seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.
Parallel Translations
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seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.
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seynge that ye seke experience of Christ which speaketh in me which amonge you is not weake but is myghty in you.
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Seeing that ye seeke experience of Christ, that speaketh in mee, which towarde you is not weake, but is mightie in you.
Cross-references (11)
Passages linked to 2 Corinthians 13:3 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- Matthew 10:20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.
- Luke 21:15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.
- 2 Corinthians 10:8-10 For even if I boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down, I will not be ashamed, that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters. For, “His letters”, they say, “are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech is despised.”
- 2 Corinthians 12:12 Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all perseverance, in signs and wonders and mighty works.
- 1 Corinthians 9:1-3 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven’t I seen Jesus Christ, our Lord? Aren’t you my work in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. My defense to those who examine me is this:
- Matthew 18:18-20 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven. Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the middle of them.”
- 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
- 2 Corinthians 2:6 This punishment which was inflicted by the many is sufficient for such a one;
- 2 Corinthians 2:10 Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
- 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you? You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men, being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh.
- 2 Corinthians 10:4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
Explain this verse (18 sources)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain 3. Since ye seek a proof A twofold meaning…
3. Since ye seek a proof A twofold meaning may be drawn from these words. The first is, “Since you wish to try me, whether I speak of myself, or whether Christ speaks by me;” and in this way Chrysostom, and Ambrose, explain it. I am rather inclined, however, to understand him as declaring, that it does not so much concern himself as Christ, when his authority is detracted from — that when his admonitions are despised, Christ’s patience is tried. “It is Christ that speaks by me; when therefore, you bring my doctrine under your lash, it is not so much to me as to him that you do injury.”
Some one, however, will object thus: “What! Will a man’s doctrine, then, be exempted from all investigation, so soon as he makes it his boast, that he has Christ as his authority? And what false prophet will not make this his boast? What distinction, then, will there be between truth and falsehood, and what will, in that case, become of that injunction:
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Try the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1.)
Every objection of this nature Paul anticipates, when he says that Christ has wrought efficaciously in them by his ministry. For these two clauses, Christ speaking in me, and, who is mighty in you, not weak, must be read in connection, in this sense: “Christ, by exercising his power towards you in my doctrine, has declared that he spoke by my mouth, so that you have no excuse on the ground of ignorance.”
We see, that he does not merely boast in words, but proves in reality that Christ speaks in him, and he convinces the Corinthians, before requiring them to give him credit. Whoever, then, will speak in the Church, whatever be the title that he claims for himself, it will be allowable to inquire as to his doctrine, until Christ has manifested himself in him, and thus it will not be of Christ that judgment will be formed, but of the man. When, however, it is apparent, that it is the word of God that is advanced, what Paul says holds good — that it is God himself who is not believed Moses spake with the same confidence. (Numbers 16:11.)
What are we — I and Aaron? You are tempting God.
In like manner, Isaiah:
Is it too small a thing that you grieve men, unless you grieve my God also? (Isaiah 7:13.)
For there is no more room for shuffling, when it has been made apparent, that it is a minister of God that speaks, and that he discharges his office faithfully. I return to Paul. As the confirmation of his ministry had been so decided among the Corinthians, inasmuch as the Lord had shown himself openly, it is not to be wondered, if he takes it so much amiss, that he meets with resistance. On good grounds, truly, might he throw back upon them, as he does, the reproach, that they were rebels against Christ.
John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.
Geneva Bible translators 1599 · Public Domain And will be most mighty to be revenged of…
And will be most mighty to be revenged of you, when need shall be.
A most sharp reprehension, for that, while they despise the Apostle’s admonitions, they tempt Christ’s own patience: and also while they condemn him as wretched and miserable, they lay nothing herein against him, which is not common to him with Christ.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking…
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
Ver. 3. A proof of Christ speaking in me] The Church is Christi docentis auditorium, saith Bernard, the place wherein he ordinarily teacheth, who hath his school on earth, though his chair in heaven. Scholam habet in terris, Cathedram in caelis.
