2 Corinthians 13:3

Ye seek a proof. Paul’s foes had dared the apostle to carry out what they chose to consider threats. When members of this worldly-minded group looked at Paul they saw nothing more than what they took to be a weak, contemptible human being (see on ch. 10:10, 12). They refused to accept him as an ambassador for Christ (ch. 5:20). Paul readily admitted that from the human point of view he was “weak” (ch. 11:21, 29). Nevertheless, he insisted that his strength was “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Cor. 2:3-5; 2 Cor. 12:10).

In me. Paul had been mighty in truth, in doctrine, in delivering men from sin, in bringing them spiritual regeneration, in performing miracles (ch. 12:12), to the extent that among the Corinthians themselves there were living epistles for Christ (ch. 3:3).

Evidence of his apostleship was apparent to all who would examine it candidly (see on ch. 12:11, 12). They had abundant evidence that Christ had spoken through Paul. However, worldly-minded people are not impressed by such evidence (1 Cor. 2:14-16).

In reality, Paul’s enemies are challenging, not him, but Christ.