TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
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
3 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.
Competent preachers ought to be unambiguous about what they say. Say nothing that is not beneficial. Given that our human will often tends in ambivalent directions, Paul is insistent that he is not acting according to his will but according to what he knows will be helpful. In Christ, of course, this problem does not exist, because he always wills what is beneficial. Furthermore, Christ’s will never changes and is never uncertain.
"For the Son of God," saith he, "Who was preached among you by us, even by me, and Silvanus, and Timothy, was not yea and nay."
For on this account he brings before them the company of the teachers also, as thence too giving credibility to the testimony by those who taught, and not who heard it only. And yet they were disciples; however in his modesty he counts them as in the rank of teachers. But what is, "was not yea and nay?" I have never, he saith, unsaid what before I said in the Preaching. My discourse to you was not now this, now that. For this is not of faith, but of an erring mind.
"But in Him was the yea." That is, just as I said, the word abideth unshaken and steadfast.
And when we confess that we have lied, we speak the truth, for we are saying what we know, and we know that we have lied. That Word, however, which is God and more powerful than ourselves, cannot do this.… And of himself he does not speak, but of that Father is everything that he speaks, since the Father speaks it in a unique way. The great power of that Word is that he cannot lie, because in him there cannot be yes and no but yes, yes; no, no. For that is not even to be called a word if it is not true.
Continue studying 2 Corinthians 1:19 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
CNTR CollationThe earliest Greek manuscripts of this verse, collated letter by letter.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
Summary
In the Apostle Paul defends his integrity and the unwavering truth of the Gospel message against accusations of inconsistency regarding his travel plans. He asserts that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, whom he, Silvanus, and Timotheus preached, is not characterized by vacillation or unreliability ("yea and nay") but is the embodiment of steadfast truth and faithfulness ("yea"). This verse powerfully shifts the focus from human fickleness to the divine, unchanging character of Christ, establishing Him as the ultimate foundation for the reliability of God's promises and the apostolic message.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's opening defense of his apostolic ministry and personal integrity to the Corinthian church. The preceding verses (2 Corinthians 1:3-11) establish Paul's reliance on God's comfort and deliverance through suffering. However, his altered travel plans to Corinth (initially promising two visits, then changing his mind, as discussed in 2 Corinthians 1:15-17) had led some in the church to accuse him of being unreliable or indecisive, questioning his "yes" and "no." 2 Corinthians 1:19 serves as Paul's profound theological response to these accusations, shifting the argument from his personal reliability (which he addresses in 2 Corinthians 1:18) to the absolute, unshakeable consistency of the Christ he preached. This sets the stage for the powerful declaration in 2 Corinthians 1:20 regarding the certainty of God's promises in Christ.
Historical & Cultural Context
The city of Corinth was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub known for its diverse philosophies, rhetorical prowess, and moral laxity. The Corinthian church itself was plagued by divisions, challenges to apostolic authority, and an overemphasis on human wisdom and eloquent speech, as evident throughout both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. In this environment, a leader's consistency and reliability were highly valued, and any perceived wavering could be exploited by opponents. Paul's critics likely seized upon his changed travel itinerary as proof of his untrustworthiness, perhaps even suggesting that his message itself was as inconsistent as his plans. Paul's response, therefore, is not merely a personal defense but a theological one, asserting that the Gospel's truthfulness is not dependent on human consistency but on the unchanging character of the divine Son of God. His mention of Silvanus (Silas) and Timotheus underscores the unified and consistent nature of the apostolic witness, countering any insinuation of individual caprice.
