2 CORINTHIANS 13:10 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.”
This is why I write these things when absent, so that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of the authority the Lord gave me — for building up and not for tearing down — Paul's *letters* are *therapeutic* rather than *punitive*. His *exousia*, authority, given by the *kyrios*, is *exclusively* for *oikodomen*, building up. *Harshness* would contradict apostolic purpose.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 13:10
He was sensible he had spoken more vehemently than his wont, and especially towards the end of the Epistle. For he said before, “Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage towards you: Yea, I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present, with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some which count of us as if we walked according to the flesh;”…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!