2 Corinthians 13:2

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:

I told you before {G4280}, and {G2532} foretell you {G4302}, as if {G5613} I were present {G3918}, the second {G1208} time; and {G2532} being absent {G548} now {G3568} I write {G1125} to them which heretofore have sinned {G4258}, and {G2532} to all {G3956} other {G3062}, that {G3754}, if {G1437} I come {G2064} again {G1519}{G3825}, I will {G5339} not {G3756} spare {G5339}:

To those who sinned in the past and to the rest I say beforehand while absent the same thing I said when I was with you the second time: if I come again I will not spare you β€”

I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,

I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, to them that have sinned heretofore, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

Commentary

This verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks and stern warnings to the church in Corinth as he prepares for his third visit.

Context

Leading up to his planned arrival, which he mentions again in 2 Corinthians 12:14 and 13:1, Paul addresses various issues including challenges to his apostolic authority and persistent sin within the congregation. He reminds them that he had warned them during a previous visit (the "second time" he was present) and is now repeating that warning in writing while absent. This serves as a final opportunity for those living in sin to repent before he arrives and takes action.

Key Themes

  • Solemn Warning: Paul gives a direct and serious warning about the consequences of unrepented sin.
  • Accountability and Discipline: The verse highlights the necessity of holding believers accountable and, if necessary, implementing church discipline for ongoing sin.
  • Apostolic Authority: Paul asserts his God-given authority to deal firmly with disruptive or sinful behavior upon his arrival.
  • Consequences of Impenitence: It underscores that persistent sin without repentance will not be overlooked.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "I will not spare" comes from the Greek ou pheisomai (οὐ φΡίσομαι), which means "I will not show mercy," "I will not hold back," or "I will not be lenient." It indicates Paul's resolve to take decisive, firm action against those who remain unrepentant, using the authority Christ had given him, which he mentions is for edification, not destruction (see 2 Corinthians 13:10).

Reflection

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the seriousness of sin within the church community and the need for both personal repentance and, at times, difficult corporate action. Paul's warning is not a threat made lightly, but a necessary step to protect the health and purity of the church and to call individuals to reconciliation with God. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure we are not living in a state of unrepentant sin, understanding that God's patience, while great, does not negate the need for accountability.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 1:23

    Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:1

    ΒΆ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:2

    But I beseech [you], that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:8

    For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

  • 2 Corinthians 10:11

    Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [will we be] also in deed when we are present.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20

    For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and [that] I shall be found unto you such as ye would not: lest [there be] debates, envyings, wraths, strifes, backbitings, whisperings, swellings, tumults:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:21

    [And] lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and [that] I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
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