II Corinthians 13:2
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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,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Rather, "I have already said (at my second visit), and tell you (now) beforehand, AS (I did) WHEN I WAS PRESENT THE SECOND TIME, SO also NOW in my absence (the oldest manuscripts omit the 'I write,' which here wrongly follows in English Version Greek text) to them which heretofore have sinned (namely, before my second visit, Co2 12:21), and to all others (who have sinned since my second visit, or are in danger of sinning)." The English Version, "as if I were present the second time," namely, this next time, is quite inconsistent with Co2 13:1, "this is the third time I am coming to you," as Paul could not have called the same journey at once "the second" and "the third time" of his coming. The antithesis between "the second time" and "now" is palpable. if I come again, &c.--that is, whensoever I come again (Act 20:2). These were probably the very words of his former threat which he now repeats again.
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 ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.
hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the Day of the Lord.
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.