2 Corinthians 13:1
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just stating a fact about his visit; he's subtly reminding the Corinthians of foundational justice. By invoking the Old Testament principle of witness testimony, he's signaling that his upcoming pronouncements of discipline will be well-founded and just, not arbitrary. This is the legal basis for his authority, grounding his apostolic actions in God's established truth.
Paul is preparing for his third visit to Corinth, and he’s bracing himself for conflict because some in the church are questioning his authority. He’s asserting his apostolic rights, and before he arrives, he’s laying down the law, reminding them of the principle that serious accusations need solid proof, not just rumors. This sets the stage for the confrontation that will unfold in the following verses as he addresses the troublemakers head-on.
Paul is about to visit the Corinthian church for the third time. Why is this visit so significant, and what does it tell us about his heart?
A Pattern of Patience
Paul's statement, "This is the third time I am coming to you," isn't just a travel update. It reveals a deliberate, patient approach to addressing deep-seated issues within the Corinthian church. Think of it as a final warning, a last-ditch effort before more serious action is needed.
The Principle of Testimony
The second part of the verse lays down a crucial principle: "Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." This echoes Old Testament law (Deuteronomy 19:15) and was standard practice in ancient courts. Paul is signaling that he's not acting on rumor or personal feelings. Any accusations against him, or any need for discipline within the church, must be supported by solid, corroborated evidence. This principle protects the community and ensures that judgment is fair and just.
Why did Paul emphasize solid proof when addressing the Corinthians, and what does this reveal about his authority and their situation?
Beyond Hearsay
Paul wasn't interested in gossip or unsubstantiated claims. He demanded that any "charge" – whether against him or concerning the church's behavior – be backed by credible, multiple witnesses. This isn't just about avoiding false accusations; it's about establishing the reality of a situation. Truth, especially when it leads to correction or judgment, needs solid grounding.
A Foundation for Apostolic Authority
By invoking this legal principle, Paul is asserting his apostolic authority. He operates not as a tyrant, but as someone accountable to God's established ways of discerning truth. This standard also serves to validate his own ministry and refute any dissenting voices within Corinth who might be questioning his legitimacy. The evidence must speak for itself, confirming the truth he represents.
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 stems from a complex history of ministry in Corinth, marked by initial success, painful conflict, and a desire for reconciliation, all within the framework of apostolic authority and church discipline.
c. AD 50-52
First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas evangelize in Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This lays the groundwork for future correspondence and visits.
c. AD 55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth to address divisions and issues within the community. This letter is written from Ephesus.
c. AD 56
Painful Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult, possibly brief, visit to Corinth. This visit is often referred to as the "painful visit" and is likely alluded to in 2 Corinthians 2:1.
c. AD 56
Severe Letter to the Corinthians
Following the painful visit, Paul writes a severe letter (which is now lost) to confront ongoing problems and express his sorrow and disappointment with the Corinthian church. This letter is sent with Titus.
This Old Testament law lays the foundation for Paul's principle, emphasizing that accusations require the testimony of two or three witnesses to be considered reliable and just.
Matthew 18:16Jesus directly quotes and applies this principle within the context of church discipline, showing its ongoing relevance for resolving disputes and maintaining community health.
Acts 6:3When the early church needed to appoint leaders, they followed a similar principle by seeking out men with good reputations, whom the whole community could testify about, ensuring trustworthy choices.
1 Timothy 5:19Paul reiterates this principle to Timothy, specifically in the context of dealing with elders, highlighting the importance of corroborating evidence before bringing charges against spiritual leaders.
Paul isn't just stating a fact about his visit; he's subtly reminding the Corinthians of foundational justice. By invoking the Old Testament principle of witness testimony, he's signaling that his upcoming pronouncements of discipline will be well-founded and just, not arbitrary. This is the legal basis for his authority, grounding his apostolic actions in God's established truth.
Paul is preparing for his third visit to Corinth, and he’s bracing himself for conflict because some in the church are questioning his authority. He’s asserting his apostolic rights, and before he arrives, he’s laying down the law, reminding them of the principle that serious accusations need solid proof, not just rumors. This sets the stage for the confrontation that will unfold in the following verses as he addresses the troublemakers head-on.
Paul is preparing for his third visit to Corinth, and he’s bracing himself for conflict because some in the church are questioning his authority. He’s asserting his apostolic rights, and before he arrives, he’s laying down the law, reminding them of the principle that serious accusations need solid proof, not just rumors. This sets the stage for the confrontation that will unfold in the following verses as he addresses the troublemakers head-on.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 2 Corinthians 13:1 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 56
Reconciliation in Macedonia
Paul, while in Macedonia, receives encouraging news from Titus about the church's repentance and restoration. This leads to the writing of what we now know as 2 Corinthians.
c. AD 57— this verse
Second Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes 2 Corinthians, likely from Philippi or somewhere in Macedonia. He balances defense of his apostolic authority with expressions of love and reconciliation. This letter mentions his intention for a third visit.
"This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses." — Paul isn't just stating a fact about his visit; he's subtly reminding the Corinthians of foundational justice. By invoking the Old Testament principle of witness testimony, he's signaling that his up…