Key Themes
2 Corinthians 1:19 contributes significantly to several major themes in 2 Corinthians and the broader Pauline corpus. Foremost is the Divine Consistency of Christ, which serves as the ultimate bedrock of Christian faith. Paul argues that unlike human plans which may falter, Jesus Christ is the unwavering "yea," embodying God's faithfulness and truthfulness. This theme is foundational to the reliability of God's promises, as further elaborated in 2 Corinthians 1:20, where Paul declares that all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ. Another crucial theme is the Integrity and Unity of Apostolic Preaching. Paul emphasizes that the message about Jesus preached by him, Silvanus, and Timotheus was not a shifting, contradictory doctrine but a unified, consistent proclamation of Christ's steadfast truth. This directly refutes any accusations that Paul's message itself was unreliable or inconsistent, thereby defending the very Gospel. Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the Contrast Between Human Fickleness and Divine Faithfulness, highlighting that while human intentions and circumstances can change, God's character, revealed in Christ, remains eternally constant, providing a stable anchor for believers in a world of flux.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb, often translated as "to become" or "to come into being," carries a sense of active manifestation or realization. In the context of 2 Corinthians 1:19, when applied to Christ, it signifies that His very being and essence are characterized by "yea." It's not merely that He said "yes," but that He is the "yes"—His existence and nature embody this unchangeable affirmation.
Meaning "to herald" or "to proclaim as a public crier," this word emphasizes the authoritative and public nature of the apostolic message. It highlights that the truth about Jesus Christ was not whispered or debated in secret, but boldly and openly declared by Paul and his companions. The consistency of Christ is therefore directly linked to the integrity and public proclamation of the Gospel itself.
This is a strong particle of affirmation, meaning "yes, indeed," or "certainly." Its repetition in the phrase "yea and nay" signifies inconsistency or vacillation, while its singular use ("in him was yea") powerfully asserts Christ's absolute truthfulness, reliability, and unwavering commitment. It contrasts sharply with human indecision, presenting Christ as the embodiment of divine certainty.
Verse Breakdown
"For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,"
Paul immediately elevates the discussion from his personal reliability to the divine person of Jesus. By identifying Him as "the Son of God," Paul emphasizes His divine nature, authority, and inherent truthfulness, setting Him apart from any human fallibility. "Jesus Christ" specifies the historical person who is also the divine Messiah.
"who was preached among you by us, [even] by me and Silvanus and Timotheus,"
This clause establishes the unity and consistency of the apostolic message. Paul underscores that the Gospel proclaimed to the Corinthians by a team of trusted ministers—Paul himself, Silvanus (Silas, a prominent companion, seen in Acts 15:40), and Timotheus (Timothy, Paul's beloved protégé, mentioned in Acts 16:1)—was one and the same. Their collective witness guaranteed the integrity and singularity of the message about Christ.
"was not yea and nay,"
This is the core assertion regarding Christ's character. The phrase "yea and nay" (ναὶ καὶ οὔ, nai kai ou) signifies inconsistency, vacillation, or a lack of straightforwardness. Paul emphatically states that Christ's nature and message are utterly devoid of such wavering. He is not a mixture of truth and falsehood, nor does He change His mind or contradict Himself.
"but in him was yea."
In stark contrast, Christ is presented as the embodiment of "yea" (ναὶ, nai), a strong, singular affirmation. This means that Christ is pure truth, absolute reliability, and unwavering faithfulness. His very being is the divine "Yes," making Him the steadfast foundation for all of God's promises and the unwavering content of the Gospel message.
Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs Antithesis in 2 Corinthians 1:19 by contrasting "yea and nay" with "yea." This sharp juxtaposition highlights the fundamental difference between human inconsistency and divine steadfastness, effectively refuting the accusations against Paul by elevating the discussion to the unchangeable character of Christ. The verse also functions as a powerful Christological Affirmation, declaring the absolute truthfulness and reliability of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. By asserting Christ's unwavering nature, Paul not only defends his ministry but also provides a profound theological statement about the person of Christ. Furthermore, the mention of "me and Silvanus and Timotheus" serves as an appeal to Apostolic Authority and Unity, demonstrating that the message preached by Paul was not idiosyncratic but a consistent proclamation shared by his trusted co-laborers, reinforcing its credibility and singular truth.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The profound truth that Jesus Christ "was not yea and nay, but in him was yea" forms a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming the immutable faithfulness of God. If Christ, the very revelation of God, is utterly consistent and true, then the entire edifice of God's character, His promises, and His plan of salvation stands on an unshakeable foundation. This divine consistency in Christ assures believers that God's word is reliable, His love is steadfast, and His redemptive purposes will unfailingly come to pass. It means that the Gospel message is not a shifting philosophy but an eternal, unchanging truth, providing ultimate security for those who trust in Him.
