that the Corinthians “do no evil”?

Paul’s prayer that they “do no evil” shows his main concern is their holiness, not his own image. He is not just trying to prove he is a true apostle. He would rather they live rightly, even if some still think poorly of him. His heart is that their behavior would match their confession of faith, so the name of Christ is honored. This prayer also shows that change is not only about warnings and commands. He depends on God to work in them so they turn from sin and choose what is honest and good.

What does Paul mean by “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth”?

By saying “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth,” Paul is explaining how he sees his role and authority. He cannot rightly use his position to fight against what is true or to cover up sin. His authority only fits when it supports God’s truth and what is right. Even if he has to correct, rebuke, or stay silent, it must serve the truth. This reminds the church that real spiritual authority is limited by God’s will. It is not for personal gain, but to uphold what God has revealed and what is right.

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

Paul says he is glad when he is weak and they are strong because his joy is tied to their spiritual health, not to his comfort or status. If his hardships, low status, or lack of outward power lead to them becoming strong in faith and obedience, he counts that as a good outcome. This shows a true shepherd’s heart. He is willing to be seen as small or even as a failure in some eyes, as long as the people he serves grow and are “made complete,” living in a way that pleases God.

What does it mean that Paul’s authority is for edification and not for destruction?

When Paul says the Lord gave him power for edification and not for destruction, he is describing the purpose of his authority. “Edification” means building up. His role is to strengthen faith, correct what is broken, and help the church grow in holiness and unity. If he has to speak sharply or exercise discipline, it is never meant to crush people for its own sake, but to bring them back to a healthy walk with Christ. This reminds leaders and churches that any spiritual authority should aim to restore and build, not to harm.

2Cor.13.1

2 Corinthians 13:1

Q: Why does Paul say, “we are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you”?

Paul is admitting that he and his fellow workers look weak, just as Jesus did in his suffering. They face hardship and are not impressive in human terms. Yet, joined to Christ, they share in his life and power. “We shall live with him by the power of God toward you” means God’s strength is at work through their ministry for the Corinthians’ good. Their apparent weakness does not stop God from using them. In fact, God often chooses to show his power through people who are humble and dependent on him.

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

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.

Cross References

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