2Cor 13:5-7 | RWP | e4.org | Unless indeed ye be reprobate ( ε μητ αδοκιμο εστε ). Paul challenged his opposers in Corinth to try ( πειραζετε ) themselves, to test ( δοκιμαζετε ) themselves, whether they were "in the faith" ( εν τη πιστε ), a much more vital matter for them than trying to prove Paul a heretic. Such tests can be made, unless, alas, they are "reprobate" ( αδοκιμο , the very adjective that Paul held up before himself as a dreadful outcome to be avoided, ).

‏ 2 Corinthians 13:5-7

Unless indeed ye be reprobate ( ε μητ αδοκιμο εστε ). Paul challenged his opposers in Corinth to try ( πειραζετε ) themselves, to test ( δοκιμαζετε ) themselves, whether they were "in the faith" ( εν τη πιστε ), a much more vital matter for them than trying to prove Paul a heretic. Such tests can be made, unless, alas, they are "reprobate" ( αδοκιμο, the very adjective that Paul held up before himself as a dreadful outcome to be avoided, 1Co 9:27).

That ye shall know ( οτ επιγνωσεσθε ). Such a testing of themselves will give them full knowledge that Paul is not

reprobate ( αδοκιμος ). The best way for vacillating Christians to stop it is to draw close to Christ.

Though we be as reprobate ( ημεις δε ως αδοκιμο ωμεν ). Literally, "And that" ( ινα δε ). Paul wishes them to do no wrong ( κακον μηδεν ). He has no desire to exercise his apostolic authority and "appear approved" ( δοκιμο φανωμεν, second aorist passive subjunctive of φαινω ). He had far rather see them do "the noble thing" ( το καλον ) even if it should make him appear disapproved after all that he has said.