CONCLUSION After showing the Corinthians every love and compassion, confirming that he will spend everything he has, and will give even himself for their sake; He proclaims his apostolic authority, which he will not use except for their edification and for the glory of God. Now, as a conclusion, he threatens those persisting on opposition and non-repentance; prays for the sake of the church, and presents an apostolic benediction for all. 1- Threatening the wicked 1-6 2- A prayer for their sake 7-10 3- A farewell and a benediction 11-14 1- THREATENING THE WICKED: Having sent them two epistles, he counted them as two witnesses against those who persist on their evil and opposition to the evangelic truth, and on corrupting the church of God. “This will be the third time I am coming to you. ‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses every word shall be established’” (1) Who are those two or three witnesses? Some believe the two witnesses to be two times he visited Corinth. According to ‘Calmet’, the first visit was in the year 52 AD, to establish the church there, when he stayed a year and a half (Acts 18: 1). Then he came to them again in the year 55 AD, for a brief time, after which he had to depart to Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16: 7); hence St. Luke did not refer to it in the book of acts. And finally, he intends to visit them a third time, which took place in the year 57 AD. Yet, some believe that the apostle did not visit Corinth until the writing of this epistle except once. And still others believe that the two witnesses are the two persons he added to his name in the two 343 epistles, namely, ‘Sothsenes’ (1 Corinthians 1: 1), and ‘Timothy’ (2 Corinthians 1: 1). Paul felt great pain in writing to them about his intention to come to visit them; having hoped that everything would be in good order in the church before his arrival; so that what he threatens to do would be un-necessary1. (St. John Chrysostom) “I warned those who sinned previously 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 be lenient” (2) It so seems that the second visit has already taken place, according to his words: “as I did when present on my second visit”.What he says is: I spoke once and again when I was present with you; and now I write to you. If you head what I say, I shall do what I intend to do; But if you disobey, I shall necessarily stop talking to punish2. Putting his neck on his hand, Paul says that those who heard his threats, and still persist on their disobedience, when he comes, he will drive them away; an action he will take humbly and only in a defensive way3. (St. John Chrysostom) “Since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you” (3) In case they seek a proof of his apostolic authority in Jesus Christ, it will be their own transformation to faith in Jesus Christ; a strong proof that Christ speaks through him, and that His power has 1 In 2 Cor. Hom 29: 1. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 29. PG 61: 640. 3 In 2 Cor. Hom 29: 1. 344 worked in them -- not a weak but a mighty power. By this same authority and power, the apostle has the right to chasten the false teachers. “Behold our shield, O God; Look at the face of Your anointed” (Psalm 84: 9). Notice that he says “Look at the face of Your anointed”. When someone prays with zeal, the Father looks at the face of the Son; Now, what does this mean? The apostle asks: Do you seek the proof of Christ speaking in me?”; to which the Lord Savior Himself answers: “He who receives you, receives Me” (Matthew 10: 40). Hence the Psalmist says to the Father: “Looking at us, You will see the face of Your anointed dwelling in us”. What Paul says, is uttered by Christ Himself; for “He who receives you, receives Me”. That is how our Lord and Savior speaks to us in the writings of His princes1. (St. Jerome) The apostle Paul will not punish the Corinthians, just to prove that he has the authority. His perseverance with them is not out of weakness, but of love and longsuffering2. “Christ … is not weak toward you, but mighty in you”. Why did he add “in you”, when He is mighty everywhere? Because, intending to punish the unbelievers, the demons, or any other being, he is capable of doing it. This expressionis either to put them to shame, having already got the proof; Or to proclaim that He reveals His might in them, who ought to reform themselves. He also says somewhere else: “For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside?” (1 Corinthians 5: 12); Namely, that those from outside, He will judge on the day of judgment; While concerning you, it is to save you of this judgment3. 1 On Ps., hom 16. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 29: 2. 3 In 2 Cor. Hom 29. PG 61: 642. 