2 Corinthians 13:10 Commentary and Bible Study

The word of God might become for them an instrument of correction instead of edification, for Paul had already warned them that, if necessary, he would not spare them when he came to them. Now he says he would have to use sharpness or severity with them. However, he strongly wishes to avoid this, and therefore he has corrected them in this epistle in the hope that they will respond and correction during his visit will not be necessary. Let them therefore take what he has said very seriously, so that he does not have to prove his apostolic power in a negative way when he comes to them. That power is given him by the Lord, the power which brought those like the Corinthians to see their great spiritual need, and to repent and submit to Christ’s Lordship.