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 {c} reprobates.
(c) In men's judgment.
13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil, etc. If they should do evil, Paul's display of power would show that he was not a reprobate (2Co 13:6), but he prays that their freedom from evil may leave him without that proof. 2Co 13:8,9 show that he desires only to promote the truth.
13:7 I pray God that ye may do no evil - To give me occasion of showing my apostolical power. I do not desire to appear approved - By miraculously punishing you. But that ye may do that which is good, though we should be as reprobates - Having no occasion to give that proof of our apostleship.
13:7-10 The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and our friends, is to be kept from sin, that we and they may not do evil. We have far more need to pray that we may not do evil, than that we may not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kept from sin, but also that they might grow in grace, and increase in holiness. We are earnestly to pray to God for those we caution, that they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be glad for others to be strong in the grace of Christ, though it may be the means of showing our own weakness. let us also pray that we may be enabled to make a proper use of all our talents.
