CHAPTER
XIII
CONCLUDING
WORDS
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Summary—Severity Threatened to All Who Do Not Repent. He Will
Display the Apostolic Power. Exhorted to Self-Examination; and to Reformation
Before He Comes. Closing Admonitions. Benediction.
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1–4. This is the third time I am coming. See notes on 12:14. In the mouth of two or three
witnesses. Every case of disorderly conduct will be taken cognizance of,
but the trials will be strictly legal. Two or three witnesses will establish a
charge. 2. I have said beforehand, etc. The Revision makes the meaning
plain. As he told them, when there the second time, so now he writes that when
he comes again he will not spare offenders. 3. Since ye seek a proof, etc.
Since some denied his apostleship, he would give a proof of the might of Christ
through him. 4. For though he was crucified through weakness. Christ
submitted himself unto death, voluntarily choosing the weakness of mortality.
He “emptied himself” (Phil. 2:7, 8). But by the power of God he was raised
from death to life. So it shall be with us. His life is reproduced in us. Those
who suffer and die with him shall live with him through the Divine power.
5–9. Examine yourselves.
Let there be self-examination. See whether you are in Christ. Know ye not,
etc. Christ must dwell in them unless they are reprobate. If Christ is in
them it will be seen in the power of a Christian life. 6. I trust ye shall
know, etc. Christ is in those who are not reprobates, but the power of
Christ (verse 3), that he will display when he comes, will show that he is
not reprobate. 7. Now I pray, etc. If they should do evil, Paul’s
display of power would show that he was not a reprobate (verse 6), but he
prays that their freedom from evil may leave him without that proof. The next
verses show that he desires only to promote the truth.
10. Therefore I write these things, etc. He writes in order that he may not have to use sharpness
when he comes, or the power which God has given for upbuilding, not for
destruction.
11–14. Finally, brethren, farewell. This verse contains a parting admonition. 12. Salute one
another, etc. See notes on Rom. 16:16, and 1 Cor. 16:20. 14. The
grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, etc. This verse contains the apostolic
benediction. Observe the three blessings pronounced, grace, love, communion;
and the three sources invoked, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Excerpt from:
The People's New Testament
by Barton
Warren Johnson
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