2 Corinthians 13:9

9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are 1weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be 2made complete.

2 Corinthians 13:9 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 13:9

For we are glad when we are weak
Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus:

and ye are strong;
stand fast in the doctrine of faith, and are lively and active in the exercise of the grace of faith; are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and in the power of his might, to withstand every temptation of Satan, every corruption of their own hearts, and to perform every duty aright.

And this also we wish, even your perfection;
or restoration, or jointing in again; a metaphor taken from the setting of bones that are dislocated and out of joint; for the church at Corinth was like a disjointed body, and the apostle's wish was, that their animosities might cease, their divisions be healed, their disorders rectified, and each member be in its proper place, behaving as became the Gospel of Christ; see ( 1 Corinthians 1:10 ) .

2 Corinthians 13:9 In-Context

7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved.
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth.
9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.
10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
11 Finally, brethren, rejoice, be made complete, be comforted, be like-minded, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Cross References 2

  • 1. 2 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Corinthians 13:4
  • 2. 1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 3:10

Footnotes 1

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