II Corinthians 13:10
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Therefore--because I wish the "sharpness" to be in my letters rather than in deeds [CHRYSOSTOM]. edification . . . not to destruction--for building up . . . not for casting down. To "use sharpness" would seem to be casting down, rather than building up; therefore he prefers not to have to use it.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle threatens to be severe against obstinate sinners, and assigns the reason thereof (Co2 13:1-6); then he makes a suitable prayer to God on the behalf of the Corinthians, with the reasons inducing him thereto (Co2 13:7-10), and concludes his epistle with a valediction and a benediction (Co2 13:11-14).
Open source ↗13:10 Paul did not want to deal severely with the Corinthians by punishing the offenders (12:21). He wanted to exercise his apostolic authority in a positive way, but his ministry required him both to strengthen and to tear . . . down (cp. Jer 1:10). • to strengthen you (or to build you up): This is Paul’s favorite expression for a stable Christian community (see Eph 4:12), in which the Lord lives both in and among the believers (2 Cor 13:5).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sternly, so that they will be sound in the faith
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
I beg you that when I come I may not need to be as bold as I expect toward those who presume that we live according to the flesh.
Which do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?
I already warned you the second time I was with you. So now in my absence I warn those who sinned earlier and everyone else: If I return, I will not spare anyone,