Reflection and Application
In a world characterized by constant change, shifting opinions, and often broken promises, the truth of 2 Corinthians 1:19 offers profound stability and comfort. Knowing that Jesus Christ is the unwavering "yea" provides an unshakeable anchor for our faith, allowing us to build our lives on His consistent character and reliable truth, rather than on fleeting circumstances or human assurances. This truth calls us, as followers of Christ, to reflect His integrity in our own lives. Our "yes" should mean "yes," and our "no" should mean "no," demonstrating a commitment to truthfulness in our words and actions that mirrors the One we serve. Such integrity not only strengthens our personal witness but also fosters trust in our relationships and brings glory to God, whose Son is the embodiment of faithfulness. It empowers us to live with confidence in the Gospel, knowing that the message of salvation is grounded in the eternal, unchanging reality of God's Son.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were Silvanus and Timotheus, and why are they mentioned alongside Paul?
Silvanus is another name for Silas, a prominent early Christian leader who served as a companion and co-laborer with Paul on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:40). He was also a prophet and a Roman citizen. Timotheus, or Timothy, was a young disciple whom Paul discipled and considered his "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2). Paul often sent Timothy on important missions and later wrote two epistles to him. They are mentioned alongside Paul in 2 Corinthians 1:19 to emphasize the unity and consistency of the apostolic message. Paul's critics might have tried to isolate him, but by including his trusted co-laborers, Paul underscores that the message about Christ was not his individual, potentially fickle, invention, but a shared, consistent proclamation of the truth.
Why was Paul accused of being "yea and nay" regarding his plans?
Paul had initially planned a specific itinerary for visiting the Corinthian church, which involved visiting them, then going to Macedonia, and then returning to Corinth before heading to Judea (2 Corinthians 1:15-16). However, he altered these plans, deciding to visit them only once and then writing a severe letter instead (likely the "tearful letter" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:4). This change led some in the Corinthian church to accuse him of being unreliable, fickle, or insincere—someone whose "yes" could turn into a "no." Paul's defense in 2 Corinthians 1:19 is not just about his personal integrity but shifts the focus to the absolute consistency of the Christ he preached, implying that if Christ is consistent, so too is the message delivered by His faithful servants, even if human plans must sometimes change.
How does Christ being "yea" relate to God's promises?
The consistency of Christ being "yea" is directly and powerfully connected to the reliability of all of God's promises, as Paul immediately elaborates in the very next verse, 2 Corinthians 1:20. Paul states, "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." This means that every promise God has ever made—from the covenant with Abraham to the prophecies of a Messiah, to the promise of salvation and eternal life—finds its ultimate fulfillment and confirmation in Jesus Christ. Christ is the living embodiment of God's faithfulness; His life, death, and resurrection are God's definitive "Yes!" to humanity. Therefore, because Christ is utterly consistent and true, believers can have absolute confidence that every promise of God, revealed and secured in Him, is certain and will come to pass.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Corinthians 1:19 powerfully articulates a Christ-centered fulfillment by presenting Jesus as the ultimate embodiment of divine faithfulness and truth. In a world of human inconsistency and broken promises, Jesus Christ stands as God's unwavering "Yea." He is not merely a messenger of truth, but Truth incarnate (John 14:6). His entire life, from His miraculous conception to His sinless walk, His atoning death, and His glorious resurrection, is the definitive "Yes" of God to humanity's deepest needs and God's eternal purposes. He is the faithful witness (Revelation 1:5), the one in whom all the Old Testament prophecies find their perfect realization (Luke 24:44). Thus, Christ's "yea" is the foundation for the certainty of salvation, the reliability of God's covenants, and the assurance of His unfailing love. He is the steadfast anchor for our souls, ensuring that God's promises are not subject to human fickleness but are eternally secured in His consistent and trustworthy Son (Hebrews 6:19).