2 Corinthians 13:3

KJV

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Since {G1893} ye seek {G2212} a proof {G1382} of Christ {G5547} speaking {G2980} in {G1722} me {G1698}, which {G3739} to {G1519} you-ward {G5209} is {G770} not {G3756} weak {G770}, but {G235} is mighty {G1414} in {G1722} you {G5213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

since you are looking for proof of the Messiah speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but he is powerful among you.

Berean Standard Bible

since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.

American Standard Version

seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 13:3, Paul addresses the Corinthian believers' demand for evidence that Christ is truly speaking through him. He asserts that the proof they seek is already manifest in their midst, not in any perceived weakness of Paul, but in the powerful work of Christ that is evidently at play within their own lives and community. This verse serves as a crucial point in Paul's defense of his apostolic authority, redirecting their focus from superficial judgments of his person to the undeniable spiritual transformation wrought by Christ among them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated in the concluding section of Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians, a letter deeply marked by Paul's defense of his apostleship against detractors and his efforts to restore the fractured relationship with the Corinthian church. Chapters 10-13 form a distinct unit where Paul directly confronts the challenges to his authority, often employing sharp irony and powerful rhetoric. Specifically, [2 Corinthians 10:10](/2_corinthians/10-10 "2 Corinthians 10:10 - Paul's Appearance and Letters") highlights the Corinthians' perception of Paul as "weak in bodily presence, but strong in letters." Leading up to [2 Corinthians 13](/2_corinthians/13 "2 Corinthians 13 - Paul's Warning and Farewell"), Paul has warned them of his impending third visit, during which he intends to deal firmly with those who persist in sin and rebellion. He frames his upcoming visit not as a display of human might, but as a demonstration of Christ's power, making the demand for "proof of Christ speaking in me" directly relevant to his argument for decisive action.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its wealth, diverse population, and a culture that often valued rhetoric, outward displays of power, and philosophical sophistication. Within this environment, the Corinthian church struggled with internal divisions, moral laxity, and an embrace of worldly wisdom over the simplicity of the gospel. False apostles, likely eloquent and charismatic, had infiltrated the church, undermining Paul's authority by criticizing his unassuming demeanor and lack of oratorical flair. They demanded tangible "proofs" of divine endorsement, often equating spiritual authority with outward signs of power, wealth, or persuasive speech, which Paul deliberately eschewed. This cultural backdrop explains why the Corinthians would "seek a proof" that aligned with their worldly expectations rather than recognizing the authentic, transformative power of Christ at work through Paul's humble ministry.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians") is the **nature of true apostolic authority**, which Paul argues is rooted not in human strength or eloquence, but in divine power manifested through human weakness. This is powerfully articulated in [2 Corinthians 12:9-10](/2_corinthians/12-9-10 "2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - God's Power in Weakness"). The Corinthians' demand for "proof" directly challenges this theme, prompting Paul to assert that the evidence of Christ's power is not lacking but is, in fact, powerfully at work within them. Another key theme is **Christ's indwelling power and presence** within believers and His ministers. Paul consistently points to the spiritual transformation and gifts evident in the Corinthian church as the ultimate validation of his ministry, rather than relying on external credentials. This verse also touches upon the theme of **discernment**, urging the Corinthians to look beyond superficial appearances to recognize the genuine work of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Proof (Greek, _dokimḗ'_):** From the same root as _dokimos_ (approved), this word signifies not merely a demonstration, but a test, an experience, or an approved character shown through trial. It implies that the Corinthians already possessed experiential evidence of Christ's work through Paul's ministry among them. It suggests a process of testing that results in approval or validation.
* **Weak (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** Derived from _asthenēs_ (without strength), this term denotes being feeble, sick, or impotent in any sense. In the context of Paul's ministry, it often refers to his physical appearance, lack of impressive rhetoric, or suffering, which his detractors exploited to undermine his authority. Paul, however, consistently redefines this weakness as the very conduit for God's power.
* **Mighty (Greek, _dynatéō'_):** From _dynatos_ (powerful, able), this verb means "to be efficient" or "to be mighty." It emphasizes the active, effective, and inherent power of Christ at work. In contrast to Paul's perceived weakness, Christ's power is shown to be dynamic and operative, particularly in the lives of the Corinthians themselves.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me,"**: This clause reveals the core issue: the Corinthian believers are demanding tangible evidence or validation that Paul's words and ministry are truly inspired by Christ. Their skepticism reflects a challenge to Paul's apostolic authority and the divine origin of his message.
* **"which to you-ward is not weak,"**: Paul counters their perception of his weakness. The "which" refers to Christ speaking in him, implying that the manifestation of Christ's presence and power, though perhaps not conforming to their worldly expectations, is certainly not feeble or ineffective when directed towards them.
* **"but is mighty in you."**: This is the crux of Paul's argument. The ultimate proof of Christ's power speaking through Paul is not found in Paul's own outward display, but in the undeniable, transformative work of Christ that has taken place *within* the Corinthian believers themselves. Their conversion, spiritual gifts, and the very existence of the church are the powerful, living evidence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a powerful **Antithesis** in this verse, juxtaposing the idea of "not weak" (referring to Christ's power through him) with "mighty in you." This contrast highlights the paradoxical nature of divine power, which often operates through human weakness, as Paul frequently emphasizes throughout [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians "The Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians"). There is also an element of **Rhetorical Irony** as Paul uses the Corinthians' demand for "proof" against them, pointing to the very evidence that is already present and active *in them*. He is essentially saying, "You seek proof? Look at yourselves!" This serves to redirect their focus from external, superficial judgments to the internal, spiritual reality of Christ's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully underscores the New Testament understanding that true spiritual authority and the authenticity of God's work are not primarily evidenced by human charisma, eloquence, or outward displays of power, but by the transformative impact of Christ's presence in individuals and communities. The "proof" Paul refers to is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live new lives and exercise spiritual gifts. This divine power, often made perfect in human weakness, is the ultimate validation of a ministry that is genuinely from God. It shifts the locus of proof from the messenger's external credentials to the internal, life-changing work of God in the recipients.

