13:1-2 What exactly does Paul mean here?
13:1-2 What exactly does Paul mean here?
Paul is telling the Corinthians here that just as judgment is made sure by the agreement of two or three witnesses, so too will disciplinary action be sure for any sin he finds there when he comes (CP De 17:6; 19:15; Mt 18:16 with 1 Ti 5:19; and He 10:28). 13:5
There is a profound teaching here - what is it?
This teaches that believers need to constantly test the genuineness of their faith (CP Ro 8:10; Jas 2:14-26). No knowledge is so important to believers as the certainty of eternal life (CP 1Jn 5:13). We should all be certain that our salvation is a present reality (CP 1Cor 1:18; 9:24-27; 2Cor 2:15).
Salvation is only fully certain however, to those sowing to the Spirit at the end of their earthly life (CP Lu 13:22-27; Ga 6:7-8; Php 2:12; Rev 2:1-7, 8-11, 12-17, 18-29; 3:1-6, 7-13, 14-22; 22:11-12).
See also comments on 1Cor 1:18 and author's study Christian - Beware of Failing God's Grace and Forfeiting your Salvation in his book Advanced Studies in the Christian Faith (Volume 2).
13:12 See comments on Ro 16:16.