2 Corinthians 1:23

Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

Moreover {G1161} I {G1473} call {G1941} God {G2316} for a record {G3144} upon {G1909} my {G1699} soul {G5590}, that {G3754} to spare {G5339} you {G5216} I came {G2064} not as yet {G3765} unto {G1519} Corinth {G2882}.

I call God to witness — he knows what my life is like — that the reason I held back from coming to Corinth was out of consideration for you!

I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.

Commentary

Context

In 2 Corinthians 1, the Apostle Paul is defending his apostolic integrity and explaining a change in his travel plans to the church in Corinth. He had initially promised to visit them twice (as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 1:15-16), but altered his itinerary, leading some in Corinth to accuse him of being fickle or unreliable. This verse is part of Paul's earnest and heartfelt explanation, assuring them that his intentions were pure, pastoral, and guided by God, not by wavering human will.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Sincerity and Integrity: Paul's solemn invocation, "I call God for a record upon my soul," is a powerful oath. It demonstrates his profound commitment to truthfulness and his desire to counter any accusations of fickleness or deception (2 Corinthians 1:17-18). He places his very soul before God as a witness to the veracity of his statement, emphasizing the gravity of his words and his transparent heart before the Corinthian community.
  • Pastoral Care and Compassion: The core reason for his delayed visit—"that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth"—reveals Paul's deep love and pastoral concern for the Corinthians. He chose to postpone his visit to give them time to repent and address internal issues, rather than arriving when he might have had to exercise a more severe form of discipline. This shows his preference for their spiritual restoration over his own convenience, aligning with his desire to build them up, not tear them down (2 Corinthians 13:10).
  • God as Witness and Judge: Paul's willingness to "call God for a record upon my soul" highlights his conviction that God is the ultimate witness to his thoughts, motives, and actions. This appeals to a higher authority than human judgment, reinforcing his trustworthiness in the eyes of the Corinthians and all believers.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I call God for a record upon my soul" is a very strong and solemn affirmation, akin to taking an oath before God. It means Paul is invoking God as his witness, vouching for the truth of his statement with his very soul. It is not a casual expression but a profound appeal to divine knowledge and justice, indicating the absolute certainty and importance Paul places on the truth of his words.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Integrity in Communication: We are called to live and speak with integrity, especially when our actions or intentions might be misunderstood. Like Paul, we should strive for transparency and truthfulness in our dealings with others, knowing that God is the ultimate witness to our hearts (Hebrews 4:13).
  • Compassionate Leadership: For those in positions of leadership, Paul's example demonstrates the importance of patience, wisdom, and compassion in dealing with difficult situations. Sometimes, "sparing" others by giving them space and time to repent or mature is a greater act of love than immediate confrontation or judgment (1 Corinthians 4:21).
  • Accountability to God: Paul's solemn oath reminds us that our words and motives are known to God. This should encourage us to live lives that honor Him, understanding that true accountability is ultimately to our Creator.
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Cross-References

  • Galatians 1:20

    Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:21

    What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and [in] the spirit of meekness?

  • 2 Corinthians 13:2

    I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

  • Romans 1:9

    For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

  • 2 Corinthians 13:10

    Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:6

    And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.

  • 2 Corinthians 10:11

    Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such [will we be] also in deed when we are present.
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