* [1 Corinthians 2:4-5](/1_corinthians/2-4-5 "1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Power of the Spirit")
* [Romans 15:18-19](/romans/15-18-19 "Romans 15:18-19 - Paul's Ministry by God's Power")
* [Colossians 1:29](/colossians/1-29 "Colossians 1:29 - Striving with God's Energy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 13:3 challenge us to re-evaluate where we seek evidence of God's work and spiritual authenticity. In a world that often values outward show, impressive statistics, or charismatic personalities, this verse reminds us that the most profound and undeniable proof of Christ's presence is found in the transformed lives of believers. It encourages us to look for the fruit of the Spirit, the genuine change in character, the exercise of spiritual gifts, and the growth in love and holiness within ourselves and our communities. Our own spiritual experiences—our conversion, our growth, our resilience in trials, our ability to love and forgive—serve as a powerful, living testament to the divine reality working through God's servants. This calls us to a deeper discernment, moving beyond superficial judgments to recognize the quiet, powerful, and often paradoxical ways in which Christ continues to speak and work through His people today.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "proofs" do I typically look for to validate a spiritual leader or ministry?**
* **How has Christ's power been "mighty in me" through the ministry of others, even if they seemed "weak" by worldly standards?**
* **In what ways can my own transformed life serve as a "proof of Christ speaking" to those around me?**
* **How does this verse challenge my preconceived notions of strength and weakness in spiritual leadership?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "proof of Christ speaking in me"?**

Answer: Paul's opponents in Corinth were challenging his apostolic authority, implying that he lacked the outward signs of power or eloquence that they associated with true spiritual leadership. They were demanding tangible evidence that Christ was truly working through him. By "proof of Christ speaking in me," Paul refers to the undeniable validation of his ministry as divinely inspired and empowered. He is asserting that his words and actions are not merely his own, but are the very voice and power of Christ operating through him. This proof, he argues, is not some new sign he needs to perform, but is already evident in the spiritual transformation and powerful work of Christ that has occurred *within* the Corinthian believers themselves.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 13:3 finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the reality of Christ's ongoing, active presence and power in His church, particularly through His chosen ministers. The "proof of Christ speaking in me" points directly to the incarnational principle that God works through human vessels, just as the Father worked through the Son ([John 14:10](/john/14-10 "John 14:10 - The Father in Jesus")). Paul's ministry was not merely human effort, but a continuation of Christ's own mission and voice, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The affirmation that Christ "is not weak" but "is mighty in you" echoes the very nature of Christ's power, which was perfected in His seeming weakness on the cross ([2 Corinthians 13:4](/2_corinthians/13-4 "2 Corinthians 13:4 - Christ's Weakness and Power")). Just as Christ humbled Himself to become a servant, yet rose in power, so too does His power manifest through humble and often suffering servants like Paul. This verse ultimately testifies to the resurrected Christ's continued reign and active work in the lives of believers, transforming them by His power, making them living proof of His divine efficacy ([Ephesians 1:19-20](/ephesians/1-19-20 "Ephesians 1:19-20 - God's Incomparably Great Power")). The church itself, composed of transformed individuals, becomes the living embodiment of Christ's ongoing, mighty work in the world ([Ephesians 2:21-22](/ephesians/2-21-22 "Ephesians 2:21-22 - The Church as a Holy Temple")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 10:20

For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.

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 10:10

For [his] letters, say they, [are] weighty and powerful; but [his] bodily presence [is] weak, and [his] speech contemptible.

Luke 21:15

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.

2 Corinthians 12:12

Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

1 Corinthians 9:1

¶ Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

1 Corinthians 9:3

¶ Mine answer to them that do examine me is this,