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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 1:15–24. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle here vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy, in that he did not hold his purpose of coming to them at Corinth. His adversaries there sought all occasions to blemish his character, and reflect upon his conduct; and, it seemed, they took hold of this handle to reproach his person and discredit his ministry. Now, for his justification,
I.He avers the sincerity of his intention (Co2 1:15-17), and he does this in confidence of their good opinion of him, and that they would believe him, when he assured them he was minded, or did really intend, to come to them, and that with the design, not that he might receive, but that they might receive a second benefit, that is, a further advantage by his ministry. He tells them that he had not herein used lightness (Co2 1:17), that, as he aimed not at any secular advantage to himself (for his purpose was not according to the flesh, that is, with carnal views and aims), so it was not a rash and inconsiderate resolution that he had taken up, for he had laid his measures thus of passing by them to Macedonia, and coming again to them from Macedonia in his way to Judea (Co2 1:16), and therefore they might conclude that it was for some weighty reasons that he had altered his purpose; and that with him there was not yea yea, and nay nay, Co2 1:17. He was not to be accused of levity and inconstancy, nor a contradiction between his words and intentions. Note, Good men should be careful to preserve the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve but upon mature deliberation, and they will not change their resolves but for weighty reasons.
II.He would not have the Corinthians to infer that his gospel was false or uncertain, nor that it was contradictory in itself, nor unto truth, Co2 1:18, Co2 1:19. For if it had been so, that he had been fickle in his purposes, or even false in the promises he made of coming to them (which he was not justly to be accused of, and so some understand his expression, Co2 1:18, Our word towards you was not yea and nay), yet it would not follow that the gospel preached not only by him, but also by others in full agreement with him, was either false or doubtful. For God is true, and the Son of God, Jesus Christ, is true. The true God, and eternal life. Jesus Christ, whom the apostle preached, is not yea and nay, but in him was yea (Co2 1:19), nothing but infallible truth. And the promises of God in Christ are not yea and nay, but yea and amen, Co2 1:20. There is an inviolable constancy and unquestionable sincerity and certainty in all the parts of the gospel of Christ. If in the promises that the ministers of the gospel make as common men, and about their own affairs, they see cause sometimes to vary from them, yet the promises of the gospel covenant, which they preach, stand firm and inviolable. Bad men are false; good men are fickle; but God is true, neither fickle nor false. The apostle, having mentioned the stability of the divine promises, makes a digression to illustrate this great and sweet truth, that all the promises of God are yea and amen. For,
1.They are the promises of the God of truth (Co2 1:20), of him that cannot lie, whose truth as well as mercy endureth for ever.
2.They are made in Christ Jesus (Co2 1:20), the Amen, the true and faithful witness; he hath purchased and ratified the covenant of promises, and is the surety of the covenant, Heb 7:22.
3.They are confirmed by the Holy Spirit. He does establish Christians in the faith of the gospel; he has anointed them with his sanctifying grace, which in scripture is often compared to oil; he has sealed them, for their security and confirmation; and he is given as an earnest in their hearts, Co2 1:21, Co2 1:22. An earnest secures the promise, and is part of the payment. The illumination of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting joy. Note, The veracity of God, the mediation of Christ, and the operation of the Spirit, are all engaged that the promises shall be sure to all the seed, and the accomplishment of them shall be to the glory of God (Co2 1:20) for the glory of his rich and sovereign grace, and never-failing truth and faithfulness.
III.The apostle gives a good reason why he did not come to Corinth, as was expected, Co2 1:23.
It was that he might spare them. They ought therefore to own his kindness and tenderness. He knew there were things amiss among them, and such as deserved censure, but was desirous to show tenderness. He assures them that this is the true reason, after this very solemn manner: I call God for a record upon my soul - a way of speaking not justifiable where used in trivial matters; but this was very justifiable in the apostle, for his necessary vindication, and for the credit and usefulness of his ministry, which was struck at by his opposers. He adds, to prevent mistakes, that he did not pretend to have any dominion over their faith, Co2 1:24. Christ only is the Lord of our faith; he is the author and finisher of our faith, Heb 12:2. He reveals to us what we must believe. Paul, and Apollos, and the rest of the apostles, were but ministers by whom they believed (Co1 3:5), and so the helpers of their joy, even the joy of faith. For by faith we stand firmly, and live safely and comfortably. Our strength and ability are owing to faith, and our comfort and joy must flow from faith.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Paul is saying that God’s preaching through him has been faithful. Flatterers, on the other hand, frequently fail to mention things which are true in order not to offend people. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
"But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not yea and nay."
