2 Corinthians 13:10

For this reason I write thus while absent, that when present I may not have to act severely in the exercise of the authority which the Lord has given me for building up, and not for pulling down.

Weymouth NT (1912)

In The King James Version

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.

In Context

9and it is a joy to us when we are powerless, but you are strong. This we also pray for--the perfecting of your characters.

11Finally, brethren, be joyful, secure perfection of character, take courage, be of one mind, live in peace. And then God who gives love and peace will be with you.

Read all of 2 Corinthians 13

Cross References

1 Corinthians 4:21Which shall it be? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in a loving and tender spirit?

2 Corinthians 10:2I beseech you not to compel me when present to make a bold display of the confidence with which I reckon I shall show my `courage' against some who reckon that we are guided by worldly principles.

2 Corinthians 12:20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may not find you to be what I desire, and that you may find me to be what you do not desire; that perhaps there may be contention, jealousy, bitter feeling, party spirit, ill-natured talk, backbiting, undue eulogy, unrest;

2 Corinthians 13:8For we have no power against the truth, but only for the furtherance of the truth;

Matthew Henry on 2 Corinthians 13:8-11

The Apostle Asserts His Claims. ( a. d. 57.) 7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 10 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… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study 2 Corinthians 13:10