2 Corinthians 13:6

But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.

But {G1161} I trust {G1679} that {G3754} ye shall know {G1097} that {G3754} we {G2249} are {G2070} not {G3756} reprobates {G96}.

But I hope you will realize that we are not failures.

And I hope you will realize that we have not failed the test.

But I hope that ye shall know that we are not reprobate.

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 13:6

In 2 Corinthians 13:6, the Apostle Paul continues his challenging and deeply personal address to the Corinthian church. The verse reads, "But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates." This statement comes amidst Paul's firm intention to visit them for a third time, hoping to find them spiritually sound, and to set things in order.

Context

This verse is immediately preceded by Paul's direct challenge to the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 13:5: "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?" Paul is essentially saying: if you properly examine yourselves and find that Christ truly lives in you (meaning you are genuine believers), then it will become evident that I, Paul, and my fellow apostles, are not "reprobates." Their spiritual discernment of their own standing would lead them to recognize his authentic apostleship and ministry, which some in Corinth had been questioning.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Vindication: Paul's deep desire for his genuine ministry to be recognized and for the Corinthians to acknowledge the divine authority behind his teachings. He sought to demonstrate that God's power was at work through him, not through human eloquence or worldly wisdom.
  • Authenticity of Faith: The verse highlights the reciprocal relationship between the Corinthians' spiritual state and their ability to discern true spiritual authority. If they were truly "in the faith," they would recognize Paul as an approved servant of Christ, not a "reprobate." This emphasizes the importance of spiritual self-examination and discernment.
  • Spiritual Disapproval: The grave implication of being a "reprobate" (or disapproved). Paul trusts that neither he nor his associates fall into this category, contrasting his genuine standing with the potential spiritual deficiency of those who might doubt him.

Linguistic Insights

The key term in this verse is "reprobates," which comes from the Greek word ἀδόκιμοι (adokimoi). This term literally means "not standing the test," "disapproved," "rejected," or "worthless." It was often used in ancient times to describe:

  • Metals: Impure ore that failed to pass the refiner's test.
  • Coins: Counterfeit or debased currency that was not accepted as valid.
  • Candidates: Those who failed to pass an examination for office or service.

In a spiritual sense, being adokimoi means being found wanting or unapproved by God after scrutiny. Paul himself expresses concern about this possibility for his own life and ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:27, where he states, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway" (KJV, "castaway" is also adokimos). This highlights the seriousness of living a life that is approved by God.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 13:6 offers several insights:

  1. Self-Examination is Crucial: Just as Paul urged the Corinthians, we are called to regularly examine our own faith. Are we truly living in Christ, or merely going through the motions? This involves honest reflection on our beliefs and actions.
  2. Discerning True Leadership: Our spiritual maturity and grounding in Christ enable us to discern genuine spiritual leaders from those who might be "disapproved." Authentic spiritual authority often comes with humility, integrity, and the fruit of the Spirit, not just outward displays of power.
  3. Living an Approved Life: The concept of being "reprobate" serves as a sober reminder of the importance of living a life that is approved by God. Our actions, motives, and character should stand the test of His scrutiny, reflecting the presence of Christ within us.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 12:20 (3 votes)

    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 13:3 (2 votes)

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

  • 2 Corinthians 13:4 (2 votes)

    For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10 (2 votes)

    Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.