2 Corinthians 13:7

In 2 Corinthians 13:7, the Apostle Paul expresses a profound prayer for the Corinthian believers as he prepares for his third visit. This verse encapsulates his pastoral heart, prioritizing their spiritual well-being above his own perceived standing or reputation.

Context

This verse comes at the end of Paul's second letter to the Corinthian church, a correspondence marked by significant challenges to his apostolic authority and lingering issues of immorality and division within the community. Paul had warned them in earlier verses (like 2 Corinthians 13:2) that he would not spare those who continued in sin. His impending visit would serve as a test, both for them to demonstrate their repentance and for him to exercise his God-given authority. Yet, amidst this tension, his ultimate desire is for their spiritual health, not merely for his own vindication.

Key Themes

• Pastoral Priority: Paul's primary concern is the moral and spiritual integrity of the Corinthians. He prays for their righteous conduct, demonstrating that his love for them transcends any personal need for validation.
• God's Approval Over Human Perception: Paul explicitly states his indifference to how he might "appear approved" in their eyes. His true approval comes from God, and he is willing to be seen as weak or discredited if it means they live in a way that truly pleases God. This underscores the principle that our focus should be on doing God's will, not on maintaining a favorable human image.
• Genuine Christian Conduct: The emphasis is on *their* doing that which is "honest" (good, noble, excellent). This calls believers to live out their faith authentically, not merely to avoid punishment or to validate a leader's authority, but because it is the right thing to do before God.

Linguistic Insights

• "Honest" (καλὸν - kalon): The Greek word *kalon* signifies something that is not just morally good, but also beautiful, noble, excellent, and commendable. It speaks to a quality of life that is attractive and admirable, reflecting God's character.
• "Reprobates" (ἀδόκιμοι - adokimoi): This powerful term means "not approved," "rejected after testing," or "worthless." It's the opposite of "approved" (*dokimoi*), which implies passing a test or being found genuine. Paul's willingness to be considered "reprobates" by them highlights his profound self-sacrifice and humility. He would rather they be genuinely approved by God, even if it means he himself is perceived as having failed or not needing to prove his authority by their outward display of repentance.

Practical Application

This verse offers a powerful lesson for all believers and leaders. It challenges us to:

1. Prioritize Spiritual Integrity: Our ultimate goal should be to live a life that honors God, regardless of how it affects our reputation or standing in the eyes of others.
2. Seek God's Approval: Like Paul, we should be less concerned with appearing "approved" by people and more focused on being found approved by God through our actions and heart.
3. Live Authentically: The call to "do that which is honest" encourages a life of genuine goodness and moral excellence, not just outward conformity. This is a consistent theme in Paul's letters, urging believers to walk worthy of their calling.

Paul's prayer reveals a heart fully devoted to the spiritual welfare of those he served, even at the cost of his own image.