2 Corinthians 13:5

“Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith, etc..] These words are to be considered in connection with (<471303>2 Corinthians 13:3) for seeing they sought and demanded a proof the voice and power of Christ in the apostle, he directs them to self examination, to look within themselves, to try, prove, and recognise their own souls; where if things were right, they would find a proof of Christ's speaking in him, to them: he advises them to examine the state of their own souls, and see whether they were in the faith; either in the doctrine of faith, having a spiritual and experimental knowledge of it, true love and affection for it, an hearty belief of it, having felt the power of it upon…”

“Examine--Greek, "Try (make trial of) yourselves." prove your own selves--This should be your first aim, rather than "seeking a proof of Christ speaking in me" (Co2 13:3). your own selves--I need not speak much in proof of Christ being in me, your minister (Co2 13:3), for if ye try your own selves ye will see that Christ is also in you [CHRYSOSTOM], (Rom 8:10). Finding Christ dwelling in yourselves by faith, ye may well believe that He speaks in me, by whose ministry ye have received this faith [ESTIUS]. To doubt it would be the sin of Israel, who, after so many miracles and experimental proofs of God's presence, still cried (Exo 17:7), "Is the Lord among us or not?" (Compare Mar 8:11).…”

“Examine yourselves - see the note on 1 Corinthians 11:28. The particular reason why Paul calls on them to examine themselves was, that there was occasion to fear that many of them had been deceived. Such had been the irregularities and disorders in the church at Corinth; so ignorant had many of them shown themselves of the nature of the Christian religion, that it was important, in the highest degree, for them to institute a strict and impartial examination to ascertain whether they had not been altogether deceived. This examination, however, is never unimportant or useless for Christians; and an exhortation to do it is always in place. So important are the interests at stake, and so liable…”

“Prove yourselves - Whether ye are such as can, or such as cannot, bear the test - This is the proper meaning of the word which we translate, reprobates. Know ye not yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you - All Christian believers know this, by the witness and by the fruit of his Spirit. Some translate the words, Jesus Christ is among you; that is, in the church of Corinth; and understand them of the miraculous gifts and the power of Christ which attended the censures of the apostle. 2 Corinthians 13:6”

“13:5-6 The issue is clear cut: If they cannot recognize that Jesus Christ is living among them, they are the ones who have failed the test of genuine faith (literally are disproved). There is a play on words here: They were looking for “proof” of Paul’s apostolic authority, but Paul urges them, Test yourselves (or Prove yourselves). The lack of Christ’s presence would disprove their authenticity as Christians. But Paul himself has demonstrated that he has not failed the test of apostolic authority (literally not been disproved).”

“Examine: Psa 17:3, Psa 26:2, Psa 119:59, Psa 139:23, Psa 139:24; Lam 3:40; Eze 18:28; Hag 1:5, Hag 1:7; Co1 11:28, Co1 11:31; Gal 6:4; Heb 4:1, Heb 12:15; Jo1 3:20, Jo1 3:21; Rev 2:5, Rev 3:2, Rev 3:3 in the faith: Col 1:23, Col 2:7; Ti1 2:15; Tit 1:13, Tit 2:2; Pe1 5:9 Know: Co1 3:16, Co1 6:2, Co1 6:15, Co1 6:19, Co1 9:24; Jam 4:4 Jesus Christ: Co2 6:16; Joh 6:56, Joh 14:23, Joh 15:4, Joh 17:23, Joh 17:26; Rom 8:10; Gal 2:20, Gal 4:19; Eph 2:20-22, Eph 3:17; Col 1:27, Col 2:19; Pe1 2:4, Pe1 2:5 reprobates: Co2 13:6, Co2 13:7; Jer 6:30; Rom 1:28; Ti2 3:8; Tit 1:16; Co1 9:27; Heb 6:8 2 Corinthians 13:6”