2 Corinthians 13:1
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Paul’s mention of the "third time" isn't just a logistical note; it hints at a growing weariness and his desire for this visit to be decisive, not just for discipline, but for the Corinthians' spiritual maturity. He’s referencing the Old Testament principle of witness, not to threaten, but to ensure that any accusations against him (or the church's behavior) are based on solid, undeniable truth, not mere gossip or flimsy evidence.
This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is about to visit Corinth for the third time, and he's making it clear that this trip will be different from the last. He's coming with a firm intention to address ongoing issues of sin and false apostles, and he's setting the stage for a serious confrontation, signaling that he'll be relying on established evidence rather than mere accusations.
Paul is about to visit the Corinthian church for the third time. What does this repeated journey signify about his concern and his intentions?
Paul's declaration, 'This is the third time I am coming to you,' isn't just a logistical note. It carries weight. In ancient culture, a third visit often implied a finality or a serious confrontation if issues weren't resolved. Paul is signaling to the Corinthians that this visit is different – it's a point of decision. His concern for their spiritual well-being is so profound that he's willing to make this journey, not for his own sake, but for theirs.
This also underscores his apostolic authority. He's not a casual visitor but someone with a God-given mandate to guide, correct, and build up the church. His 'coming' is an act of spiritual leadership, demonstrating his commitment even when facing opposition or immaturity within the church.
Paul grounds his upcoming disciplinary actions in a legal principle. What makes this principle so crucial for establishing truth?
The phrase 'Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses' echoes a well-established principle in Jewish law, found in the Old Testament. It was designed to prevent false accusations and ensure fairness. A single witness could be mistaken or malicious, but corroboration by two or three made the testimony much more reliable and authoritative.
Paul applies this here not just to legal proceedings, but to the spiritual health and accountability of the church. When he needs to address sin or error, he won't rely on hearsay or his own isolated perception. The charges he brings will be based on solid, confirmed evidence. This principle protects both the accused from injustice and the church from division caused by unsubstantiated claims. It highlights the importance of community in discerning truth and upholding righteousness.
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Understand the original words
stoma · Greek Noun
A formal confirmation or verification of a matter, typically involving testimony that establishes the truth of a claim or accusation. In a legal and covenantal sense, it refers to the objective basis upon which judgment is rendered.
martys · Greek Noun
An individual who testifies to what they have seen, heard, or known. In biblical law, multiple witnesses are required to establish a charge, serving as a safeguard against false accusation and ensuring divine justice.
Paul's reference to a third visit and the need for witnesses highlights the ongoing relational and disciplinary issues within the Corinthian church, underscoring the gravity of the situation he addresses in this letter.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Visit to Corinth
Paul establishes the church in Corinth during his ministry in Greece, facing significant opposition but seeing many believe.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes First Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthians to address problems in the church, including division and immorality.
c. AD 55
Paul's Painful Visit to Corinth
Following his first letter, Paul makes a short, difficult visit to Corinth, which he refers to as a 'painful visit' (2 Cor. 2:1).
c. AD 56— this verse
Paul Writes Second Corinthians
Written from Macedonia, this letter is a complex mix of defense, reconciliation, and warning, likely following further conflict with some in Corinth.
This Old Testament passage lays down the legal principle that Paul is invoking, establishing the necessity of two or three witnesses for any accusation to be substantiated.
Matthew 18:16Jesus himself teaches a similar principle for church discipline, showing how this practice of verification by multiple witnesses is rooted in God's own standards for truth and justice.
John 8:17Jesus quotes the Old Testament law (Deuteronomy 19:15) when challenged by the Pharisees, reinforcing that testimony must be confirmed by multiple witnesses to be considered valid.
Hebrews 10:28This passage echoes the severity of rejecting God's law, drawing a parallel to how severely someone would be punished if found guilty under the law of Moses, which relied on multiple witnesses.
Paul’s mention of the "third time" isn't just a logistical note; it hints at a growing weariness and his desire for this visit to be decisive, not just for discipline, but for the Corinthians' spiritual maturity. He’s referencing the Old Testament principle of witness, not to threaten, but to ensure that any accusations against him (or the church's behavior) are based on solid, undeniable truth, not mere gossip or flimsy evidence.
Paul is about to visit Corinth for the third time, and he's making it clear that this trip will be different from the last. He's coming with a firm intention to address ongoing issues of sin and false apostles, and he's setting the stage for a serious confrontation, signaling that he'll be relying on established evidence rather than mere accusations.
Paul is about to visit Corinth for the third time, and he's making it clear that this trip will be different from the last. He's coming with a firm intention to address ongoing issues of sin and false apostles, and he's setting the stage for a serious confrontation, signaling that he'll be relying on established evidence rather than mere accusations.
"This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." — Paul’s mention of the "third time" isn't just a logistical note; it hints at a growing weariness and his desire for this visit to be decisive, not just for discipline, but for the Corinthians' spirit…
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Last reviewed October 2026
