Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord has given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Read Chapter 13
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
We write this for the edification of Christ's mystical body, and to cause all men to enter; not for its destruction, and to compel many to abandon it.
Paul would rather that his authority be shown in his words and not have to be demonstrated in deeds. But he left the Corinthians to draw the conclusion that if they did not put things right, he would have to come and do it for them.
He was sensible he had spoken more vehemently than his wont, and especially towards the end of the Epistle. For he said before, Now I Paul myself entreat you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage towards you: Yea, I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present, with the confidence wherewith I count to be bold against some which count of us as if we walked according to the flesh; Chap. 10:1, 2 and, being in readiness to avenge all disobedience when your obedience shall be fulfilled: 2 Corinthians 10:6 and, I fear lest when I come, I should find you not such as I would, and should myself be found of you such as you would not; 2 Corinthians 12:20 and again, lest when I come my God should humble me before you, and that I should mourn many of them which have sinned heretofore, and repented not of the lasciviousness and uncleanness which they committed: 2 Corinthians 12:21 and afterwards, I told you b...
