TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 13:1–6. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In these verses observe,
I.The apostle threatens to be severe against obstinate sinners when he should come to Corinth, having now sent to them a first and second epistle, with proper admonitions and exhortations, in order to reform what was amiss among them. Concerning this we may notice,
1.The caution with which he proceeded in his censures: he was not hasty in using severity, but gave a first and second admonition. So some understand his words (Co2 13:1): This is the third time I am coming to you, referring to his first and second epistles, by which he admonished them, as if he were present with them, though in person he was absent, Co2 13:2. According to this interpretation, these two epistles are the witnesses he means in the first verse, referring rather to the direction of our Saviour (Mat 17:16) concerning the manner how Christians should deal with offenders before they proceed to extremity than to the law of Moses (Deu 17:6; Deu 19:15) for the behaviour of judges in criminal matters. We should go, or send, to our brother, once and again, to tell him of his fault. Thus the apostle had told these Corinthians before, in his former epistle, and now he tells them, or writes to those who heretofore had sinned, and to all others, giving warning unto all before he came in person the third time, to exercise severity against scandalous offenders. Others think that the apostle had designed and prepared for his journey to Corinth twice already, but was providentially hindered, and now informs them of his intentions a third time to come to them. However this be, it is observable that he kept an account how often he endeavoured, and what pains he took with these Corinthians for their good: and we may be sure that an account is kept in heaven, and we must be reckoned with another day for the helps we have had for our souls, and how we have improved them.
2.The threatening itself: That if (or when) he came again (in person) he would not spare obstinate sinners, and such as were impenitent, in their scandalous enormities. He had told them before, he feared God would humble him among them, because he should find some who had sinned and had not repented; and now he declares he would not spare such, but would inflict church-censures upon them, which are thought to have been accompanied in those early times with visible and extraordinary tokens of divine displeasure. Note, Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent, notwithstanding all his methods to reclaim and reform them.
II.The apostle assigns a reason why he would be thus severe, namely, for a proof of Christ's speaking in him, which they sought after, Co2 13:3. The evidence of his apostleship was necessary for the credit, confirmation, and success, of the gospel he preached; and therefore such as denied this were justly and severely to be censured. It was the design of the false teachers to make the Corinthians call this matter into question, of which yet they had not weak, but strong and mighty proofs (Co2 13:3), notwithstanding the mean figure he made in the world and the contempt which by some was cast upon him. Even as Christ himself was crucified through weakness, or appeared in his crucifixion as a weak and contemptible person, but liveth by the power of God, or in his resurrection and life manifests his divine power (Co2 13:4), so the apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, did yet, as instruments, manifest the power of God, and particularly the power of his grace, in converting the world to Christianity. And therefore, as a proof to those who among the Corinthians sought a proof of Christ's speaking in the apostle, he puts them upon proving their Christianity (Co2 13:5): Examine yourselves, etc. Hereby he intimates that, if they could prove their own Christianity, this would be a proof of his apostleship; for if they were in the faith, if Jesus Christ was in them, this was a proof that Christ spoke in him, because it was by his ministry that they did believe. He had been not only an instructor, but a father to them. He had begotten them again by the gospel of Christ. Now it could not be imagined that a divine power should go along with his ministrations if he had not his commission from on high. If therefore they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate (Co2 13:6), not disowned by Christ. What the apostle here says of the duty of the Corinthians to examine themselves, etc., with the particular view already mentioned, is applicable to the great duty of all who call themselves Christians, to examine themselves concerning their spiritual state. We should examine whether we be in the faith, because it is a matter in which we may be easily deceived, and wherein a deceit is highly dangerous: we are therefore concerned to prove our own selves, to put the question to our own souls, whether Christ be in us, or not; and Christ is in us, except we be reprobates: so that either we are true Christians or we are great cheats; and what a reproachful thing is it for a man not to know himself, not to know his own mind!
