kjv@2Corinthians:13:1@ This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
kjv@2Corinthians:13:2@ I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:
kjv@2Corinthians:13:3@ Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
kjv@2Corinthians:13:4@ For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
kjv@2Corinthians:13:5@ Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
kjv@2Corinthians:13:7@ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
kjv@2Corinthians:13:9@ For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection.
kjv@2Corinthians:13:10@ Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
kjv@2Corinthians:13:11@ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
There is a fine line between edification and destruction when addressing situations like this. The sense that Paul has is that his accusers are attempting to rattle him, make him say something or do something that would turn out to their advantage. By challenging him to prove himself as an Apostle their hope is to make him over react or be over bearing enough to push people away, show that he is operating from his own pride and sense of possession. There is also the chance that he may shy away and underplay the situation as well. We, much like Paul, must be prayerful, direct and and Spirit led in these situations too.
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