John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Matthew Poole 1685 · Public Domain Christ (saith the apostle) hath openly showed his power…
Christ (saith the apostle) hath openly showed his power in my ministry, speaking to you; how else came your hearts to be turned from dumb idols to serve the living God? How came you to be furnished with those excellent gifts wherewith you abound? But, seeing all this is not judged a sufficient proof of Christ’s
speaking in me to you, but you are yet doubting whether I am an apostle or no, and calling for
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a proof of Christ in me; I will, if I come, and find any that have lived scandalously, and are impenitent, show you another proof of that power and authority with which Christ hath trusted me. Which must be understood, either of his miraculous power to inflict some bodily afflictions upon them, or (which is more probable) of his power as an apostle to cut them off from the communion of gospel churches.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in…
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me,.... This is the reason why he was determined, that should he come among them, he would not spare them, because they called in question his apostleship, and demanded a proof of it; which, of all men, they had the least reason to do; for they themselves were the seals of his apostleship, and the signs of an apostle had been done among them; they queried whether he was an ambassador of Christ, and was sent by him, and in his name; whether the message he came with was from him, and whether the Gospel he preached was his voice; and particularly whether he had such a power to punish delinquents, as he threatened them with the exercise of; a strange infatuation of the false apostles this, since Christ, who sent him, was with him, and spoke in him, and by him:
which to you-ward, says he,
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is not weak, but is mighty in you; the Gospel of Christ, at the first preaching of it to them by him, was the power of God unto salvation to them; and was attended with divers signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Ghost; and besides, they had instances of the power of Christ towards them in an awful way, in punishing sinners; as in the delivery of the incestuous person to Satan, which was done by his Spirit being with them when assembled; and by smiting many of them with sickness, diseases, and infirmities, and with death itself, who had sinned, Co1 5:4. Wherefore, seeing after all these instances of the voice and power of Christ in him, they yet questioned his apostolical authority, and sought proof of it; and especially since this was not so much a tempting of him, as a tempting of Christ in him, he was resolved not to spare them.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ]…
Verse 3. Since ye seek a proof of Christ] The conversion of the Corinthians was to themselves a solid proof that Christ spoke by the apostle; and therefore he could, with great propriety, say that this power of Christ, far from being weak, was mighty among them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in…
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me - see the notes on the previous chapters. They had called in question his apostolic authority; they had demanded the evidence of his divine commission. He says that he would now furnish such evidence by inflicting just punishment on all offenders, and they should have abundant proof that Christ spoke by him, or that he was inspired.
Which to you-ward is not weak - Or who, that is, Christ, is not weak, etc. Christ has manifested his power abundantly toward you, that is, either by the miracles that had been performed in his name; or by the diseases and calamities which they had suffered on account of their disorders and offences (see the note on 1Co 11:30); or by the force and efficacy of his doctrine. The connection, it seems to me, requires that we should understand it of the calamities which had been inflicted by Christ on them for their sins, and which Paul says would be inflicted again if they did not repent. The idea is, that they had had ample demonstration of the power of Christ to inflict punishment, and they had reason to apprehend it again.
Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary 1859 · Public Domain Do you seek a proof? By the Greek it…
Do you seek a proof? By the Greek it signifies for you, or in your regard. The sense is, that he has left me power enough to chastise those among you who shall deserve it, when I come. (Witham) --- I do not know why you delay your conversion. Can you doubt whether it is God who speaks to you by my mouth, who has great power among you, and who is very capable of punishing you. (Bible de Vence)
George Leo Haydock (1774–1849), Haydock's Catholic Family Bible and Commentary, 1859 edition — public domain. Excludes Psalms (Douay-Rheims chapter numbering differs from Protestant) and Deuterocanonical books (Catholic canon only).
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown 1871 · Public Domain Since--The reason why he will not spare: Since ye…
Since--The reason why he will not spare: Since ye challenge me to give a "proof" that Christ speaks in me. It would be better if ye would "prove your own selves" (Co2 13:5). This disproves the assertion of some that Scripture nowhere asserts the infallibility of its writers when writing it.
which--"who" (Christ).
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is not weak--in relation to you, by me and in this very Epistle, in exercising upon you strong discipline.
mighty in you--has given many proofs of His power in miracles, and even in punishing offenders (Co2 5:11, Co2 5:20-21). Ye have no need to put me to the proof in this, as long ago Christ has exhibited great proofs of His power by me among you (Co2 12:12) [GROTIUS]. It is therefore not me, but Christ, whom ye wrong: it is His patience that ye try in despising my admonitions, and derogating from my authority [CALVIN].
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
Daniel D. Whedon 1874 · Public Domain 3. Since—The 2Co_13:3-8 must be taken as a separate…
3. Since—The 2Co_13:3-8 must be taken as a separate paragraph, with a period (and not a colon, as in the English version) at close of 2Co_13:2. The key-word running through the passage, δοκιμη, test, in its different forms, is unhappily translated in our version without due uniformity. The connexion between 2Co_13:3; 2Co_13:5 is: Since ye seek a test of me—Test your own selves. From which, inclusive to you, 2Co_13:4, is a parenthesis. The word proof or test, 2Co_13:3, reappears in prove, 2Co_13:5, and in reprobates, test-condemned, in 2Co_13:5-7. The thought running through the whole is, Since you are putting my apostleship to the test, see that your own genuineness, as Christians, can stand the test.
