Bible Commentaries

The third time I am coming (τριτον ερχομαι — triton erchomai). Either the third that he had planned to come or that he had been twice. The warning is made by quoting Deuteronomy 19:15.

As when I was present the second time (ως παρων το δευτερον — hōs parōn to deuteron). This translation assumes the second visit as already made. It is a natural way to take the Greek ως παρων — hōs parōn But ως — hōs with παρων — parōn can also mean “as if present” the second time (Authorized Version). Probably “as when” is the more natural rendering, but the other cannot be ruled entirely out in view of 2 Corinthians 1:15-23.

If I come again (εαν ελτω εις το παλιν — ean elthō eis to palin). Condition of third class. The use of παλιν — palin of itself suits the idea that Paul had not yet made the second visit as it means simply “again” or “back,” but in Matthew 26:44 we find παλιν εκ τριτου — palin ek tritou (again a third time) and so it is not decisive.

A proof of Christ (δοκιμην του Χριστου — dokimēn tou Christou). He will give it to them. “I will not spare.” He will show that Christ speaks “in me” (εν εμοι — en emoi).

But we shall live with him through the power of God (αλλα ζησομεν συν αυτωι εκ δυναμεως τεου — alla zēsomen sun autōi ek dunameōs theou). So real is Paul‘s sense of his union with Christ.

Unless indeed ye be reprobate (ει μητι αδοκιμοι εστε — ei mēti adokimoi este). Paul challenged his opposers in Corinth to try (πειραζετε — peirazete) themselves, to test (δοκιμαζετε — dokimazete) themselves, whether they were “in the faith” (εν τηι πιστει — en tēi pistei), a much more vital matter for them than trying to prove Paul a heretic. Such tests can be made, unless, alas, they are “reprobate” (αδοκιμοι — adokimoi the very adjective that Paul held up before himself as a dreadful outcome to be avoided, 1 Corinthians 9:27).

That ye shall know (οτι επιγνωσεστε — hoti epignōsesthe). Such a testing of themselves will give them full knowledge that Paul is not reprobate (αδοκιμος — adokimos). The best way for vacillating Christians to stop it is to draw close to Christ.

Though we be as reprobate (ημεις δε ως αδοκιμοι ωμεν — hēmeis de hōs adokimoi ōmen). Literally, “And that” (ινα δε — hina de). Paul wishes them to do no wrong (κακον μηδεν — kakon mēden). He has no desire to exercise his apostolic authority and “appear approved” (δοκιμοι πανωμεν — dokimoi phanōmen second aorist passive subjunctive of παινω — phainō). He had far rather see them do “the noble thing” (το καλον — to kalon) even if it should make him appear disapproved after all that he has said.

Against the truth (κατα της αλητειας — kata tēs alētheias). He means in the long run. We can hinder and hold down the truth by evil deeds (Romans 1:18), but in the end the truth wins.

For we rejoice (χαιρομεν γαρ — chairomen gar). Paul had far rather be weak in the sense of failing to exercise his apostolic power because they did the noble thing. He is no Jonah who lamented when Ninevah repented.

Your perfecting (υμων καταρτισιν — humōn katartisin). Late word from καταρτιζω — katartizō to fit, to equip (see verb in 2 Corinthians 13:11). In Plutarch, only here in N.T.

That I may not when present deal sharply (ινα παρων αποτομως χρησωμαι — hina parōn apotomōs chrēsōmai). Late adverb from αποτομος — apotomos curt, cut off. In N.T. only here and Titus 1:13.

With a holy kiss (εν αγιωι πιληματι — en hagiōi philēmati). In the Jewish synagogues where the sexes were separated, men kissed men, the women, women. This apparently was the Christian custom also. It is still observed in the Coptic and the Russian churches. It was dropped because of charges made against the Christians by the pagans. In England in 1250 Archbishop Walter of York introduced a “pax-board” which was first kissed by the clergy and then passed around. Think of the germ theory of disease and that kissing tablet!

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all (η χαρις του Κυριου Ιησου Χριστου και η αγαπη του τεου και η κοινωνια του αγιου πνευματος μετα παντων υμων — hē charis tou Kuriou Iēsou Christou kai hē agapē tou theou kai hē Koinéōnia tou hagiou pneumatos meta pantōn humōn). This benediction is the most complete of them all. It presents the persons of the Trinity in full form. From 2 Thessalonians 3:17 it appears that Paul wrote the greeting or benediction with his own hand. We know from Romans 15:19 that Paul went round about unto Illyricum before, apparently, he came on to Corinth. When he did arrive (Acts 20:1-3) the troubles from the Judaizers had disappeared. Probably the leaders left after the coming of Titus and the brethren with this Epistle. The reading of it in the church would make a stir of no small proportions. But it did the work.