2 Corinthians 13:7; That Which Is Honest

2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

MacDonald observed well, “Paul now continues the subject of the discipline of sinning members of the church at Corinth. He states he is praying to God that the Corinthians would do no evil by countenancing sin in their midst, but that they would work ceaselessly toward the discipline and restoration of the sinning members.”

Futhermore MacDonald explained well, “He does not pray this in order that he himself might appear approved, or might be seen in a better light. He does not want them to do it simply because he could then point to their obedience as an evidence of his authority. That is not the thought at all. He wants them to do it because it is right and honest. And he would rather have them do that, even though it meant that he might seem disqualified.”

The logic of the Apostle Paul’s thought is well captured by the words of Clement of Alexandra, Polemicists of the East in the third century, who gave the theology of discipline when he said ” The physician is not evil to the sick person because he tells him of his fever. For the physician is not the cause of the fever; he only points out the fever. Likewise, he who reproved is not ill-deposed towards him who is diseased in soul. For he is not the cause of the transgression on him. He only reveals the sins that are there…God does not punish, for punishment is retaliation for evil. Rather, He chastises for the purpose of good. ” Clement of Alexandria (c. 195, E),2.231.

Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. Amen.