Historical interpretation
Two Centuries of Reception
7 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Is he then the same God as He who gave Satan power over the person of Job that his "strength might be made perfect in weakness? " How is it that the censurer of the Galatians still retains the very formula of the law: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established? " How again is it that he threatens sinners "that he will not spare" them -he, the preacher of a most gentle god? Yea, he even declares that "the Lord hath given to him the power of using sharpness in their presence!" Deny now, O heretic, (at your cost, ) that your god is an object to be feared, when his apostle was for making himself so formidable!
For if "in the mouth of three witnesses every word shall stand: " -while, through the benediction, we have the same (three) as witnesses of our faith whom we have as sureties of our salvation too-how much more does the number of the divine names suffice for the assurance of our hope likewise! Moreover, after the pledging both of the attestation of faith and the promise of salvation under "three witnesses," there is added, of necessity, mention of the Church; inasmuch as, wherever there are three, (that is, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, ) there is the Church, which is a body of three.
But when "they found not the body (of the Lord Jesus)," "His sepulture was removed from the midst of them," according to the prophecy of Isaiah. "Two angels however, appeared there." For just so many honorary companions were required by the word of God, which usually prescribes "two witnesses." Moreover, the women, returning from the sepulchre, and from this vision of the angels, were foreseen by Isaiah, when he says, "Come, ye women, who return from the vision; " that is, "come," to report the resurrection of the Lord.
What man, then, of sound mind can possibly suppose that they were ignorant of anything, whom the Lord ordained to be masters (or teachers), keeping them, as He did, inseparable (from Himself) in their attendance, in their discipleship, in their society, to whom, "when they were alone, He used to expound" all things which were obscure, telling them that "to them it was given to know those mysteries," which it was not permitted the people to understand? Was anything withheld from the knowledge of Peter, who is called "the rock on which the church should be built," who also obtained "the keys of the kingdom of heaven," with the power of "loosing and binding in heaven and on earth? " Was anything, again, concealed from John, the Lord's most beloved disciple, who used to lean on His breast to whom alone the Lord pointed Judas out as the traitor, whom He commended to Mary as a son in His own stead? Of what could He have meant those to be ignorant, to whom He even exhibited His own glory with Moses and Elias, and the Father's voice moreover, from heaven? Not as if He thus disapproved of all the rest, but because "by three witnesses must every word be established." After the same fashion, too, (I suppose, ) were they ignorant to whom, after His resurrection also, He vouchsafed, as they were journeying together, "to expound all the Scriptures.
Paul is here appealing to the law, saying that it applies to the Corinthians as well.
The wisdom of Paul and his much tender affection, one may observe in many other circumstances, but especially in this, his being so abundant and vehement in his admonitions, but so tardy and procrastinating in his punishments. For he did not chastise them immediately on their sinning, but warned them once and again; and not even so, upon their paying no attention, does he exact punishment, but warns again, saying, "This is the third time I am coming to you;" and "before I come I write again." Then, that his procrastinating may not produce indifference, see how he corrects this result also, by threatening continually and holding the blow suspended over them, and saying, "If I come again I will not spare;" and "lest when I come again I should mourn for many." These things, then, he doeth and speaketh, in this too imitating the Lord of all: because that God also threateneth indeed continually and warneth often, but not often chastiseth and punisheth.
He joins the unwritten to the written, as he has done also in another place, saying, "He that is joined to an harlot is one body; for the twain," saith He, "shall become one flesh." Howbeit, this was spoken of lawful marriage; but he diverted its application unto this thing conveniently, so as to terrify them the more. And so he doth here also, setting his comings and his warnings in the place of witnesses. And what he says is this: "I spoke once and again when I was with you; I speak also now by letter. And if indeed ye attend to me, what I desired is accomplished; but if ye pay no attention, it is necessary henceforth to stop speaking, and to inflict the punishment."