Proof of Christ speaking in me—They, the Christine influence in Corinth, were putting St. Paul’s authority from Christ to experiment. Christ speaking in me is a very intense declaration of his own inspiration from Christ. It claims that his own apostolic words are Christ’s words.
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Which—Who, referring to Christ. The Christ speaking in me… is not weak, but mighty in his announcements, threatenings, and sentences of judgment, toward (not in) you.
Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges 1878 · Public Domain 3. since ye seek] They had demanded a proof…
3. since ye seek] They had demanded a proof of his power, and he would not fail to give it.
a proof of Christ speaking in me] Literally, of the in-me-speaking Christ. The delicate shade of meaning here can hardly be rendered into English. Perhaps ‘of a Christ who speaks in me’ would be the nearest approach to it. Our version hardly conveys a sufficient idea of the perpetual indwelling of Christ in His members and of the inspiring influence which He constantly exerted on one so devoted to Him as St Paul. See Mat_10:20. For proof see ch. 2Co_2:9, 2Co_8:2. The connection of this verse with what precedes and what follows is to be found in the fact that everything St Paul did, whether in the exercise of his Apostolic power, or in any other way, was done to produce in their lives a conformity to that of Christ. Cf. ch. 6.
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which to you-ward is not weak] Rather, Who to you-ward. St Paul continually (see ch. 2Co_4:10-11, and ch. 11, 12.) identifies himself with Christ, in his weakness as well as his strength. He is going (see next verse) to point to the weakness of Christ as united with his own. But he prefaces this remarkable statement with the observation (cf. 1Co_4:11) that at present the Corinthians knew little of communion with Christ in His weakness, much of His power to change the heart and life. Cf. 1Co_1:18; 1Co_1:24; 1Co_2:5. Also ch. 2Co_10:4.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers 1878 · Public Domain (3) Which to you-ward is not weak.—There is still…
(3) Which to you-ward is not weak.—There is still a touch of indignant sadness in the tone in which the words are uttered. Men will not be able to cast that reproach of weakness upon Him whose might they will feel all too keenly.
A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Pulpit Commentary 1880 · Public Domain Of Christ speaking in me; rather, of the Christ…
Of Christ speaking in me; rather, of the Christ who speaketh in me. Which; rather, who. But is mighty in you. The spirit of Christ, in spite of all their shortcomings, had not deserted them. (see 1Co_1:6, 7 2:4)
The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
The Biblical Illustrator 1887 · Public Domain Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in…
2Co_13:3-5
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me.
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The proof of our ministry
Notice--
I. Gods method of operation in the Church by His appointed servants.
1. The rebellious Corinthians had spoken ill of the apostle as lacking in power: his personal presence was not commanding, his speech was not fascinating. Paul does not deny the charge, but declares the general principle of power in weakness, by which the Lord conducts the gospel dispensation.
(1) Life, born of death, is the life of our souls (2Co_13:4). By assuming our weakness Christ gained the power to act as our substitute, and put away our sin by the sacrifice of Himself. Because of His being obedient to death, even the death of the Cross, God also hath highly exalted Him, etc. By this sign He conquered: the ensign of His Cross is the seal of victory. It is Himself thus slain which is His power to pardon and to save.
(2) Our Lords power over our hearts comes by His great love, and this matchless manner of His showing it. Stooping so low to save such unworthy ones He conquers our hearts. His dying love has begotten living love within us.
2. Why did Paul interject this teaching? To show us that God does not save by the strength of His ministers, but by their weakness.
(1) Paul was willing to lose all personal honour, though, in truth, not a whit behind the chief of the apostles. We have this treasure in earthen vessels, etc. He cheerfully sank that his Lord might be exalted.
(2) In those days there was a great liking for philosophy. But Paul determined not to know anything among them save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. But at least, they said, what he has to say ought to be delivered with the graces of oratory. No, says Paul, my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of mans wisdom: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
(3) He might have come among them and said, I am an apostle; I have supreme power over churches; out of this Church I shall eject offenders without any question; yet he never used such authority; on the contrary he was the servant of all, gentle, unselfish. If any one was grieved, Paul was grieved with him; if any suffered trial, Paul was tried. Thus he was a power among them. By laying aside authority he became mighty to influence them for good. All who desire to be useful must learn that in self-sinking their usefulness will be found. He who becomes least is greatest of all. When I am weak, then am I strong.
II. The sure proof of power; the indisputable evidence of any ministers call from God to preach the gospel.
1. Ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me.
