2 Corinthians 13:8
For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth.
BSB
ASV
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
KJV
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
COMMENTARY ON PAUL'S EPISTLES (384)
Paul is saying this because there is no power against the truth. They cannot reprove someone who is living a good life, but only someone who is an enemy of the law. This power will come to nothing if people have done what is good.
For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth - As we are the apostles of God, we cannot bring to you any false doctrine; and, as we profess to be under the influence of God’s Spirit, we cannot do any thing that is opposed to that truth, or which might be prejudicial to it. On the contrary, what we say and do is for that truth, to propagate and establish it. The Gospel of Jesus is truth; and my testimony concerning it is truth also.
Our apostolic power is given us that we may use it not against, but for the furtherance of, the truth. Where you are free from fault, there is no scope for its exercise: and this I desire.
Rare words are the text's own signal of a deliberate thread: the fewer the occurrences, the more the places it appears belong together.
The walk8
Follow this verse’s cross-references two steps out. Each card is a verse this one points to, and beneath it the verses that one points to in turn. Where several different paths arrive at the same place, that place is listed first: the text keeps returning to it. Every stop shows its own words, and every stop is a page.
Through
Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.
leads to
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”
Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches.
The LORD of Hosts has purposed, and who can thwart Him? His hand is outstretched, so who can turn it back?
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
Through
Mark 9:39“Do not stop him,” Jesus replied. “For no one who performs a miracle in My name can turn around and speak evil of Me.
leads to
Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal.
What then is the issue? Just this: that in every way, whether by false motives or true, Christ is preached. And in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,