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 13:1 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
In 2 Corinthians 13:1, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn declaration of his imminent third visit to the Corinthian church, asserting that his actions and judgments will be conducted according to the established legal principle: "In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." This statement underscores Paul's apostolic authority and his commitment to addressing persistent issues of sin and disunity with decisive action, ensuring that all matters are thoroughly investigated and verified before final resolution.
Context
Literary Context
This verse appears at the conclusion of Paul's second letter to the Corinthians, serving as a climactic warning and a final appeal for repentance before his anticipated arrival. Throughout 2 Corinthians, Paul has passionately defended his apostolic ministry against detractors, addressed the church's internal divisions, and expressed his deep concern for their spiritual well-being. He has already made two previous visits (or at least one prior visit and a "painful visit" that may have been brief or a planned but aborted trip), and has written multiple letters, including the severe "tearful letter" (likely lost to us, or perhaps 2 Corinthians 10-13). The declaration of a "third time" coming signifies that this visit will not be a casual pastoral call but a formal, authoritative inspection where truth will be definitively established and unrepentant sin addressed. It follows Paul's strong warnings in 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 about finding unrepentant sin upon his arrival.
Historical & Cultural Context
The principle of requiring "two or three witnesses" for legal establishment was deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern legal traditions, most notably in the Mosaic Law. This legal safeguard, found in passages like Deuteronomy 17:6 and Deuteronomy 19:15, was designed to ensure justice, prevent false accusations, and establish the veracity of claims in serious matters, including capital offenses. Paul, as a Jew deeply steeped in the Old Testament, naturally drew upon this well-known and respected legal framework. Furthermore, the Corinthian church itself was situated in a prominent Roman city, where legal proceedings and the concept of due process were also familiar. Paul's invocation of this principle signals his intention to apply a rigorous, biblically-informed standard of justice to the spiritual and moral issues plaguing the church, particularly regarding those who challenged his authority or persisted in sinful behavior.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes prevalent in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights Apostolic Authority and Accountability, as Paul asserts his divinely-given right to address and correct the church, making it clear that his words and actions will be validated by established truth. Secondly, it emphasizes Divine Justice and Legal Principle, grounding the upcoming spiritual "judgment" in a foundational Old Testament legal standard that ensures fairness and corroboration. This principle, also echoed by Jesus in Matthew 18:16 concerning church discipline, underscores the importance of truth and due process within the community of faith. Thirdly, the verse speaks to Truth and Verification, implying that the accusations against Paul, or the reports of sin within the church, will be thoroughly investigated and verified through multiple testimonies, leading to clear and undeniable conclusions. Finally, while implying judgment, Paul's warning also serves as a final Call to Repentance, demonstrating God's patience and desire for restoration by giving the Corinthians an opportunity to examine themselves and repent before his arrival.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Refers literally to the oral cavity, but here, by implication, it signifies language, utterance, or testimony. In the context of "in the mouth of two or three witnesses," it emphasizes the verbal declaration and the source of the testimony, highlighting that the establishment of truth comes through spoken, corroborated accounts.
Denotes one who testifies, a witness (judicially or figuratively). This word is the root of "martyr," implying one who testifies even to the point of death. In this verse, it refers to individuals whose direct observation or knowledge provides evidence, crucial for verifying facts and establishing truth in a legal or communal setting.
Means "to stand," "to set up," or "to make to stand." In this context, it carries the sense of being confirmed, validated, or rendered firm and indisputable. It implies that a matter, once corroborated by sufficient testimony, becomes legally binding, stable, and beyond dispute.
Verse Breakdown
"This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you."
Paul declares his intention to visit the Corinthian church for the third time. This statement is not merely a travel update but a declaration of intent, signaling that his patience is wearing thin and that his upcoming visit will be decisive. It implies a progression of his relationship with them, moving towards a final confrontation of unresolved issues.
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."
