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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 means that the work of the Father and the Son is one. When the Father gives the Spirit, the Son gives him too, because the Holy Spirit comes from both of them. He is thinking of the Trinity here because he has been speaking about the perfecting of mankind. The whole sum of perfection is found in the Trinity.
"For how many soever be the promises of God, in Him is the yea, and in Him the Amen, unto the glory of God by us."
What is this, "how many soever the promises of God?" The Preaching promised many things; and these many things they proffered and preached. For they discoursed of being raised again, and of being taken up, and of incorruption, and of those great rewards and unspeakable goods. As to these promises then, he saith that they abide immoveable, and in them is no yea and nay, that is, the things spoken were not now true, and now false, as was the case about my being with you, but always true.
And first indeed he contends for the articles of the faith, and the word concerning Christ, saying, "My word" and my preaching, "was not yea and nay;" next, for the promises "for how many soever be the promises, of God, in Him is the yea." But if the things He promised are sure and He will certainly give them, much more is He Himself and the word concerning Him, sure, and it can not be said that He is now, and now is not, but He "always" is, and is the same. But what is, "In Him is the yea, and the Amen." He signifies that which shall certainly be. For in Him, not in man, the promises have their being and fulfilment. Fear not, therefore; for it is not man so that thou shouldest mistrust; but it is God Who both said and fulfilleth. "Unto the glory of God through us." What is, "unto [His] glory through us?" He fulfilleth them by us, that is, and by His benefits towards us unto His glory; for this is "for the glory of God." But if they be for the glory of God, they will certainly come to pass. For His own glory He will not think little of, even did He think little of our salvation. But as it is, He thinketh not little of our salvation either, both because He loveth mankind exceedingly, and because our salvation is bound up with His glory from these things accruing.
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Summary
Second Corinthians 1:20 is a profound declaration of God's absolute faithfulness and the unwavering certainty of His divine promises, all of which find their ultimate affirmation and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, assuring believers that God's word is entirely trustworthy and that His every pledge is guaranteed, culminating in His glory being revealed through the lives of those who believe.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is strategically placed within Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and the trustworthiness of his ministry. In the preceding verses (2 Corinthians 1:15-19), Paul addresses accusations from some in the Corinthian church that he was fickle or inconsistent, specifically concerning a change in his travel plans. He emphatically denies any "yes and no" in his preaching or personal conduct, asserting that his message of Christ was always a consistent "yes." Verse 20 then pivots from his personal consistency to the divine consistency, arguing that just as his message about Christ is unwavering, so too are God's promises in Christ. This theological anchor provides the ultimate basis for the reliability of the gospel Paul preached and for the very character of God.
Historical & Cultural Context
The Corinthian church was a diverse and often contentious community, influenced by Greek rhetorical traditions that valued persuasive speech and philosophical debate. Paul's opponents likely used his changed travel plans as a point of attack, suggesting he was unreliable, perhaps even deceitful, which would undermine the authority of his message. In the ancient world, a person's word, especially that of an apostle or a leader, carried immense weight. Paul's defense, therefore, was not merely about personal reputation but about the integrity of the gospel itself. By grounding the certainty of his message in God's faithfulness, affirmed in Christ, Paul appealed to a higher authority than human rhetoric or fickle promises, establishing a bedrock of divine reliability.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, presenting Him as utterly dependable, unlike human beings who may vacillate. It highlights the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ as the ultimate guarantor and embodiment of all divine promises, making Him the "Amen" of God. Furthermore, it speaks to the assurance and confidence believers can have in their faith, knowing that their hope is built on God's certain word. Finally, the verse emphasizes the glory of God as the ultimate purpose of this divine certainty, suggesting that the fulfillment of His promises through Christ is meant to elicit praise and worship from His people, thereby magnifying His name. This theme of God's glory is pervasive throughout Paul's letters, as seen in passages like Ephesians 1:6 and Philippians 2:11.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term refers to an announcement, a divine assurance of good, or a pledge. In this context, it encompasses all of God's covenantal pledges, His declarations of intent, and His commitments to humanity, particularly those related to salvation, blessing, and the coming of His kingdom. It signifies God's self-binding word, which He is obligated by His character to fulfill.
A primary particle of strong affirmation, meaning "yes," "certainly," or "indeed." It conveys absolute agreement and confirmation. When applied to God's promises in Christ, it signifies that every one of them is affirmed as true, certain, and fully endorsed by God.
A transliteration of a Hebrew word, meaning "so be it," "truly," or "it is firm/certain." It is an expression of absolute certainty, confirmation, and ratification. In Christ, God's promises are not merely affirmed but are sealed, made absolutely secure, and brought to their definitive conclusion. The use of "Amen" here underscores the finality and unchangeability of God's word in Jesus.
