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2 Corinthians 13:2

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

2 Corinthians 13:2

Verse 2 of 14

Scripture focus

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:

2 Corinthians 13:2 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 13:2

Theological / Devotional

I told you before. That is, in his previous letters (see on 2 Cor. 2:3; cf. 1 Cor. 4:13-19). On the former visit he did the same by word of mouth (see on 2 Cor. 12:14). They have had ample warning repeated over a considerably extended period of time.

Foretell. Paul now warns them again, in advance of his impending visit.

Heretofore have sinned. From the same Greek word translated “have sinned already” in ch. 12:21.

To all other. Paul addresses this warning to the church as a whole, lest any not directly involved should be sympathetic toward the culprits. Punishment would doubtless include expulsion (cf. 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20). The death of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) and the blinding of Elymas (ch. 13:8-11) were instances of the exercise of apostolic authority accompanied by special divine acts of punishment. Perhaps Paul may have anticipated the possibility of a similar miraculous demonstration at Corinth.

I will not spare. They have had their chance to repent. If still recalcitrant, they will be subjected to the most stern church discipline.

By SdaBc