2 Corinthians 13:10

χρήσωμαι. (אABKL) rather than χρήσομαι (DFGP). Against overwhelming evidence (אABDFGP) the Rec. places ὁ κύριος after ἔδωκέν μοι (KL).

10. He writes in order that, if possible, his fears (2 Corinthians 12:20) and his threats (2 Corinthians 13:2) may not be fulfilled.

Διὰ τοῦτο. For this cause (2 Corinthians 4:1; 2 Corinthians 7:13; 1 Corinthians 4:17; &c.). This should be distinguished in translation from οὖν (2 Corinthians 1:17; 2 Corinthians 3:12; 2 Corinthians 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 5:20, &c.) ‘therefore,’ and διό (2 Corinthians 1:20; 2 Corinthians 2:8; 2 Corinthians 4:13; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 Corinthians 14:13) ‘wherefore.’ ‘For this cause’ means with a view to their amending and perfecting their way of life.

ταῦτα�, ἵνα παρὼν μὴ�. When absent I write these things, that when present I may not deal sharply. By ταῦτα he means this severe letter (10–13.), and especially 2 Corinthians 12:19 to 2 Corinthians 13:9. For ἀποτόμως comp. Titus 1:13; Wis 5:22 : in classical Greek it means ‘precisely, absolutely.’ In Romans 11:22 we have ἀποτομία opposed to χρηστότης. Comp. ἀπότομος (Wis 5:20; Wis 6:5; Wis 11:10; Wis 12:9; Wis 18:15, and nowhere else in Biblical Greek). Once more we have evidence of S. Paul’s acquaintance with the Book of Wisdom. See on 2 Corinthians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 6:3; 2 Corinthians 6:6; 2 Corinthians 10:5. For χρᾶσθαι with an adv. and no dat. comp. ἐχρήσαντο παρανόμως (Job 34:20): ἀλλοτρίως χρήσεται (Isaiah 28:21): διαφόρως χρώμενον (Daniel 7:7). The conjecture ἀποτόμοις is not needed.

κατὰ τὴν ἐξουσίαν. According to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up (2 Corinthians 10:8) and not for casting down (2 Corinthians 10:4). The κατά depends upon ἀποτόμως χρήσωμαι. With the thought comp. Luke 9:54-55; John 3:17; John 12:47.