345 (St. John Chrysostom) Since the apostle Paul became a “chosen vessel” (Acts 9: 15), he did not live his own life, bur revealed Christ living in his life; and presented Christ speaking in him (2 Corinthians 12: 3). Hence he became a dwelling place for the infinite Nature1. In case someone followed the example of Paul in his life, and became a chosen vessel carrying the name of God (Acts 9: 15), and his head unified all the members of the body of the church in harmony; Such a person when he speaks, he would not be speaking on his own, but would be speaking in the name of the Head; namely, according to Paul, it is Christ who speaks in him (3). That is why the trachea and the larynx bind the word of truth to the sweet and delicious voice of the Holy Spirit. The trachea will be loaded with the holy words, and will feed all the members of the body with these lovely teachings; the whole body parts will work in harmony by the bond of peace and love2. He in whom God dwells, is like a (sofa) on which God sits. Such a person will no longer live for himself, but Christ lives in him, and gives a proof that Christ speaks through him, according to St. Paul (3) 3. (St. Gregory. Bishop of Nyssa) Christ did not speak contrary to His apostle, as He, Himself, also spoke in him: “Do you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me?” Christ, being in the gospel, and in the apostle, He speaks by the two, sometimes by His own mouth, and other times through His ambassador, who when he proclaims something, it is not written in the records that the ambassador said so and so, but it is as 1 Commentary on Song of Songs, Homily 3. 2 Commentary on Song of Songs, Homily 7. 3 Commentary on Song of Songs, Homily 7. 346 though Christ Himself has said it, having commanded His ambassador to say it1. Christ Himself utters in His saints; as according to the apostle: “Do not you seek the proof of Christ speaking in me? 2” Have not the martyrs testified to Christ? Have they not borne the testimony of the truth? To think more carefully, we shall find that those martyrs bear a testimony, He Himself testifies to Himself; as He dwells in the martyrs to let them bear the testimony of the truth. Listen to one of the martyrs – the apostle Paul, saying: “Do not you seek the proof of Christ speaking in me? 3” (St. Augustine) If not for God’s care, the human effort would be set on weak foundation, and most certainly, faith would be in danger, if not supported by the care of God. On our side, we desire reform, and Christ on His side realizes it4. (Father Valerian) “Do not you seek the proof of Christ speaking in me? ”Christ is in all His saints; And therefore from the One Christ, many Christs will come, many will conform themselves according to him who is in the image of God; hence the prophet says: “Do not touch My anointed ones” (Psalm 105: 15) 5. We can more fittingly say that the Savior was not (in) His disciples, but (with) them, as long as they have not yet reached by their mind the end of time. But once they see the world, crucified for them, within their hands, as far as they could; then, 1 Commentary on Song of Songs, Homily 32: 8. 2 Sermons for Christmas and epiphany (ACW), 16: 5. 3 Sermons on New Testament Lessons, 78: 3. 4 Homily 11: 4 *Frs. Of the Church). 5 Commentary on John, 6: 3. 347 Jesus will not any more be (with) them, but (in) them; and they could say together with Paul:: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2: 20).; and: “since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me” (3) 1. (The scholar Origen) “For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you” (4) If the apostle was accused of being weak and without authority, Christ speaking in Him was so accused as well. By being crucified, Christ appeared as weak; yet He was not, as He has delivered Himself to death through His own free will. It would never happen without His allowance; as He could provide more than twelve legions of angels to support Him against the mobs led by the Jewish high priests (Matthew 26: 53), But, how could the prophecies written about Him be fulfilled? By His death He revealed the divine power, that of the blood, the salvation, and the work of grace that drew the world to the Lord Christ, and many have been transformed to faith in Him. As though the apostle says to the Corinthians: As we are for Christ, we take His side; and as the Jews accused Him of weakness, when He was crucified, So you also accuse us of weakness, when we suffer for your sake. We partake of His crucified life, we partake of His love, so as to carry His strength in us, while being accused by you of weakness. There are three meanings of the tem “weakness”: the physical weakness, the wavering faith, and the persecution. Here, the apostle uses the third meaning of weakness. What he means is: in persecutions, in dangers, in plots, in deaths, in weaknesses, in reproaches, in needs, in distresses, for Christ’s sake … (2 Corinthians 12: 10). If he chose to endure anything that 1 Commentary on John, 10: 8. 