For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.
Parallel Translations
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For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect.
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We are glad when we are weake and ye stronge. This also we wisshe for even that ye were perfect.
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For we are glad when wee are weake, and that ye are strong: this also we wish for, euen your perfection.
Cross-references (16)
Passages linked to 2 Corinthians 13:9 in the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, ordered by reader-vote popularity; verse text shown in World English Bible.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.
- 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
- 1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
- 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no man may think more of me than that which he sees in me or hears from me. By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, a thorn in the flesh was given to me: a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively. Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me. He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, and in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.
- 2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let’s cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
- 2 Corinthians 11:30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness.
- 2 Corinthians 13:7-8 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
- Ephesians 4:12-13 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,
- Philippians 3:12-15 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers, I don’t regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do: forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.
- Colossians 1:28 We proclaim him, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus;
- Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
- 2 Timothy 3:17 that each person who belongs to God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- Hebrews 6:1 Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let’s press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God,
- Hebrews 12:23 to the festal gathering and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
- Hebrews 13:21 make you complete in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Cross-references from openbible.info (CC BY 4.0)
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John Calvin 1540 · Public Domain 9. For, we rejoice. Either the causal particle γὰρ,…
9. For, we rejoice. Either the causal particle γὰρ, (for,) must be taken as meaning — therefore; or it is a second reason, why he does not refuse to be regarded as a reprobate — for their sake, and with a view to their advantage. Let the reader select whichever he may choose, for it is of no consequence. When he says, Provided you are strong, I shall willingly submit to be reckoned weak, there is an antithesis in the words — not in the meaning; for weakness means here, as formerly, (2 Corinthians 13:4,) contempt. On the other hand, he means that the Corinthians will be strong, if they are full of the power and grace of God.
And this also, He now again repeats, what he had already stated several times, that he was from necessity — not from his own inclination, more severe than they would have wished; and farther, that by this means, too, he spared them, that he might not be constrained to resort to severer measures, when he was present with them.
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The perfection, of which he speaks, consists in a fit proportion, and sound condition, of all the members. Now he alludes to good physicians, who cure particular diseases in such a way as not in any part to mutilate the body; and, as he is concerned to secure a perfection of this nature, he says, that, for that reason, he provides against the necessity of having recourse to severer measures. For we see, that those, who at first shrink back from the slight pain, or uneasy feeling of a plaster, are at length constrained to endure the torture of burning, or amputating, and that, too, where the issue is extremely doubtful.
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 That all things may be in good order amongst…
That all things may be in good order amongst you, and the members of the Church restored into their place, which have been shaken and out of place.
Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain.
John Trapp 1656 · Public Domain 9 For we are glad, when we are weak,…
9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
Ver. 9. Even your perfection] Or, your restoration, or joining again, καταρτισιν. His meaning is, saith Beza, that whereas the members of this Church were all, as it were, dislocated and out of joint, they should now again be joined together in love, and they should endearour to amend what was amiss among them, either in faith or manners.
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 Some by weak here understand a moral impotency; as…
Some by weak here understand a moral impotency; as the apostle had said, he could not do any thing against the truth, that is, rightly and justly he could not: and by
strong here, a spiritual strength, a reformation, growth, and proficiency in grace. These make the sense to be this; I am so far from coming with a desire to show amongst you my apostolical power in punishing offenders, as that I should be glad to find you so strong in the exercise of grace, that I should find none to punish; that men be made weak (as to the putting forth that power) by your spiritual strength. I incline to a more general interpretation. The apostle by this purgeth himself from any thing of vain glory, or seeking himself; Though (saith he) I be weak, (as some amongst you report me), yet if you be truly strong, I shall heartily rejoice therein. For I wish nothing more than
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your perfection; my reputation is nothing to me compared with that.
Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
William Burkitt 1703 · Public Domain The apostle may be understood two ways:
The apostle may be understood two ways:
1. We are glad when we are weak; that is, when I have no occasion to manifest my apostolical power, in censuring any of you as offenders: But ye are strong; strong in faith, and fruitful in good works.
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Or, 2. We are glad when we are weak, that is, when we are weakened by never so many sufferings and infirmities, provided you are made strong thereby:
For this is what we principally wish and endeavour, even your utmost perfection in knowledge, faith and holiness. Nothing is more desired by the zealous and faithful ministers of Jesus Christ, than to see their people strong in faith, fruitful in good works, persevering in well doing, yea, perfect in holiness and obedience: This we wish, nothing like it, even your perfection.
William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
John Gill 1763 · Public Domain For we are glad when we are weak,.... Appear…
For we are glad when we are weak,.... Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus:
and ye are strong; stand fast in the doctrine of faith, and are lively and active in the exercise of the grace of faith; are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and in the power of his might, to withstand every temptation of Satan, every corruption of their own hearts, and to perform every duty aright.
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And this also we wish, even your perfection; or restoration, or jointing in again; a metaphor taken from the setting of bones that are dislocated and out of joint; for the church at Corinth was like a disjointed body, and the apostle's wish was, that their animosities might cease, their divisions be healed, their disorders rectified, and each member be in its proper place, behaving as became the Gospel of Christ; see Co1 1:10.
John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.
John Wesley 1765 · Public Domain For we rejoice when we are weak - When…
For we rejoice when we are weak - When we appear so, having no occasion to show our apostolic power. And this we wish, even your perfection - In the faith that worketh by love.
John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.
Adam Clarke 1810 · Public Domain Verse 9. For we are glad, when we are…
Verse 9. For we are glad, when we are weak] It will give me indescribable pleasure that I should still appear to be poor, despicable, and destitute of this extraordinary power with which God has clothed me, so that you be strong in all the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit.
And this also we wish, even your perfection.] We cannot be satisfied that persons, with such eminent endowments, and who have once received the truth as it is in Jesus, should be deficient in any of the graces that constitute the mind of Christ; such as brotherly love, charity, harmony, unity, and order. I have given the above paraphrase to this verse, because of the last term καταρτισιν, which we render perfection. καταρτισις, from κατα, intensive, and αρτιζω, to fit or adapt, signifies the reducing of a dislocated limb to its proper place; and hence, as Beza says on this passage: "The apostle's meaning is, that whereas the members of the Church were all, as it were, dislocated and out of joint, they should be joined together in love; and they should endeavour to make perfect what was amiss among them, either in faith or morals."
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It is a metaphor, also, taken from a building; the several stones and timbers being all put in their proper places and situations, so that the whole building might be complete, and be a proper habitation for the owner. The same figure, though not in the same terms, the apostle uses, Eph 2:20-22.
The perfection or rejointing which the apostle wishes is that which refers to the state of the Church in its fellowship, unity, order, c. And perfection in the soul is the same, in reference to it, as perfection in the Church is to its order and unity. The perfection or rejointing of the soul implies its purification, and placing every faculty, passion, and appetite in its proper place so that the original order, harmony, unity, and purity of the soul may be restored; and the whole builded up to be a habitation of God through the Spirit, Eph 2:22.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.
Albert Barnes 1834 · Public Domain For we are glad when we are weak ...…
For we are glad when we are weak ... - We rejoice in your welfare, and are willing to submit to self-denial and to infirmity if it may promote your spiritual strength. In the connection in which this stands it seems to mean, “I am content to appear weak, provided you do no wrong; I am willing not to have occasion to exercise my power in punishing offenders, and had rather lie under the reproach of being actually weak, than to have occasion to exercise my power by punishing you for wrongdoing; and provided you are strong in the faith and in the hope of the gospel, I am very willing, nay, I rejoice that I am under this necessity of appearing weak.”
And this also we wish - I desire this in addition to your doing no evil.
