Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 13:8

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth .

Truth in this place notes integrity of life and conversation; truth in action, opposed to Hypocrisy, or scandalous living. He had before prayed, that they might do no Evil; which if they did not, they need not fea[illegible: 1 letter] his coming with a rod; for though he had a power from Christ to punish, yet he had no power to punish such as did well; his power was to be used for them, not against them. As the Law was not made for the righteous, and the Civil Magistrate is not ordained of God for the terrour of those that do well, but only of those that do evil: So neither did Christ ever ordain Ecclesiastical Censures for the punishment, of good and holy men. And indeed here is the just boundary of all Civil and Ecclesiastical power; No Magistrate or Minister, acting as Christs Servants can (lawfully, or as by any Commission from him) do any thing against the truth, or those that owne, defend, and practise it; the power, with which they are betrusted, is for edification, not destruction.