This is a direct invocation of a fundamental legal principle from the Old Testament Law. Paul asserts that any "word" – whether an accusation, a report of sin, or a claim of truth – will be thoroughly verified. The presence of "two or three witnesses" ensures that judgments made during his visit will be based on corroborated evidence, not hearsay or singular accusations, thereby upholding fairness and justice. The phrase "every word" indicates the comprehensive nature of this principle, applying to all matters brought before him.
Literary Devices
Paul's use of Allusion and Legal Metaphor is central to the power of this verse. He directly alludes to the Mosaic Law (e.g., Deuteronomy 19:15), drawing on a principle that would have been familiar and authoritative to both Jewish and Gentile converts in the Corinthian church. By invoking this legal standard, Paul employs a Legal Metaphor to frame his upcoming visit not merely as a pastoral check-in, but as a formal judicial proceeding. This elevates the seriousness of the situation, implying that matters of sin and rebellion will be handled with the gravity and due process of a courtroom. The verse also functions as a Warning, serving as a final opportunity for the Corinthians to repent and rectify their behavior before Paul's arrival, which he implies will bring a definitive judgment based on established facts.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The principle of requiring multiple witnesses for the establishment of truth is a profound theological concept woven throughout Scripture. It speaks to God's character as a God of justice, fairness, and order, who desires that truth be upheld and that judgment be based on solid evidence, not arbitrary power. This divine standard is not only for legal proceedings but extends to the very fabric of communal life, ensuring that accusations are not lightly made and that matters of discipline are handled with integrity. Paul's application of this principle to the church underscores the New Testament's continuity with Old Testament ethical and judicial wisdom, demonstrating that God's people are called to live in truth and accountability, reflecting His righteous character in their interactions and internal governance.
Reflection and Application
This verse offers timeless principles for believers today, emphasizing the importance of truth, due process, and accountability within the Christian community. For church leaders, it underscores the solemn responsibility to approach matters of discipline and correction with fairness, based on clear, corroborated evidence rather than hearsay or personal bias. It encourages a meticulous and prayerful investigation of facts, fostering an environment where justice is pursued and the innocent are protected. For all believers, the verse serves as a powerful call to self-examination and repentance, reminding us that God desires us to live in truth and integrity, and that our actions will ultimately be brought to light. It also teaches us the value of corroboration and seeking multiple perspectives before making judgments or accepting accusations, fostering a just, healthy, and trustworthy church environment that truly reflects God's character and His desire for reconciliation.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Paul so insistent on this legal principle for the Corinthian church?
Paul's insistence on the "two or three witnesses" principle was crucial because the Corinthian church was plagued by significant issues, including challenges to Paul's apostolic authority, reports of immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1), and internal divisions. By invoking this established legal standard, Paul was not merely being punitive; he was ensuring that any disciplinary actions taken during his third visit would be just, transparent, and undeniably based on verifiable facts, not on his personal feelings or uncorroborated accusations. This approach aimed to uphold the integrity of the church, protect the innocent, and provide a clear basis for confronting the unrepentant. It also served as a final warning, giving the Corinthians an opportunity to repent before his arrival, demonstrating God's patience and desire for their restoration.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Corinthians 13:1 directly applies an Old Testament legal principle to church discipline, it finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Jesus Himself affirmed this principle in Matthew 18:16 in the context of resolving disputes within the believing community, thereby sanctifying its use for the new covenant people of God. More profoundly, Christ is the ultimate "faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14), the one through whom all truth is established and by whom all things are ultimately judged. His life, death, and resurrection serve as the definitive witness to God's redemptive plan and His righteous character. The "word" that is established is ultimately the Word of God, embodied in Christ, who is the very "truth" (John 14:6). Just as Paul sought to establish truth and order in the Corinthian church through corroborated testimony, so too does Christ, through the Holy Spirit and the testimony of His apostles (Acts 1:8), establish His kingdom and bring all things into conformity with His righteous rule, ensuring that every word of God's promise and judgment will stand firm and be fulfilled in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20).