He skillfully overturns a rising objection. For one might say, If after having promised, thou hast put off coming, and yea is not yea, and nay nay, with thee, but what thou sayest now thou unsayest afterwards, as thou didst in the case of this Journey: woe is unto us, if all this were the case in the Preaching too. Now lest they should have these thoughts and be troubled thereat, he says, "But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not yea and nay." This, saith he, was not the case in the Preaching, but only in our travels and journeyings; whereas whatever things we have said in our preaching, these abide steadfast and unmoveable, (for he calleth his preaching here, "word.") Then he bringeth proof of this that cannot be gainsaid, by referring all to God. What he saith is this; "the promise of my coming was my own and I gave that promise from myself: but the preaching is not my own, nor of man, but of God, and what is of God it is impossible should lie." Whereupon also he said, "God is faithful," that is, "true." "Mistrust not then what is from Him, for there is nought of man in it."
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Summary
In 2 Corinthians 1:18, the Apostle Paul passionately defends the unwavering integrity and consistency of his message to the Corinthian believers. He asserts that his communication and intentions were as reliable and true as God Himself, directly refuting accusations of fickleness regarding his changed travel plans and affirming the steadfast nature of the gospel he proclaimed.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's initial defense of his apostolic ministry and personal integrity, which dominates the opening chapters of 2 Corinthians. Specifically, it follows Paul's explanation for his altered travel itinerary to Corinth, which had led to accusations of inconsistency and unreliability (see 2 Corinthians 1:15-17). Paul directly addresses these criticisms by invoking God's own truthfulness as the guarantee of his word, setting the stage for his profound theological declaration in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen""). His defense here is not merely personal but is inextricably linked to the truthfulness of the gospel message itself.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Greco-Roman world placed a high value on oratorical skill and the reliability of a speaker's word, especially in public discourse. In Corinth, a bustling port city known for its diverse philosophies and rhetorical schools, Paul's communication style and perceived changes in plans would have been scrutinized. Some within the Corinthian church, perhaps influenced by rival teachers or factions, were questioning Paul's authority and sincerity. For an apostle, whose authority was derived from God and whose message was the very word of God, any perceived inconsistency could undermine the legitimacy of his ministry and the gospel itself. Paul's appeal to God's truthfulness was a powerful rhetorical move, grounding his personal integrity in the ultimate divine standard.
Key Themes
2 Corinthians 1:18 contributes significantly to several major themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Apostolic Integrity and Authority, as Paul defends his character and the consistency of his ministry against detractors. His unwavering word reflects his genuine commitment to the truth of Christ. Secondly, the verse highlights God's Unchanging Faithfulness and Truthfulness, serving as the ultimate foundation for all reliability, human and divine. Paul's oath, "as God is true," anchors his defense in God's immutable character, a theme seen throughout Scripture (e.g., Numbers 23:19). Thirdly, it reinforces the Reliability and Certainty of the Gospel Message. If Paul's word was "yea and nay," it would imply the gospel itself was unstable, which is anathema to Paul. The gospel, centered on Christ, is the ultimate "Yes" of God, as further elaborated in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen"").
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word means objectively "trustworthy" or subjectively "trustful." In this context, applied to God, it emphasizes His inherent reliability, faithfulness, and unwavering commitment to His word and promises. God is the ultimate standard of truth, incapable of falsehood or inconsistency.
This term encompasses something said, a discourse, a message, or even the mental faculty of reasoning. Here, it refers to Paul's spoken communication, his promises, his teachings, and by extension, the entire gospel message he delivered to the Corinthians. It signifies the content and consistency of his apostolic proclamation.
This verb means "to become" or "to come into being." When negated ("was not"), it indicates that Paul's word did not come into being as, or was not characterized by, "yea and nay." It signifies the absence of inconsistency or vacillation in his communication.
Verse Breakdown
"But as God is true"
This phrase functions as a solemn oath or adjuration, a common practice in ancient rhetoric where a speaker invokes a higher power to guarantee the truthfulness of their statement. By swearing "as God is true," Paul places his personal integrity directly under the immutable character of God. He is essentially saying, "Just as surely as God is faithful and cannot lie, so is my word to you." This sets an incredibly high standard, linking his human word directly to divine veracity.
