2 Corinthians 13:9

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

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 And our prayer to God is that you may do nothing wrong; not in order that our sincerity may be demonstrated, but that you may do what is right, even though our sincerity may seem to be doubtful.
8 For we have no power against the truth, but only for the furtherance of the truth;
9 and it is a joy to us when we are powerless, but you are strong. This we also pray for--the perfecting of your characters.
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.
11 Finally, 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.
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