(1) He did not care about what they thought of his own speaking; but he was greatly concerned that they should not think lightly of the Lord Jesus who spoke in him.
(2) Further, the apostle declares that even the power of the living Christ is the power of God. Our Lord kept nothing to Himself, but His weakness through which He was crucified, for He liveth by the power of God. Such must be the power of every Christian worker.
(3) Then, says Paul, If you want a proof of Christs speaking in me with power, look at yourselves. He says elsewhere, Ye are our epistle. Ye are Gods husbandry, and the test of how far our husbandry has been the Lords husbandry must be found in your fruitfulness. The proof that Christ really doth speak by us is that He has wrought by that speaking in you after such a fashion as proves the doctrine to be Divine. Your souls are the seals of Christs power. If ye seek any proof of Christ speaking by me, ye have it in your--
1. Conversion. When the chief priests and scribes saw the man that was healed standing with Peter and John, they could say nothing against them. Conversion proves that He by whose means it was wrought was sent by God.
2. Comfort. If by our speaking the Lord strengthens your weak hands and confirms your feeble knees, He points us out to you as His messengers.
3. Correction. Have you not sometimes felt your hearts turned inside out, as if the spirit of burning were scorching and purging you? Was not that of the Lord?
4. Conduct. My heart sinks within me when I hear of some who have been numbered with us. Do people say, These are members of Spurgeons church? You are either our joy and crown, or else our sorrow and dishonour. You must estimate whether a man farms well by the crops which he raises. True you cannot condemn him if a few thorns and thistles spring up in the hedgerows, but if there is a preponderance of weeds, everybody says, This is wretched farming.
5. Consecration. When your zeal burns, when you speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, then again I can say, seek ye a proof of Christ speaking by me? You are my witnesses inasmuch as by our word you have been stirred up to speak in the power of the Holy Ghost for the winning of souls.
6. Completion of the Christian character, and the display of it in the last hours. I have come down many times from the chamber of dying Christians with faith confirmed and joy increased. No dying man has looked me in the face and said, Sir, you did not preach a religion which a man can die with.
III. A needed proof of ourselves.
1. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith. It is something to have our ministry attested, but it is much more to have your salvation attested.
(1) Therefore you are not to take it for granted that you are saved. In London years ago every shop had its sign, and they had a saying that the house which had the sign of the sun in a certain street was darker than any other. So there are some who have grace for their sign, but no sign of grace. To have a name to live is a wretched thing, if we be really dead
(2) Of course we are to examine our lives, but he says, Examine yourselves. Sin within will ruin even if it be not seen in act. Of course we are to examine our doctrines, but even more we are to examine ourselves. Heart error is more deadly than head error.
(3) Prove your own selves. Pry deeper. You have already given yourself a sifting; take a finer sieve and go to work again. You have already been in the crucible--go in again, and become as silver tried in a furnace purified seven times. A man cannot make too sure work about his own salvation. But can we not be certain of our safety? Yes, we can: but certain because we have not shunned the most rigorous self-examinations.
2. And what is to be the point of search? Whether ye be in the faith, whether what ye believe is true, and whether you truly believe it.
3. Dwell mostly on this point, Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? Is Jesus Christ in you? I know all about Him. Yes, but is He in you? I read of Him. Read on, but is He in you? (C. H. Spurgeon.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
B. W. Johnson 1891 · Public Domain 3. Since ye seek a proof, etc. Since some…
3. Since ye seek a proof, etc. Since some denied his apostleship, he would give a proof of the might of Christ through him.
B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that…
seeing that ye seek a proof of Christ that speaketh in me; who to you-ward is not weak, but is powerful in you:
J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 he was crucified
he was crucified
This can be made active. AT: "they crucified him" (See: Active or Passive)
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but we will live with him by the power of God
God gives us the power and ability to live life in and with him.
translationWords
Christ
power
crucify
life
God
unfoldingWord translationNotes — © Distant Shores Media and the Door43 World Missions Community, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: git.door43.org/Door43/en_tn.
Tyndale Open Study Notes 2022 · CC BY-SA 4.0 13:3-4 Christ speaks through me: Paul represented Christ to…
13:3-4 Christ speaks through me: Paul represented Christ to the Corinthian congregation, and he would exercise God’s power in dealing with them. • Paul’s weakness was patterned on the humiliation of Christ, who was crucified in weakness (see 8:9). Paul’s judgment on the sinners would be tempered by the constraint of Christ’s love (5:14-21). • We, too, are weak: Paul’s humanity was frail, yet he could draw on Christ’s strength (12:10).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.