348 appears as weakness, yet this would not hinder the power of God. The apostle Paul presents an expression of unbelief, to consider the cross as foolishness and weakness. But he does not say that because Christ was weak when crucified, as It was in His authority not to be crucified… Why then he says: “in weakness”? If He was crucified, enduring treason, tribulations, and dishonor (which apparently are counted as weaknesses), Yet He was not harmed in the least. We as well, we would never be harmed when persecuted1. What is the meaning of “We are weak in Him?” We are persecuted, dragged here and there, endure to the extreme. But what does “in” mean? It means for the sake of preaching and of faith in Him. Yet, if it is for His sake that we endure what is sad, disturbing, and difficult, It is utterly obvious that we shall also gain what is joyful and rejoicing; Therefore he adds: “We shall live with Him by the power of God” 2. (St. John Chrysostom) You know for sure, saintly brethren, as well as we do, that, because our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the Physician of our eternal health, He took over Himself our human weakness, that it would not endure forever. He took over our mortal body; and in it He kills death. And as the apostle says: “For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God” (4)3. (St. Augustine) “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Prove yourselves, Do you know yourselves tha Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you are disqualified” (5) 1 In 2 Cor. Hom 29. PG 61: 61: 642. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 29. PG 61: 61: 644. 3 Sermons on New Testament Lessons, 38: 1. 349 To confirm his authority in Jesus Christ, he asks them not to seek a proof outside themselves; but to examine themselves to see how the Lord Christ has done in them through the preaching and care of the apostle Paul; how He dwells in them. The apostle has given birth to them in Jesus Christ, and became a father to them. The Greek word (heautous) translated as “examine”, is used in examining gold or silver coins to see if they are forfeit or genuine. It is befitting of them to examine themselves, whether they are truly in Christ, and Christ is in them; Or they just carry His name. Examine yourselves, whether Christ dwells in you, to carry His Spirit, strength, and mind, and enjoy the sonhood to God, as genuine coins, or you are forfeit and disqualified by God. Look into yourselves; If you find out that Christ is in you, How much more would He be in your teacher1? It so seems to me that he is speaking about their life; As faith is not enough to draw the gift of the Spirit. He says: “If you are in faith, Christ is in you”. However it so happens that many may have faith, yet they are denied that gift. To solve this problem he adds: “unless indeed you are disqualified”, namely, (unless your life is corrupt) 2. So as not to hurt their feelings, he hinted vaguely, and did not confirm, that they are “disqualified”; then added: “But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified” (6). Here again, is a serious warning… He says: “I pray to God that you may not do anything wrong -- not that we may appear that we have met the test, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem disqualified” (7). He says: I pray to God, and ask that I do not find any of you not reforming his life, not repentant, or even not doing anything 1 In 2 Cor. Hom 29: 4. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 29. PG 61: 61: 644. 350 wrong … But in case you persist on doing evil and not repenting, we would then be committed to chasten and punish, as it happened in the case of Sapphira and Magus. We still pray to God that this will not happen, but the contrary; …we do not want to appear approved in this way; … we do not want to prove our authority by chastening you… We pray that you will always live in virtue, always reforming yourselves; that is how we want to appear approved, not by using our authority for chastisement1. (St. John Chrysostom) “But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified” (6) After presenting “the dwelling of Christ in them” as the thermometer by which they would examine themselves, and as a strong proof of the authenticity and non-forgery of their faith, and not their non-forgery; he confirmed to them that what they enjoy, is enjoyed as well by him and his partners in ministry. It is as though he say: In case by examining yourselves you find that you are genuine and non-forged coins of God, you are then not disqualified; And consequently, it would be befitting of you, as well, to realize that we, who preached the gospel of truth to you, are not forgers nor disqualified. 2- A PRAYER FOR THEIR SAKE: “Now I pray to God that you may not do anything wrong – not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, though we may seem disqualified” (7) In his prayer the apostle does not seek to justify himself, but to justify his people, to be approved by the Lord, and to have Him dwell in them. He is preoccupied by his children in the spirit. The apostle does not want to use his apostolic authority in chastisement, being approved by God, but seeks the salvation of the people, even though he may seem disqualified and with no 1 In 2 Cor. Hom 29. PG 61: 61: 646. 