2 Corinthians 13:2

I told you before, and foretell you Literally, I have spoken beforehand, and I say beforehand (I seide bifor and seie bifor, Wiclif. Similarly Tyndale and Cranmer). The repetition is for the sake of emphasis. Cf. Galatians 1:9. See also 1 Corinthians 4:21.

as if I were present the second time Some, supposing that St Paul had already visited Corinth twice, would render - whenpresent the second time." But the rendering in the text is more literal.

and being absent now The word nowbelongs to being absent, not, as in the A. V., to what follows. The meaning is that though now absent (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:3), the Apostle speaks as he will find it necessary to speak when present, with decision and sternness, unless (ch. 2 Corinthians 12:21) the offending persons repent.

them which heretofore have sinned The same words as were translated have sinned alreadyin ch. 2 Corinthians 12:21.

and to all other Literally, to all the rest, inasmuch as some of the Corinthians derided the idea that St Paul would act with firmness, and the whole Church needed some assurance to that effect. See note on ch. 2 Corinthians 1:23.