Texts in Conversation
In 2 Corinthians, Paul declares that he cannot act against the truth but only for it, a statement that echoes wisdom sayings such as in Sirach, which urge never to speak against the truth and to strive for it even to death.
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Sirach 4:25
Ben Sira, Ecclesiasticus
Deuterocanon
23 Do not refrain from speaking at the proper moment, and do not hide your wisdom. 24 For wisdom becomes known through speech, and education through the words of the tongue. 25 Never speak against the truth, but be ashamed of your ignorance. 26 Do not be ashamed to confess your sins, and do not try to stop the current of a river. 27 Do not subject yourself to a fool, or show partiality to a ruler.
Date: 195-175 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
2 Corinthians 13:8
New Testament
6 And I hope that you will realize that we have not failed the test! 7 Now we pray to God that you may not do anything wrong, not so that we may appear to have passed the test, but so that you may do what is right even if we may appear to have failed the test. 8 For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the sake of the truth. 9 For we rejoice whenever we are weak, but you are strong. And we pray for this: that you may become fully qualified. 10 Because of this I am writing these things while absent, so that when I arrive I may not have to deal harshly with you by using my authority—the Lord gave it to me for building up, not for tearing down!
Date: 55-57 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
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Notes and References
"... Even if Paul's work at Corinth should appear to be discredited, the fact of the matter is that he cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth (2 Corinthians 13:8). 2 Corinthians 13:8 has the ring of a familiar saying—somewhat like our "truth marches on." The idea of fighting or striving for truth was a traditional theme in the wisdom literature of Paul's day. "Never speak against the truth but be mindful of your ignorance," stated the noted teacher Jesus ben Sirach (Sirach 5:25). He also told his students to "strive even to death for the truth and the Lord God will fight for you" (Sirach 5:28). Not to speak against the truth implies choice. Paul, however, has no choice; he says that he cannot do anything against the truth. The truth here is undoubtedly the gospel or the truths that the gospel embodies ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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