2 Corinthians 13:7

εὐχόμεθα δὲ κ. τ. λ.: now we pray to God (for εὐχ. πρὸς cf. Numbers 11:2) that ye do no evil; not that ye may appear approved, i.e., the motive of his prayer was not that his ministry should be accredited by its success, but that ye may do that which is honourable (see reff. and mark the contrast between τὸ κακόν and τὸ καλόν), even though we be as reprobate. That is, his prayer was for their sakes, and it was sincerely offered although, if it were fully answered, there would be no occasion for the exercise of his apostolic authority, and so the δοκιμή or “proof” which the malcontents were asking for (2 Corinthians 13:3) would not be manifested. And he gives two reasons for this disinterestedness of his intercessions for them: (i.) he could not exercise his authority, even if he would, except in conformity with the facts (2 Corinthians 13:8), and (ii.) their moral growth is a real joy to him (2 Corinthians 13:9).