In 10:1-13:10 Paul argues the authenticity of his apostolic authority. There were those opposed to his ministry, undermining him, and so he addresses his accusers. In 13:1-10 he speaks of his determination to restore discipline in the church at Corinth.

v1. Paul intends to visit the church again and he will then examine each point of contention against him, point by point. cf. Deut.19:15.

v2. During his second visit to Corinth, the "painful visit", he warned the offenders of his intention to deal with them, now he warns them again in writing. His warning applies to any others who align themselves with the offenders.

v3. Those troubling the Corinthian church questioned Paul's authority as a messenger of Christ. In their eyes Paul couldn't support his claim to apostleship. When he visits next, his detractors will get a taste of his authority, an authority supported by Christ himself.

v4. Paul uses Christ's life to illustrate his own, as well as the life of all believers. Christ was weak on the cross; wickedness had its way. Yet, he overcame death and was victorious through his resurrection. Those who are "in him" (in Christ) share both his weakness and power. A believer is often impotent in the face of human sin, overcome and made of none effect. Yet ultimately, resurrection-power will have its way, if not here, then certainly in eternity.

v5-6. Those troubling the church questioned Paul's apostolic authority. They claimed that Paul did not speak for Christ. Obviously, some of the Corinthians believed this charge. So Paul asks them to examine themselves. If they find they are truly believers, "in the faith", "Christ Jesus is in you", then they can ask themselves about the origin of their faith. As Paul was the person who brought the gospel to them, and thus faith in Christ, to deny Paul's authority is to deny the validity of their faith.

v7. Paul is determined in visit the church and this time, if necessary, powerfully establish his apostolic authority. Yet, he would rather the church work out what is right (accepting his authority), not giving Paul the opportunity to have to apply his authority and thereby vindicate himself before all.

v8. Actually, the use of Christ's power has limitations. Paul can't apply powerful apostolic authority if the church has corrected its ways (know of "truth"). He doesn't possess Christ's power to confront the truth, but only falsehood.

v9. So if the believers have corrected their ways, then Paul won't have to apply his apostolic authority. Still, as a result, Paul will seem like his old "weak" self. Yet, he would rather be "weak", in the sense of not using his power, so that the Corinthians will be "strong", in the sense of having corrected their ways. In fact Paul prays for their "perfection", ie. their harmonious and efficient functioning according to the truth.

v10. In the end, the very purpose for writing this letter, is so that Paul will not need to visit the Corinthian church and "be harsh" with them. His apostolic authority was not given "for tearing down", but for "building up."

Rev. Bruce Smith, a highly respected Australian theologian, once shocked his theological students with the admission that he may be a fraud. He was making the point that it is just too easy to take on the form of the Christian faith, but not the substance. Much of visible Christianity is fraudulent. We have all witnessed the hypocrisy of Christians involved in character assassination, blatant sinfulness..... all done in the name of Jesus. We have all observed institutional religion involved in its power games, conformed to the world, playing at religion, but not knowing the substance. Blind fools we are, hypocrites. Did not Jesus remind us that he will say to many who claim to follow him, "I don't know you"?

In the last day none of us want to hear those words. We want to hear the words "well done thou good and faithful servant." But how can we be sure we will hear these good words and not the bad ones? How can we test where we stand? Paul the apostle asks the members of the Corinthian church to test their standing in Christ. Are they "in the faith?"

We are often tempted to carry out the test by looking at the "fruits" of our lives. Are we living good and fruitful lives for Christ? The church members Paul addresses in this letter are into party spirit, character assassination and the like. Their lives are certainly not fruitful for Christ. If that were the test then they would be lost, but Paul assumes that they will pass the test.

We pass the test if Christ Jesus is in us. Yet, how do we know whether we are regenerate, born again, that the Spirit of the living Christ has taken residence in our beings? The answer is simple, God promises the gift of the Spirit to those who believe in his son. So, how do we know whether we are "in the faith"? We are "in the faith" when we have faith in Christ. What God has promised, he will do.

1. Why is Paul critical of the Corinthian Christians, and can you see a similar problem in the church today?

2. Why should the Corinthians test themselves, and what is the test?