3:1 Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? We don’t need letters of recommendation to you or from you as some other people do, do we? 4
6:14 Do not become partners 6 with those who do not believe, for what partnership is there between righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
13:1 This is the third time I am coming to visit 11 you. By the testimony 12 of two or three witnesses every matter will be established. 13
1 tn Grk “come again.”
2 tn The same Greek word (ὀσμή, osmh) translated “odor” here (in relation to the stench of death) has been translated “fragrance” in 2:14 and in the next phrase of the present verse. The word itself can describe a smell or odor either agreeable or disagreeable depending on the context (L&N 79.45).
3 sn These things refer to the things Paul is doing in his apostolic ministry.
3 tn The Greek construction anticipates a negative reply (“No, we do not”) which is indicated in the translation by the ‘tag’ at the end, “do we?”
4 tn Or “be absent.”
5 tn Or “Do not be mismatched.”
6 tn Grk “are not fleshly [weapons].” The repetition of the word “warfare” does not occur in the Greek text, but is supplied for clarity.
7 tn Or “but (are) divinely powerful,” “but they have divine power,” or “but are powerful for God’s [service]”; Grk “but are powerful to God.”
8 sn Ultimately Paul is referring here to the false arguments of his opponents, calling them figuratively “strongholds.” This Greek word (ὀχύρωμα, ocurwma) is used only here in the NT.
9 tn Or “speculations.”
7 tn The word “visit” is not in the Greek text, but is implied.
8 tn Grk “By the mouth.”
9 sn A quotation from Deut 19:15 (also quoted in Matt 18:16; 1 Tim 5:19).