Verse Breakdown
"For all the promises of God in him [are] yea"
This opening clause establishes the universal scope of God's promises ("all the promises") and their absolute certainty ("yea"). The crucial phrase "in him" (referring to Christ) indicates that Jesus is the sphere, the context, and the means by which every divine promise finds its affirmation. It's not just that God's promises are true, but their truth is specifically realized and guaranteed in Christ.
"and in him Amen"
This phrase further intensifies the certainty established by "yea." "Amen" adds a dimension of finality, ratification, and divine sealing. It implies that in Christ, God's promises are not only affirmed but are brought to their definitive conclusion and made utterly trustworthy. Jesus Himself is the living embodiment of God's "Amen," the one who brings all of God's purposes to pass.
"unto the glory of God by us"
This concluding phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and outcome of God's faithfulness in Christ. The fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus is not an end in itself, but it leads to "the glory of God." The phrase "by us" (or "through us") indicates that believers are the instruments or channels through whom this glory is manifested. As we experience the certainty and fulfillment of God's promises in our lives, our response of faith, worship, and obedient living brings praise and honor to God, making His faithfulness visible to the world.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is Parallelism, specifically synonymous parallelism, seen in the pairing of "yea" and "Amen." Both terms convey affirmation and certainty, but "Amen" adds an intensified sense of finality and divine ratification, reinforcing the unshakeable nature of God's promises. The phrase "in him" is repeated, creating Anaphora (repetition at the beginning of successive clauses), which emphasizes the absolute centrality of Christ as the locus of all divine fulfillment. Furthermore, the verse functions as a Theological Statement, a concise and profound declaration that encapsulates a core truth about God's character and His redemptive plan. The entire statement also carries the weight of Apostolic Authority, as Paul, an apostle, delivers this truth with conviction, grounding his own ministry's reliability in the ultimate reliability of God.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The profound truth of 2 Corinthians 1:20 resonates throughout the biblical narrative, affirming God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people and His redemptive plan, all centered in Christ. This verse assures us that God is not a God who changes His mind or fails to deliver on His word. His promises are not conditional on human performance but are secured by His very nature and perfectly fulfilled in Jesus. This certainty provides the bedrock for Christian hope, empowering believers to trust God implicitly, knowing that His "yes" in Christ is eternally firm. It transforms our understanding of prayer, worship, and daily living, as we participate in the unfolding of God's glorious purposes.
Reflection and Application
For believers today, 2 Corinthians 1:20 serves as an enduring wellspring of hope, confidence, and worship. In a world characterized by broken promises, shifting sands, and uncertain futures, this verse anchors our faith in the unchangeable character of God. It means that every promise we encounter in Scripture—from the assurance of salvation and forgiveness to the promise of His presence, provision, and ultimate return—is not a mere possibility but a divine certainty, sealed in Christ. This truth should embolden our prayers, knowing that when we pray according to God's will and His revealed promises, we are aligning ourselves with what is already "yea and Amen" in Him. Our lives, then, become living testimonies to God's faithfulness, as we experience the fulfillment of His word, bringing Him glory and inviting others to trust in the God who keeps every promise.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does it mean that "all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen"?
This profound statement means that every single promise God has ever made, from the Old Testament covenants to the New Testament assurances, finds its absolute affirmation ("yea" or "yes") and its ultimate, unshakeable fulfillment ("Amen" or "so be it") in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not just the one through whom promises are made, but the very embodiment and guarantor of their truth and certainty. He is God's definitive "yes" to humanity, ensuring that every divine pledge will be brought to pass. This provides believers with unwavering confidence in God's faithfulness.
How does this verse relate to Paul's personal integrity and the gospel message?
Paul uses this verse to defend his own integrity and the reliability of the gospel he preached. In 2 Corinthians 1:17, some in the Corinthian church accused him of being fickle due to a change in his travel plans. Paul counters this by asserting that his message regarding Christ was never "yes and no" but always a consistent "yes." He then elevates this to a theological principle: just as his message about Christ is unwavering, so too are God's promises in Christ. By grounding the certainty of his ministry in the absolute certainty of God's promises fulfilled in Jesus, Paul demonstrates that both his message and his character reflect the unchanging faithfulness of God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Second Corinthians 1:20 unequivocally places Jesus Christ at the very heart of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of all His promises. Jesus is not merely a recipient or a messenger of God's promises; He is the "Yea" and the "Amen" of God. This means that every covenant, every prophetic declaration, and every divine pledge finds its ultimate reality and completion in Him. From the promise of a seed who would crush the serpent's head in Genesis 3:15 to the covenant made with Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring (Genesis 12:3), and the promise of a Davidic king whose throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16), all these find their climactic "yes" in Jesus. He is the promised Messiah, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), the one who inaugurates the new covenant in His blood (Luke 22:20), and the one through whom eternal life is granted (John 3:16). Therefore, to trust in Christ is to trust in the certain fulfillment of all God's promises, ensuring that our hope is not in vain but is anchored in the unchangeable character of God Himself, revealed perfectly in His Son.