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Even your perfection - The word used here (κατάρτισις katartisis) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, though the verb from which it is derived (καταρτίζω katartizō) occurs often; Mat 4:21; Mat 21:16; Mar 1:19; Luk 6:40; Rom 9:22; 1Co 1:10; 2Co 13:11; Gal 6:1; 1Th 3:10, et al.; see the note on 2Co 13:11. On the meaning of the word see Rom 9:22. The idea of restoring, putting in order, fitting, repairing, is involved in the word “always,” and hence, the idea of making perfect; that is, of completely restoring anything to its proper place. Here it evidently means that Paul wished their entire reformation - so that there should be no occasion for exercising discipline. Doddridge renders it, “perfect good order.” Macknight, “restoration.” For this restoration of good order Paul had diligently labored in these epistles; and this was an object near to his heart.
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 We rejoice that we have not made our power…
We rejoice that we have not made our power appear in punishing the wicked, and afflicting our enemies; we are glad that we appear to them to be weak; but we are particularly glad, when you live is such a manner as to give us no occasion of reprimanding you, or of exercising our power over you. (St. John Chrysostom)
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 are glad--Greek, "rejoice."
are glad--Greek, "rejoice."
when we are weak--having no occasion for displaying our power; and so seeming "weak," as being compassed with "infirmities" (Co2 10:10; Co2 11:29-30).
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ye . . . strong--"mighty" in faith and the fruits of the Spirit.
and--not in the oldest manuscripts.
we wish--Greek, "pray for."
your perfection--literally, "perfect restoration"; literally, that of a dislocated limb. Compare Co2 13:11, "Be perfect," the same Greek word; also in Co1 1:10, "perfectly joined together"; Eph 4:12, "the perfecting of the saints."
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 9. And he rejoices in his powerlessness save for…
9. And he rejoices in his powerlessness save for the truth alone.
Glad… weak—He rejoices that his apostleship thus loses force by their being strong in Christian truth.
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Perfection—Your completion as Christians. The image is drawn from a structure, where all the parts are exactly adjusted so as to make it complete and perfect in its kind. Be ye possessed of a complete symmetry of Christian character.
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 9. For we are glad, when we are weak,…
9. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong] This passage is very similar to 1Co_4:8-10. At present none of the burdens, but many of the blessings of the Gospel, have fallen on the Corinthians. St Paul rejoices that their immature faith is not subjected to the severe strain of persecution and affliction, while as respects himself, he rejoices in sorrows (ch. 2Co_12:10), regarding them as proofs of the ascendency of the life of the Spirit over that of the flesh. Cf. ch. 2Co_4:10-16. The word translated am glad is somewhat stronger in the original—rejoice. And the word translated strong is cognate with that translated mighty in 2Co_13:3. See also ch. 2Co_10:4. It refers to the inner strength of spirit with which the believer in Christ is endued. It is also to be observed—and the Greek here displays it more clearly than the English—that St Paul does not say that the Corinthians are strong, but that he rejoices when they are so.
and this also we wish] More literally, pray. St Paul rejoices when the Corinthians are strong, but whether they are so or not, he does not cease to pray for their advancement in holiness.
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perfection] The word is not that usually rendered perfection in our translation, i.e. the fulfilment by any creature of the end for which it was designed. It rather signifies the fitting together of a number of souls as the pieces in a mosaic. Cf. 1Co_1:10, where the cognate word (see 2Co_13:11) is used of unity of mind and judgment; Heb_10:5, where it is used of preparing a body for Christ; Mar_1:19, where it is used of mending nets; Gal_6:1, where it is used of restoring a sinner. The first and last of these meanings are probably combined here.
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 (9) For we are glad, when we are weak…
(9) For we are glad, when we are weak . . .—The last words cover many shades of meaning. We may think of the weakness of his bodily presence, of his physical infirmities, of the apparent failure of his supernatural powers because the condition of the Corinthian Church, as walking in faith and truth, presented no opening for their exercise. He can find cause for joy in all these, if only the disciples whom he loves are strong with the strength of God.
