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"By the mouth of two or three witnesses..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 13:1

AN OLD MOSAIC LAW

Paul cited an old Mosaic law that was familiar to many of the believers in Corinth. He continued to admonish the believers to repent from their sinful ways.

“This will be the third time I am coming to you.
‘By the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word shall be established.'”
2 Corinthians 13:1

1. “This will be the third time I am coming to you”

a) The first time was to establish the church.

b) The second time was not particularly mentioned.

c) The third visit had a sad and ominous ring.

2. A Biblical law

a) This was cited by the Lord Jesus Christ (John 8:17).

b) Paul cites the same law (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6).

c) The original context

i) In a court of law.

ii) The person accused of murder cannot be sentenced to death on the basis of one testimony.

iii) Two or three witnesses must be found to corroborate and establish the truth.

3. Application of this Law

a) In this instance the focus is not the court of law.

b) The matter is that of verification of the issues in dispute.

c) Every issue is to be established on the basis of two or three witnesses.

4. The witnesses

a) These must of course be proven.

i) To be faithful people.

ii) People of integrity.

iii) People of the same faith.

b) They may give testimony.

i) They would have to speak as if they are under oath.

ii) They must speak the truth.

c) There must be people who will “judge” the case.

d) The Church must come to a definite conclusion as to what the truth is.