2 Corinthians 1:19

KJV

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, [even] by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the Son {G5207} of God {G2316}, Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, who {G3588} was preached {G2784} among {G1722} you {G5213} by {G1223} us {G2257}, even by {G1223} me {G1700} and {G2532} Silvanus {G4610} and {G2532} Timotheus {G5095}, was {G1096} not {G3756} yea {G3483} and {G2532} nay {G3756}, but {G235} in {G1722} him {G846} was {G1096} yea {G3483}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Son of God, the Messiah Yeshua, who was proclaimed among you through us — that is, through me and Sila and Timothy — was not a yes-and-no man; on the contrary, with him it is always “Yes!”

Berean Standard Bible

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.”

American Standard Version

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not yea and nay, but in him is yea.

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/1-3-11 "2 Corinthians 1:3-11 - God of All Comfort in Affliction")) 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](/2_corinthians/1-15-17 "2 Corinthians 1:15-17 - Paul's Changed Travel Plans")) had led some in the church to accuse him of being unreliable or indecisive, questioning his "yes" and "no." [2 Corinthians 1:19](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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](/2_corinthians/1-18 "2 Corinthians 1:18 - God is Faithful")) to the absolute, unshakeable consistency of the Christ he preached. This sets the stage for the powerful declaration in [2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes and Amen in Christ") 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](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions and Disorders") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Ministry"). 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](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes and Amen"), 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
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** 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](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ"), 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.
* **preached (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** 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.
* **yea (Greek, _naí'_):** 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](/acts/15-40 "Acts 15:40 - Paul Chooses Silas")), and Timotheus (Timothy, Paul's beloved protégé, mentioned in [Acts 16:1](/acts/16-1 "Acts 16:1 - Timothy Joins Paul"))—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](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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.

* [Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Hebrews 13:8 - Jesus Christ is the Same")
* [Malachi 3:6](/malachi/3-6 "Malachi 3:6 - God Does Not Change")
* [James 1:17](/james/1-17 "James 1:17 - God, the Father of Lights, Does Not Change")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In a world characterized by constant change, shifting opinions, and often broken promises, the truth of [2 Corinthians 1:19](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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
* **How does Christ's unchanging nature provide stability and peace in your life amidst the uncertainties of the world?**
* **In what specific ways can you better align your "yes" and "no" with Christ's integrity, demonstrating greater reliability in your own commitments?**
* **How does this verse deepen your confidence in the Gospel message and its power to transform lives?**

### FAQ
**Who were Silvanus and Timotheus, and why are they mentioned alongside Paul?**

Answer: 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](/acts/15-40 "Acts 15:40 - Paul Chooses Silas")). 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](/1_timothy/1-2 "1 Timothy 1:2 - Timothy, Paul's True Son")). Paul often sent Timothy on important missions and later wrote two epistles to him. They are mentioned alongside Paul in [2 Corinthians 1:19](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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?**

Answer: 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](/2_corinthians/1-15-16 "2 Corinthians 1:15-16 - Paul's Original Travel Plans")). 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](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Tearful Letter")). 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](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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?**

Answer: 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](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes and Amen in Christ"). 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](/2_corinthians/1-19 "2 Corinthians 1:19 - The Consistency of Christ") 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). 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](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Revelation of Jesus Christ")), the one in whom all the Old Testament prophecies find their perfect realization ([Luke 24:44](/luke/24-44 "Luke 24:44 - Jesus Fulfills the Scriptures")). 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](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:8

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

Revelation 1:17

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:

2 John 1:9

Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

Revelation 2:18

¶ And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet [are] like fine brass;

Revelation 1:8

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Acts 18:5

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.