"our word toward you"
This refers to Paul's communication, promises, and apostolic teaching directed at the Corinthian church. It encompasses not just his travel plans, but the entirety of his gospel proclamation and his conduct among them. "Our word" likely includes Timothy and Silvanus, his co-workers mentioned earlier in the epistle, emphasizing a unified and consistent message from the apostolic team.
"was not yea and nay"
This is the core assertion of consistency. The Greek phrase "nai kai ou" (ναὶ καὶ οὔ) literally means "yes and no." It signifies vacillation, inconsistency, contradiction, or a lack of clear commitment. Paul emphatically denies that his message or promises were characterized by such ambiguity. His word was straightforward, unambiguous, and reliable, presenting a consistent "yes" without any accompanying "no" or wavering.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is Adjuration or Oath, where he invokes God's truthfulness as the guarantee of his own word ("But as God is true"). This device not only lends immense weight and credibility to his statement but also elevates the discussion from a mere personal defense to a theological declaration about the nature of truth itself. Furthermore, Paul uses Antithesis by contrasting "yea" (ναὶ) and "nay" (οὔ), highlighting the absolute consistency of his message against the perceived inconsistency he is being accused of. This creates a sharp, memorable image of unwavering truth. Finally, there is an element of Metonymy, where "our word" stands for the entire apostolic message and the integrity of Paul's ministry. His personal communication is a direct reflection of the gospel he preaches, making his consistency paramount.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly connects the integrity of human communication, especially in ministry, to the very character of God. Paul's defense is not merely about his personal reputation but about the reliability of the gospel itself, which is founded on God's unchanging truth. If God is true, then His promises are always "yes," and those who represent Him must strive to reflect that same unwavering truthfulness. This theological bedrock ensures that believers can trust in God's faithfulness, knowing that His word is immutable and His promises will always be fulfilled in Christ. It underscores that divine truth is not subject to human caprice or inconsistency.
Reflection and Application
Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 1:18 serves as a powerful call to integrity and consistency for all believers. In a world often marked by shifting truths and broken promises, we are reminded that our "yes" should mean "yes," and our "no" should mean "no," reflecting the unwavering character of God Himself (as taught in Matthew 5:37). This verse challenges us to live lives that are congruent with the gospel we profess, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ through our faithfulness and reliability. It encourages us to build trust in our relationships, both within the church and in the broader world, by being people of our word. Ultimately, our consistency in speech and action becomes a testament to the unchanging truth of God, inviting others to encounter the steadfastness of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Paul's "word" being questioned by the Corinthians?
Paul's "word" was being questioned primarily because he had announced plans to visit Corinth, then changed his itinerary, leading some to accuse him of being fickle or unreliable. This change in plans, detailed in 2 Corinthians 1:15-17, became a point of contention and was used by his detractors to undermine his apostolic authority and integrity among the Corinthian believers.
What does "yea and nay" mean in this context?
The phrase "yea and nay" (Greek: "nai kai ou") signifies inconsistency, vacillation, or holding contradictory positions simultaneously. Paul's emphatic declaration that his word "was not yea and nay" means that his message, his promises, and his overall conduct were consistent, unambiguous, and entirely trustworthy, without any hidden agendas or shifting positions. It implies a steadfastness that mirrors God's own character.
How does Paul connect his personal integrity to God's character in this verse?
Paul makes a direct and profound connection by swearing an oath: "But as God is true." This invocation of God's truthfulness means that just as God is inherently faithful and incapable of lying, so too was Paul's word to them. He grounds his personal reliability in the ultimate, unchanging standard of divine veracity, implying that if his word were inconsistent, it would somehow undermine the very nature of the God he served and the gospel he preached. This sets the stage for the revelation that God's promises are always "Yes" in Christ, as seen in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen"").
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Corinthians 1:18 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the embodiment of God's unwavering "Yes." Paul's defense of his own consistency serves to highlight the even greater, perfect consistency of God's promises, which are all "Amen" in Christ (as he explicitly states in [2 Corinthians 1:19-20](/2_corinthians/1-19-20 "2 Corinthians 1:19-20 - Christ, the "Amen"")). Jesus is not "yea and nay"; He is the faithful and true witness, the very Word of God made flesh (John 1:14). All of God's redemptive purposes and covenant promises find their definitive affirmation and fulfillment in Him. Christ's life, death, and resurrection are God's ultimate and unchangeable "Yes" to humanity's salvation, demonstrating that God is utterly trustworthy and His plan for redemption is steadfast. He is the truth (John 14:6), the one in whom all divine promises are eternally secured, making Him the "Amen, the faithful and true witness" (Revelation 3:14).