This also we wish, even your perfection.—Better, your restoration. This is the only passage in the New Testament in which the word occurs; but the corresponding verb is found in the “mending their nets” of Mat_4:21, Mar_1:19, and in the “restore” of Gal_6:1. Its proper meaning is to bring back to completeness. This, then, was what the Apostle had been aiming at all along. In his seeming harshness and self-assertion, as in his overflowing tenderness, he was looking forward to their restoration to their first love and their first purity. He would rather threaten than act, even at the cost of the threat appearing an empty vaunt, if only he might be spared the necessity for acting.
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 When we are weak, and ye are strong. (comp.…
When we are weak, and ye are strong. (comp. 1Co_4:8-10) Strong; " powerful. (2Co_10:4) We wish; rather, we pray. Your perfection; rather, your perfect union; " the readjustment of your disordered elements." A similar word occurs in Eph_4:10, and the verb in ver. 11; (1Co_1:10; 1Th_3:10, etc. It is also used in the Gospels for "mending nets". Mar_1:19, etc.)
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 For we are glad, when we are weak, and…
2Co_13:9
For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong:.
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. even your perfection.
Christian perfection
I. The object desired. Perfection.
1. As individual believers. No such thing as aggregate holiness can exist, without the sanctification of its units. A church cannot be perfect except as its members are so, any more than the body can be healthy unless its organs are sound. In what he considered this to consist we may gather from his writings:--In understanding be men, literally perfect; that I might perfect that which is lacking in your faith; perfect and complete in all the will of God; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to every, good work; perfect in Christ Jesus. He would have Christians--
(1) Of vigorous understanding, not feeble minded, not intellectual dwarfs, not liable to be carried about with every wind of doctrine in consequence of their slight comprehension or grasp of the truth.
(2) Of strong faith, not sceptical, doubting, hesitating, but, like Abraham, strong in faith, giving glory to God; living by it, walking by it, taking it as their principle and guide; and by it giving the future ascendency over the present, the spiritual over the material.
(3) Perfect in all Gods will; not correct in creed and defective in practice; not strong in faith and deficient in love, but showing faith by works; being all that Christianity requires and Christ was.
(4) Careful to maintain good works; active, diligent, zealous, devout.
(5) And all this in Christ Jesus; not from a spirit of legality, self-righteousness, or self dependence, but by grace derived from Christ, by the indwelling spirit of Christ, actuated by the love of Christ, and doing all to His glory. This is an object at which we may all aim. The highest kind of excellence is presented to the view of each. You cannot perhaps be great, you may be good--wealth may be denied you, worth is not. And this is what we want. If each one will consecrate themselves by a more personal surrender to Christ, and will resolve in Gods strength to be more what the Word of God requires, a new era will dawn upon this fellowship.
2. As a Church.
(1) And here we are at once reminded that there is much which a Christian Church may possess which does not constitute Christian perfection. Like the capital to which the city gave its name and which is the composite of many other forms of beauty, the Corinthian Church had great excellence, but it was not perfect, It had wealth, gifts, numbers probably--yet it was not perfect. The perfection of a Christian Church does not consist in outward things. Not that they are to be despised. They may be valuable adjuncts. But we are in danger of putting, e.g., beautiful architecture in the place of a spiritual house; melodious music in the place of harmonious feeling; of mistaking eloquence for gracious words; of idolising intellect instead of yielding to truth; but in proportion as we do this we content ourselves with the shell instead of the kernel, we grasp a shadow, but we miss the substance. The kingdom of God is not in word but in power.
(2) In thinking of what constitutes Church perfection, I place too in a very subordinate position mere outward organisation. Not that I despise it; but I regard it as a means.
(3) If I am asked what then constitutes the perfection of a Church, I point you to the Pentecostal Church (Act_2:1-47.).
