2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness Chrysostom observes that these words were a great difficulty to the weaker sort. But he explains them by John 11:3-4; Philippians 2:27; 1 Timothy 5:23, where the word in the original is the same as, or cognate to, that employed here. There is another reading here, which by omitting -though," or rather -if," in the original, strengthens the Apostle's statement. There need be no difficulty. Our Lord assumed our human nature with all its infirmities (Hebrews 2:10-18; Hebrews 4:15; Hebrews 5:2-3; see also ch. 2 Corinthians 8:9, and Philippians 2:7-8), although they were the result of sin. He bore all those infirmities, death itself included. And then He shook them all off for ever when He rose again -by the power of God." Cf. Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 1:24.

For we also are weak in him In this present life the Apostles of Christ were like their Master. Upborne by the power of God within, they had nevertheless to bear the load of human infirmity, to -take up their Cross and follow Him." See notes on ch. 2 Corinthians 4:10-12, and cf. Galatians 6:17. And not only so, but the words -in Him" shew that it was a necessary part of their union with Him that they should be partakers of His tribulation, before they were translated into the fulness of His glory. See 2 Thessalonians 1:4-7; 1Pe 1:5-7; 1 Peter 5:10.

we shall live with him Not, as the following words shew, hereafter, but in the Apostle's ministry to the Corinthians. Cf. 2 Corinthians 13:3. Also Romans 1:16; John 14:19; 1 Corinthians 1:18, and ch. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6, and note on ch. 2 Corinthians 4:14. The Gospel was a powerwhich enabled men to change their lives, in that it was a ministering to them of the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Compare ch. 2 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 3:8-9 with Romans 8:9-10 and Philippians 1:19.