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Paul concludes his refutation of his opponents (10:1-13:10) as he began it (see 10:1-11), announcing his impending third visit to Corinth in 12:14a and 13:1a. These announcements mark the beginning of the two major subsections of this unit, 12:14-21 and 13:1-10, both urging the Corinthians to be prepared for his visit.
2Co 12:14-21 consists of two subunits. The first (12:14-18) continues the topic of the previous section—finances. The second (12:19-21) raises again Paul’s concern that there should be no unrepentant sinners in the community when he comes to Corinth. He expects them to be prepared for his approaching visit financially by having the collection ready as per his instructions in chs. 8-9. And he expects them to be prepared ethically so that there will be no repetition of the unfortunate scene that marred his second visit (see 2:1-11; 7:5-16).
In 13:1-10 Paul mentions again his coming third visit to Corinth (13:1a; see 12:14a), warning the Corinthians to be prepared or risk facing severe discipline. Paul’s demeanor upon his return to Corinth depends entirely upon the Corinthians (13:10; see 1Co 4:21). He is ready to punish the unrepentant, despite his reluctance to do so (13:10, 1-2; 10:6; 12:21). They seem to have seen the problems in their relationship with him as entirely his. Paul turns the table, urging them to consider their own failures in the light of divine judgment. Examine yourselves . . . ; test yourselves (13:5; see Gal 6:4). He hopes and prays that they will not only pass the test of faithful obedience (13:5-7; see 1:24; 2:9), but that they will be fully prepared for his visit, sparing him the necessity of severely disciplining them (13:7-10). He is less concerned that he should pass their examination than that they should do what is right (13:7; see 1Co 11:19).