Examination

This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them—since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you we will live with him by the power of God. 2 Corinthians 13:1-4

In view of the continuing lies, distortions and accusations brought against Paul by the Judaizers who had infiltrated the Church, Paul was coming to them this “third time” to examine evidence by the rules of Jewish justice, to establish exactly who the individuals were that remained unrepentant and were keeping the Church in turmoil. The manner of examination would be according to Deuteronomy 19:15

“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”

This rule was also cited by Jesus in Matthew 18:16. What a dreadful job. With great responsibility comes some really distasteful burdens. It is obvious in these two epistles to the Corinthian Church that Paul wished this issue would just go away.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test. But we pray to God that you may not do wrong—not that we may appear to have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem to have failed. 2 Corinthians 13:5-7

Here’s a test for you to perform for yourselves, who are questioning and doubting Paul: if you are a Christian, you have Jesus Christ indwelling you. Do you have Jesus Christ indwelling you? How, then, did you learn about Jesus Christ and how did you come to believe in Him? It was through the preaching and ministering of Paul! How could Paul give you Jesus if Paul himself did not have Jesus indwelling? If you do not find Jesus indwelling you, then you are not saved, and that would explain your continued carnality and confusion. This was not for Paul’s vindication, but for the assurance of the Corinthians that they were, indeed, saved by faith and therefore true brethren of Paul and his associates, and therefore should stop allowing the wolves to lead them astray.

For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. Your restoration is what we pray for. For this reason I write these things while I am away from you, that when I come I may not have to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down. 2 Corinthians 13:8-10

We do not need to defend the scriptures. The scriptures defend us. When dealing with worldlings, scoffers and wolves, the Word of God is our weapon and our stronghold. The wolves will distort the scriptures, but believers who know the Word and apply it to their own souls will recognize immediately when something’s amiss.

Paul did not want to be harsh with these baby believers. He was doing all he could through the power of Christ to correct their mistakes and get them back on the right track, spiritually. His fervent prayer was for their restoration to fellowship with God and with himself, so that when he arrived he would find them restored, refreshed and ready to learn and move on with their Christian lives. He had laid a foundation of grace with these Greeks and wanted to build on that, rather than having to rebuild from the ground up. “If you’ve believed in the atonement of Jesus Christ, you are my brethren. Refresh your souls with what you have learned about Him and be ready to move forward with me when I come.”

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:11-14

Renew your joy!! You can restore your fellowship with one another, you can agree on the truth of the scriptures with like-mindedness, you can practice peaceful lives. God will support you in all this. Show your appreciation for each other. The whole Church is on your side, as are God the Son, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. Through the grace atonement of Jesus Christ we have the love of God and can fellowship with and learn from the Holy Spirit.

Each member of the Trinity plays an active role in our salvation and in our daily divine production. We’d do well to always keep that in mind.

We are never alone.