351 authority. The apostolic authority in itself is not what preoccupies him, but the salvation of his brethren in the Lord… He does not want to come to them with the apostolic rod of chastisement, but with the apostolic meekness and compassion, as long as they are sanctified in the Lord. The task of the priest is to pray to God to keep him and his congregation from sin, from doing anything wrong, to come to be, in grace, kept in Him. … As far as his personal honor and reputation are concerned, they does not preoccupy his mind. “For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (8) The ministers of Christ could not present vain teachings against the evangelic truth, but what they could do is the presentation and the abidance of the truth. The Truth is “Christ Himself”; and testifying to Him is drawing souls to His Person. It is as though the apostle confirms that, whether he is giving love, compassion, and gentleness, or holding the rod of chastisement, nothing preoccupies him except the gospel of Christ. In case they hold fast to evil, and are opposed to the truth, the apostle could not be slothful just to gain them; nor to act contrary to the truth to avoid doing harm to his reputation. “For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray that you may be made complete” (9) What make the heart of the apostle glad is to appear weak, and not to hold the rod of chastisement, as long as they are strong by the righteousness of Christ.. What would bring joy to him as a father is to see his children strong in righteousness and spiritual gifts, and walking along the way of perfection. Some believe that the apostle here, proclaims that his pleasure, together with his fellow ministers, would be to appear weak, namely, to endure persecutions, and bitter afflictions, if the people are strong and complete in the holy life and doing righteousness. 352 Who could match Paul, who was despised, dishonored, scoffed, and accused of arrogance? And although he finds it necessary to use his apostolic authority to chastise, yet he disregards it, and prays to God that there would be no need to use it. On the contrary, he intends to clarify the matter beforehand, to avoid the need to use it1. (St. John Chrysostom) “Therefore I write these things while I am away from you, so that when I come, I may not have to be severe in using the authority that the lord has given me for building up and not for tearing down” (10) The apostle Paul would rather show his authority in his words, and not in his actions. He left it to the Corinthians to deduce that in case they do not manage to correct themselves, he would certainly come and do it for them2. (St. John Chrysostom) 3- A FAREWELL AND A BENEDICTION: “Finally brethren, farewell, Become complete, Be of good comfort, Be of one mind, live in peace; And the God of love and peace will be with you” (11) As he did when he started his epistle with words of encouragement and of compassion, So he ends it with joyful commandments, together with showing his love for all, and giving benediction to all. We certainly admire the teachings of Christ, putting in His parables the rewards of strife in such great perfection: “to behold”, “to inherit the kingdom of heaven”, “to become the sons of God”, “to become like God”, “to obtain mercy”, “to be 1 In 2 Cor. Hom 29: 5. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 30: 1. 353 comforted”, etc.. And if it is necessary to refer to sorrowful things, He does it in a mild way1. (St. John Chrysostom) “Finally” (loipon): All what is left for him is to end his epistle, wishing for everyone to enjoy the true happiness. “Farewell” (chairete): meaning great joy together with happiness. He wrote, not to bring them the spirit of sorrow, but seeking their gladness and the exultation of their hearts. “Become complete” (katartizesthe); namely, have a bond of love and harmony, as in this will be the edification and perfection of the church, “Be of good comfort” (Parakalesthe): In case they accept his counsel, they will be filled with inner comfort, even if they face persecutions, afflictions, or troubles, whatever are their sources. “Be of one mind”; Do not allow any dissensions or divisions among you. Have one faith, and one goal; for this unity in Jesus Christ will bring to you joy, perfection, and heavenly comfort.“ Live in peace” (eiexeeneuete): namely, dedicate your life for the sake of peace for all. Do not let those who have different thoughts, draw your hearts away from your goal, and deprive you of peace. “And the God of love and peace will be with you”: God is the God of love and peace, the Source of unity; He loves us and wishes for us to enjoy peace with Him, among ourselves, and with our brethren. God is with those who walk with love and peace, dwells in their midst, He loves those who love peace, abides in them and they abide in Him. Love would never be among those who love dissension and reject peace, they will not enjoy the divine presence. 1 In Matt. Hom. 18: 9. 