(4) As we would obtain this perfection, let us try and avoid whatever would impair or destroy it. In this letter the apostle had animadverted on many points of reprehension. There was party-spirit, forbearance of needful discipline, undue conformity to the world, defects in the mode of conducting worship and in dispensing ordinances, an undue regard to ostentatious display of gifts, a lack of such liberality as was exhibited by other and poorer churches, unkind depreciation of him as their teacher and apostle. These and similar evils led him to say (2Co_12:20), I fear, lest when I come I shall not find you such as I would, and no wonder that he so earnestly desired greater perfection.
II. The wish expressed. Here observe--
1. The lofty aim of the Christian ministry.
(1) Look at it in itself, and how spiritual, vast, important--the fullest development of individual and collective character. And then recollect this was desired in order to something beyond--the worlds salvation and the glory of God. The Christian ministry seeks the Churchs perfection, and this in order to higher aims still.
(2) I go a step farther: it not only seeks it but it is greatly instrumental in promoting it. God has many means by which He works, as He can dispense with all; but of all the means He has blessed to this end, none have been more hopeful than an earnest, evangelical ministry. This we wish as ministers--your perfection.
2. The deep emotions by which earnest minds are characterised. The term wish but faintly intimates the apostles obvious feeling. We might illustrate it by some other of his expressions:--My little children of whom I travail in birth again till Christ be formed within you. God is my record how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ. I will very gladly spend and be spent for you. Be in earnest, and let the earnest emotion of others on your behalf urge you to concern for yourself.
3. The conscious dependence of the apostle upon an agency superior to his own to secure the object desired. We wish! but some one else must grant. Perfection will never be secured by mere wishing. This indeed will never secure anything.
(1) There must be effort. What a man sows that shall he also reap. If he sows only wishes, wishes light as thistle down will be his only harvest. If he sows real effort, diligent persevering exertion, a daily advance to perfection will be his glorious reward. Are we putting forth this? Say not it is discouraging to be constantly failing. Remember the effort braces the moral nature, and is thus its own reward. Let conscious failure only quicken to further exertion.
(2) Likewise pray--so did the apostle; well did he know that only the Perfect One could give perfection. (J. Vincy.)
Christian perfection
I. The nature of the apostles wish.
1. It was very serious and solemn, and of the nature of a fervent and affectionate prayer (Rom_10:1).
2. It was benevolent. The apostle had reason to be offended with the Corinthians, yet he manifested towards them the greatest kindness, and was at all times their advocate at the throne of grace.
3. It was seasonable and suitable. It implies that some things had taken place amongst the Corinthians which he lamented, and desired to see removed.
4. It was full and comprehensive, including both their present and eternal welfare. The greatest thing that is said of glorified saints above is, that they are made perfect. The greatest thing that can be said of God Himself is, that He is perfect.
5. It was highly apostolic, being in unison with his character and office.
II. Its object perfection. This is what he laboured himself to attain (Php_3:12). For the Corinthians he entertained the same holy desire (2Co_13:7). Corrupt principles and evil habits had crept in among them, and he wished to see these corrected and laid aside. Not content with negative purity he adds: This also we wish, even your perfection.
1. Christian perfection is--
(1) Legal. In the eye of the lawgiver, all the saints are complete in Christ, who is their head and representative (Col_2:10-11).
(2) Moral, which is either full, or partial. Man was originally free from moral defect, being created in righteousness and true holiness. Christ was also holy and sinless. Both were perfect, being in every respect what righteousness could require. The only perfection to be found amongst fallen creatures is partial; a perfection begun but not consummated; entire in all the integral parts, but not in degrees, as a child is perfect in possessing all that is requisite to constitute a complete and entire human being, though not grown up to the fulness of the stature of a man. So where patience has its perfect work, in connection with all the other graces, the believer is said to be perfect and entire, wanting nothing (Jam_1:4).
