John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 9. For we are glad when we are weak , etc..] Appear to be so, look like persons disarmed of all power and authority; the apostles rejoiced when they had no occasion of exerting themselves, and of exercising that high office, and extraordinary commission they had received of Christ Jesus: and ye are strong ; stand fast in the doctrine of faith, and are lively and active in the exercise of the grace of faith; are strong in Christ, and in his grace, and in the power of his might, to withstand every temptation of Satan, every corruption of their own hearts, and to perform every duty aright. And this also we wish, even your perfection ; or restoration, or jointing in again; a metaphor taken from the setting of bones that are dislocated and out of joint; for the church at Corinth was like a disjointed body, and the apostle's wish was, that their animosities might cease, their divisions be healed, their disorders rectified, and each member be in its proper place, behaving as became the Gospel of Christ; (see 1 Corinthians 1:10).
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 7-10 - The most desirable thing we can ask of God, for ourselves and ou 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 ma not suffer evil. The apostle not only desired that they might be kep 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, tha they may cease to do evil, and learn to do well; and we should be gla 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.
Greek Textus Receptus
χαιρομεν 5463 5719 V-PAI-1P γαρ 1063 CONJ οταν 3752 CONJ ημεις 2249 P-1NP ασθενωμεν 770 5725 V-PAS-1P υμεις 5210 P-2NP δε 1161 CONJ δυνατοι 1415 A-NPM ητε 5600 5753 V-PXS-2P τουτο 5124 D-ASN δε 1161 CONJ και 2532 CONJ ευχομεθα 2172 5736 V-PNI-1P την 3588 T-ASF υμων 5216 P-2GP καταρτισιν 2676 N-ASF
Vincent's NT Word Studies
9. We are weak. Practically the same as unapproved. When your good conduct deprives us of the power of administering discipline, we are weak. Perfection (katartisin). Only here in the New Testament See on be perfect, ver. 11. Rev., perfecting.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
13:9 {For we rejoice} (cairomen gar). Paul had far rather be weak in the sense of failing to exercise his apostolic power because they did the noble thing. He is no Jonah who mourned when Ninevah repented. {Your perfecting} (humwn katartisin). Late word from katartizw, to fit, to equip (see verb in verse #11). In Plutarch, only here in N.T.
