9 Another reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything.
9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
9 For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
9 The focus of my letter wasn't on punishing the offender but on getting you to take responsibility for the health of the church.
9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things.
9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions.
3 since you are demanding proof that Christ is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
3 Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
3 since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.
3 You who have been demanding proof that Christ speaks through me will get more than you bargained for. You'll get the full force of Christ, don't think you won't.
3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you, but mighty in you.
3 I will give you all the proof you want that Christ speaks through me. Christ is not weak when he deals with you; he is powerful among you.
(Read 2 Corinthians 13:1-6)
Though it is God's gracious method to bear long with sinners, yet he will not bear always; at length he will come, and will not spare those who remain obstinate and impenitent. Christ at his crucifixion, appeared as only a weak and helpless man, but his resurrection and life showed his Divine power. So the apostles, how mean and contemptible soever they appeared to the world, yet, as instruments, they manifested the power of God. Let them prove their tempers, conduct, and experience, as gold is assayed or proved by the touchstone. If they could prove themselves not to be reprobates, not to be rejected of Christ, he trusted they would know that he was not a reprobate, not disowned by Christ. They ought to know if Christ Jesus was in them, by the influences, graces, and indwelling of his Spirit, by his kingdom set up in their hearts. Let us question our own souls; either we are true Christians, or we are deceivers. Unless Christ be in us by his Spirit, and power of his love, our faith is dead, and we are yet disapproved by our Judge.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:9
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
The apostle desires them to receive the person who had done wrong, again into their communion; for he was aware of his fault, and much afflicted under his punishment. Even sorrow for sin should not unfit for other duties, and drive to despair. Not only was there danger last Satan should get advantage, by tempting the penitent to hard thoughts of God and religion, and so drive him to despair; but against the churches and the ministers of Christ, by bringing an evil report upon Christians as unforgiving; thus making divisions, and hindering the success of the ministry. In this, as in other things, wisdom is to be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand, or for too great severity towards sinners on the other hand. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make a bad use of our mistakes.