Once more Paul refers to the charge that his ministry was characterized by weakness. This deeply wounded him. He admitted that in his personal appearance and speech he might be all that his enemies averred, but he contended that weakness did not count when married to the divine. Was not Christ weak when He was crucified? yet through that cross He has exerted His mighty saving power upon myriads! Through the weakness of death He passed to the right hand of power and bestowed the Pentecostal gift. Suppose, then, that the servant shared the weakness of his Lord, might not the divine power work through his poor, weak nature as through the Lord Himself? Let us not always be dwelling on our weakness and limitations; did not the divine fire tremble around the poor shrub of the wilderness?
Paul goes on to urge the Corinthians to prove-that is, to test-themselves by reminding them that unless they are reprobate, the Lord Jesus is truly and literally dwelling within them. This is the fundamental fact in a holy life. When we open our hearts, He enters, and becomes in us the Life of His life and the Light of all our seeing. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 13
1Paul threatens severity, and the power of his apostleship, against obstinate sinners 5And, advising them to a trial of their faith, 7and to a reformation of their sins before his coming, 11he concludes his epistle with a general exhortation and a prayer
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 13:6
That ye shall know [οτι επιγνωσεστε] Such a testing of themselves will give them full knowledge that Paul is not reprobate The best way for vacillating Christians to stop it is to draw close to Christ. [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 13:6 mean?
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 13:6
Such a testing of themselves will give them full knowledge that Paul is not reprobate The best way for vacillating Christians to stop it is to draw close to Christ. [source]