2 Corinthians 13:3
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.
Original Language Analysis
δοκιμὴν
a proof
G1382
δοκιμὴν
a proof
Strong's:
G1382
Word #:
2 of 17
test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness
ζητεῖτε
ye seek
G2212
ζητεῖτε
ye seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
3 of 17
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὃς
which
G3739
ὃς
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
9 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
10 of 17
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
14 of 17
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Matthew 10:20For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.2 Corinthians 12:12Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Historical Context
Greek rhetoric prized eloquence and philosophical sophistication. Paul's deliberate rejection of such methods (1 Cor 2:1-4) led some Corinthians to question his authority, especially when compared to more polished "super-apostles" (2 Cor 11:5). This cultural collision between Greco-Roman honor values and the cruciform power Paul embodied created ongoing tension.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we wrongly demand 'proof' of spiritual authority based on worldly credentials rather than spiritual fruit?
- What does it mean that the Corinthians' own conversion was proof of Christ's power through Paul?
- How does Christ's power manifest 'not in word but in power' in church leadership today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me—The Greek dokimēn (δοκιμήν, "proof/testing") is the crucial term: the Corinthians demand credentials demonstrating apostolic authority. Paul responds that Christ speaking in me is validated not by rhetorical polish but by power: which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. The paradox: they doubt Paul while their own existence as Christians proves Christ's power through him.
This echoes 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 where Paul rejected "wisdom of words" in favor of "demonstration of the Spirit and power." The Corinthians' demand for dokimē (proof) will boomerang into self-examination (v. 5)—those questioning Paul's authority must first examine their own standing. Christ's "mighty" (dynatei, δυνατεῖ) power among them constitutes the very proof they seek.