Apostolic authority

2 Corinthians 13:1-4

“This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. I warned those who sinned before and all the others, and I warn them now while absent, as I did when present on my second visit, that if I come again I will not spare them— since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you. For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but in dealing with you, we will live with him by the power of God.” 

It is clear that Paul is returning to his Jewish teaching as he refers to Deuteronomy 19:15, “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.”  One must also listen to Jesus’ instruction about creating genuine unity in the body of Christ, the Church.  Jesus is very clear, and Paul may also be referring to Jesus’ words; “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

So it seems very clear that not only would Paul use his apostolic authority and would see that the congregation removed sinners who would not repent from the fellowship.  It is very obvious that Paul’s authority came from Christ, and Paul’s identity was in Christ and His crucifixion, and though it may have looked weak, His resurrection showed the power of God, which Paul shared.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice