Οὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γράφομεν ὑμῖν, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε, ἐλπίζω δὲ ὅτι καὶ ἕως τέλους ἐπιγνώσεσθε, (2 Corinthians 1:13)
For we are not writing anything to you except what you read or even understand, and I hope that you will understand fully until the end.
Apostolic Integrity Through Plain Writing
In 2 Corinthians 1:13, Paul affirms the clarity and transparency of his correspondence with the Corinthian believers. The verse begins with a denial: οὐ γὰρ ἄλλα γράφομεν ὑμῖν—“For we are not writing to you anything other.” The plural γράφομεν (we write) suggests both Paul and his co-workers, while ἄλλα (“other [things]”) stresses that there is no hidden message or cryptic layer behind his words. Paul anticipates and preempts suspicion: his written words are to be taken at face value. This defense is pastoral and strategic. In an environment of misinterpretation and rival claims, Paul emphasizes that his ministry does not operate in riddles or double meanings.
Read and Recognize: From Literacy to Deep Knowing
The next clause, ἀλλ’ ἢ ἃ ἀναγινώσκετε ἢ καὶ ἐπιγινώσκετε, reinforces the claim to transparency. The double verb structure—ἀναγινώσκετε (“you read”) and ἐπιγινώσκετε (“you understand/recognize”)—shows progression from simple reading to deeper recognition. The first verb implies public or private reading of the letter; the second implies cognitive and perhaps spiritual grasp of its content. Paul is not hiding truth behind veils; his readers are fully capable of understanding what has been written. The use of ἢ καὶ (“or even”) suggests that some may already be doing more than reading—they are recognizing the implications and the apostolic sincerity embedded in the message. The text encourages spiritual literacy: not just reading Scripture or apostolic writing, but truly discerning it.
Hope for Enduring Understanding
Paul concludes the verse with a pastoral hope: ἐλπίζω δὲ ὅτι καὶ ἕως τέλους ἐπιγνώσεσθε—“and I hope that you will fully understand even to the end.” The verb ἐπιγνώσεσθε (future middle) implies complete or full knowledge, not superficial awareness. The phrase ἕως τέλους (“until the end”) may indicate eschatological hope or simply enduring faithfulness. Either way, Paul expresses confidence that the Corinthian church will eventually come to recognize the sincerity and divine alignment of his ministry. This is not pride but hope grounded in their shared journey of faith. He anticipates growth in their spiritual discernment—not only now, but enduringly. The structure of 2 Corinthians 1:13 thus moves from present integrity to future trust.
The Ministry of Clear Words
In an age where communication is often layered, manipulative, or self-serving, 2 Corinthians 1:13 calls the Church to a standard of plain truth. Paul models a ministry of clarity—not because he lacks depth, but because the gospel itself is clear, true, and worthy of open proclamation. His hope is that believers will not only read his words but grow in their understanding of their divine origin and apostolic integrity. Transparency is a mark of faithfulness. There is no hidden gospel, no encrypted agenda—only the unveiled truth of Christ communicated through trustworthy servants. For readers today, the verse encourages us to pursue not only reading Scripture but growing in deep spiritual understanding, trusting that God brings clarity to those who seek with sincerity.