354 That is why the apostle counsels them to rejoice, saying: “If you follow my lead, there would be nothing to keep you from having joy” … I want you to “become complete”, Complete what is missing. “Be of good comfort”, everyone by the other and by us, and by changing to what is better. “Be of one mind; Live in peace” Some people could be of one faith, yet in their dealings with one another they are wide apart. Paul seeks both1. How could Paul expect them to rejoice after telling them all those words? Yet, it is because of this, that he told them these words; For if they head his counsel, there would be nothing to keep them from rejoicing. There is nothing more comforting than the pure conscience2. (St. John Chrysostom) He encourages her (the bride of the Song -- the church), and provokes her not to sit idly, but to go forth to Him outside, and try to see Him; no more through windows, or in a mirror in darkness, but to go forth outside to see Him face to face. Now, being unable to see Him, He stands, not before her but behind her, behind a wall3. (The scholar Origen) The joy referred to here, will dwell on the Corinthians, once they reform their ways, after which they could reach maturity in faith. But before that, there is comfort that would support and encourage them to forsake the present pleasures for the sake of hope in the things to come. Peace of God is different from that of the world. People in the world may have peace, yet it is peace that could work to their 1 In 2 Cor. Hom 30. PG 61: 61: 649-650. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 30: 1. 3 The Song of Songs, Comm., Book 3: 13. (ACW). 355 destruction. The peace of Christ, being a liberation from sins, will bring gladness to God. He who has peace will also have love, and the God of both will forever protect him1. (Ambrosister) “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (12) He asks them to bear the spirit of true friendship, and that their kisses should be holy, not bearing deception nor corruption. What is the holy kiss? It is that in which there is no hypocrisy, like that of Judas. A kiss is given to incite love, and to plant in our souls the sound tendency toward one another. Returning after a long absence, we kiss one another, as our souls hasten to re-unite together. Yet there is something to be said in this concern: Being the temple of Christ, When we kiss one another, we are as though, kissing the entrance and passageway to the temple2. (St. John Chrysostom) “All the saints greet you” (13) By the saints here he means the believers in Macedonia or in Philippi, where he wrote the epistle. In the early church, the word “a Christian” was analogous to “a saint”; as all walked in holiness, and were keen on growing in it. “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy spirit be with you all. Amen” (14) God, the Holy Trinity, is the Source of every grace, love, and fellowship. The apostle starts by the grace of Christ, the Grantor of Salvation; then follows it by the love of God the Father, who delivered His only begotten Son for our sake, then by the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, the Grantor of unity. 1 CSEL 81: 313-314. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 30: 2. 356 Starting by the Lord Christ, he confirms the equality between the three Persons of the Holy Trinity. As there are one grace, one peace, one love, and one fellowship, on the side of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, There would certainly be one process; And where there is one process, there would be no possibility for the power to divide, nor for the essence to separate1. (St. Ambrose) The apostle Paul ends his epistle by a prayer, keen for them all to unite with God. To those who claim that the Holy Spirit is not God, on account that He was not included together with the Father and the Son at the beginning of the epistles of Paul, this verse is an enough response by the apostle. Everything that concern the Holy Trinity is non-divisible. Where there is the fellowship of the Spirit, it is the fellowship of the Son as well; And where there is the grace of the Son, it is the grace of the father and the spirit, as well. I say these things, without any mixing, nor discernment between the Persons; But we recognize every Person alone, and the mutual unity in their essence2. (St. John Chrysostom) 1 The Holy Spirit 1: 12: 13. 2 In 2 Cor. Hom 30: 3. 357 AN INSPIRATION FROM 2 CORINTHIANS 13 A THREAT OR A BENEDICTION? Amazing are You, O Lord in Your dealings; When You threat, You grant an unceasing love; And when You love, You grant us a committing maturation. Your amazing apostle, imitated You, when he threatened the Corinthians. And in his threat, he was moaning and compassionate. He wished that he would be weak, and they would be strong. He wished his threats would not be realized. He wished not to have to use his apostolic authority. But to see all enjoying You. He would then rejoice and exult. He carried Your power, as You are in him, and he in you. The conquering power of love. The power of the truth that builds up and not tears down. He lifted his heart to You to pray for the sake of his beloved. To seek Your glorified joy, Your heavenly comforts, and Your exalted love. To seek Your eternal peace, and Your grace, the grantor of holiness. I wonder if You could grant me, together with him, that committing love. So as not to cease praying like that for the sake of the whole world!
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