(3) Comparative (1Co_2:6).
(4) Synonymous with sincerity and uprightness (Gen_6:9; Gen_17:1; Job_1:8; Psa_37:37; Psa_101:2; Joh_1:47).
2. The perfection which Paul desired on behalf of the Corinthians would include
(1) A maturity of understanding in the great mysteries of the gospel. The entrance of Gods Word giveth light (Col_1:13); but all true religion is progressive.
(2) A pure heart and an unspotted conversation.
(3) A high degree of spirituality.
(4) Tenderness of conscience.
(5) An aptitude for spiritual and edifying conversation.
(6) Joining in Christian fellowship, and attending on gospel ordinances. Conclusion:
1. The sincere Christian, though he has not attained perfection, earnestly breathes after it, and cannot be satisfied without it.
2. What the apostle wished for others, let us anxiously seek for ourselves.
3. As the most eminent and perfect part of the Christian character consists in making Christ all and in all, so let this be the life and substance of our religion. (B. Beddome, M. A.)
Christian perfection
The objection to this is probably the loudest of all objections ever urged against Christianity. It is said to be clear fanaticism, false in fact, and ridiculous in appearance. And yet it is likely that a very slight examination will show that the common creed of all men has not a more clear or prominent feature or section in it than this very doctrine. And here we inquire, is it a new and strange doctrine peculiar to Christianity? Ask the orator how high he has fixed his standard of perfection in the powers of oratory, beyond which point he does not aim? His young manhood makes war upon all who have preceded him. His pride disdains the achievements of mortals; and he would, if he could, hold his audience nerveless and breathless--subject only to the flash of his eye and the move of his finger. His motto is perfection. Ask the painter--if he would not, were he able, make the canvas whisper! The sculptor, if he could, would chisel the marble, that you could see the very life blood coursing in its veins! To excel is the desire of every man who is not a drone or a sluggard. What means achievement? Is it a word without a meaning? Go on to perfection is the only motto worthy a God-created, heaven-aspiring mind. It is the first thing the child learns, and the last thing the sage grasps after. And would you deny this heavenly doctrine to the Christian? Must he, and he alone, be deprived of its cheering influence? May not his heart, too, be fired with its vital flames? Must he, and he alone, be fettered and chained down to the mere experience of the common herd? Or may he not rise above the earth likewise, and go on to perfection too? Let him go! Let him rise! Let him fix his aspiring gaze higher, yea upon the very spot where the Saviour sits at the right hand of God. (Homilist.)
The Biblical Illustrator, edited by Joseph S. Exell (c. 1880s–1900s) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
J. W. McGarvey 1914 · Public Domain For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye…
For we rejoice, when we are weak, and ye are strong: this we also pray for, even your perfecting .
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.
C. I. Scofield 1917 · Public Domain Perfecting. (See Scofield "Mat 5:48").
perfection
Perfecting. (See Scofield "Mat 5:48").
The Scofield Reference Bible (1917 edition), notes by C. I. Scofield — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.
unfoldingWord translationNotes 2017 · CC BY-SA 4.0 may be made complete
may be made complete
"may become spiritually mature"
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in the use of my authority
"when I use my authority"
so that I may build you up, and not tear you down
Paul speaks of helping the Corinthians to know Christ better as if he were constructing a building. See how you translated a similar phrase in 2 Corinthians 10:8. AT: "to help you become better followers of Christ and not to discourage you so you stop following him" (See: Metaphor)
translationWords
joy
pray
authority
lord
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 13:9 become mature: This Greek word sometimes carries the…
13:9 become mature: This Greek word sometimes carries the idea of repair or completion, of restoring something to its proper condition, as in a return to good health (a related word is used in 13:11, “grow to maturity”; Mark 1:19, “repairing”; 1 Thes 3:10, “fill”; Heb 13:21, “equip”; 1 Pet 5:10, “restore”).
Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.