This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Verse 1
I am coming; that I have formed the intention of coming.--In the mouth, &c.; Deuteronomy 19:15. In a manner somewhat analogous, he was to bear his repeated testimony before them.
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:
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
Verse 3
Of Christ speaking in me; of my claim to authority from Christ. Which; that is, Christ.
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.
Verse 4
Through weakness; in his state of humiliation.
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?
Verse 5
Reprobates; sinners guilty and condemned.
But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates.
Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
Verse 7
Not that we should, &c.; that is, not for that purpose.--As reprobates, so regarded.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
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.
Verse 10
Should use sharpness; should feel urged to reproach, you with even greater severity.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Greet one another with an holy kiss.
All the saints salute you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.