2 Corinthians 13:5 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Examine yourselves, &c.— "Instead therefore of your sitting in judgment, and passing unrighteous censures upon us, as though there were no proof of Christ's speaking in me, (2 Corinthians 13:3.) or in my dear associates, look into your own hearts and ways, and bring them to the touchstone of the word of God; and, in carefully comparing them withthat infallible standard, make close inquiry whether ye yourselves have believed to the saving of your souls, and have a real and evident interest in Christ, through faith in him: pursue the diligent search, by divine assistance, till you have brought this important point to an issue, and have the clearest proof in yourselves, whether you be sincere believers, and whether faith be the governing principle in your own hearts, or not: What! are ye strangers to the transactions that have passed between God and your own souls, and to your own state and condition, way and walk before him, as some of you seem to be, by your contentions and disorders, and various provocations, and by your unworthy treatment of me, and of the gospel of Christ, as delivered in my ministry? It is a sin and a shame for you to be ignorant how things are with you: and, as you are professors of Christianity, do not you know that Jesus Christ, the only Saviour, dwells in your hearts by faith, with powerful influence and dominion there? You surely, in the light of the Spirit, may arrive at some satisfaction about this; unless, after all your high pretences, and flourishing gifts, there be something very disallowable (ει μη τι αδοκιμοι εστε) and much amiss in you; or you be really disapproved of God, as hypocrites." Prove your own selves, (εαυτους δοκιμαζετε) is a metaphor taken from the trying of metals by the touchstone, or some other way, to prove whether they be good and pure, or not; and so signifies such a trial of persons and things as may shew, or prove, whether they be genuine or spurious, in order to their being allowed of or rejected: and, with a beautiful correspondence hereunto, the Apostle speaks in this, and the two next verses, of persons being (δοκιμοι or αδοκιμοι) approved, or not approved, (which is harshly rendered reprobate) as found to be so upon examination or trial. See the introduction to this chapter, where another view of the passage is given, consonant to the sentiment of some of the best critics.