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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.
Here Paul is addressing people who apparently wanted to reform but were not making much of an effort in that direction. It was to spare them until they pulled themselves together that he went elsewhere for the time being. Paul did not want them to think that he despised them as unworthy. Once they realized that, they would mend their ways, and then the apostle would come to visit them.
"But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth."
What sayest thou, O blessed Paul? To spare them thou camest not to Corinth? Surely thou presentest us with something of a contradiction. For a little above thou saidst that thou therefore camest not, because thou purposest not according to the flesh nor art thine own master, but art led about every where by the authority of the Spirit, and didst set forth thine afflictions. But here thou sayest it was thine own act that thou camest not, and not from the authority of the Spirit; for he saith, "To spare you I forbare to come to Corinth." What then is one to say? either, that this too was itself of the Spirit, and that he himself wished to come but the Spirit suggested to him not to do so, urging the motive of sparing them; or else, that he is speaking of some other coming, and would signify that before he wrote the former Epistle he was minded to come, and for love's sake restrained himself lest he should find them yet unamended.
What is the expression, "to spare you?" I heard, he saith, that some among you had committed fornication; I would not therefore come and make you sorry: for had I come, I must needs have enquired into the matter, and prosecuted and punished, and exacted justice from many. I judged it then better to be away and to give opportunity for repentance, than to be with you and to prosecute, and be still more incensed.
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Summary
In 2 Corinthians 1:23, the Apostle Paul solemnly invokes God as his witness, affirming the truthfulness of his changed travel plans to Corinth. He declares that his decision to delay his visit was not due to fickleness or unreliability but was a deliberate, pastoral choice made "to spare" the Corinthian believers from a potentially harsh confrontation, allowing them time for repentance and self-correction before his arrival. This verse underscores Paul's integrity, his deep pastoral concern, and his accountability to God for his motives and actions.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is a crucial part of Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and his explanation for a change in his itinerary. In 2 Corinthians 1:15-16, Paul had outlined an initial plan to visit Corinth twice, once on his way to Macedonia and again on his return. However, he altered this plan, which led some in the Corinthian church to accuse him of being unreliable or indecisive, perhaps even implying a lack of spiritual authority. Paul addresses these accusations directly, arguing that his "yes" is not simultaneously "no" (2 Corinthians 1:17-18). His invocation of God as witness in 2 Corinthians 1:23 serves as a powerful affirmation of his sincerity and the divine backing of his decisions, leading into his explanation of the merciful reason for his delay.
Historical & Cultural Context
Oaths and solemn declarations were common in both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures as a means of affirming truthfulness, especially in legal or significant personal matters. Paul, as a Jew and Roman citizen, would have understood the gravity of such an invocation. The city of Corinth itself was a bustling, cosmopolitan port city, known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral complexities. The Corinthian church, established by Paul, was plagued by internal divisions, moral issues, and challenges to Paul's authority, as evidenced throughout both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians. Paul's sensitivity to their spiritual state and his desire to avoid a painful visit reflect the challenging pastoral dynamics within this particular community.
Key Themes
This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, it highlights Apostolic Sincerity and Integrity, as Paul goes to great lengths to defend his character and motives against accusations of fickleness (2 Corinthians 1:17). His appeal to God underscores his transparent heart and commitment to truthfulness. Secondly, it powerfully demonstrates Pastoral Care and Compassion. Paul's decision "to spare you" reveals his deep love and concern for the Corinthians' spiritual well-being, prioritizing their repentance and restoration over his own convenience or the immediate exercise of his apostolic authority (2 Corinthians 13:10). Lastly, it reinforces the theme of God as Witness and Ultimate Authority, emphasizing that Paul's actions and intentions are ultimately accountable to God, who knows all things (Hebrews 4:13).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (G1941) signifies "to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)" or "to appeal unto." When Paul says "I call God," he is not merely stating a fact but solemnly appealing to God as a witness to the truth of his statement. It carries the weight of an oath, placing his very soul under divine scrutiny.
This term (G3144) means "a witness" (literally or figuratively) or "a martyr." In this context, it emphasizes God's role as the ultimate, indisputable witness to Paul's inner motives and the veracity of his declaration. God is presented as the one who has full knowledge and can testify to the truth.
This word (G5339) means "to be chary of," "to abstain," or "to treat leniently." Paul's use of this word reveals his compassionate and strategic decision. He chose to act leniently, holding back from a potentially confrontational visit, to give the Corinthians more time to address their issues and repent, thus avoiding the need for a more severe exercise of his apostolic authority.
Verse Breakdown
"Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul"
Paul begins with a powerful, solemn oath. He invokes God as his ultimate witness, placing his very soul—his innermost being, thoughts, and intentions—before God. This is not a casual statement but a profound appeal to divine omniscience and justice, underscoring the absolute truthfulness and gravity of what he is about to say. He stakes his spiritual integrity on this declaration.
"that to spare you"
This clause reveals the merciful and pastoral motivation behind Paul's changed plans. His primary concern was not his own convenience or reputation, but the spiritual well-being of the Corinthian believers. He desired to treat them leniently, giving them an opportunity to correct their behavior and attitudes without immediate, potentially harsh, apostolic discipline.
"I came not as yet unto Corinth"
This explains the specific action taken: Paul delayed his visit to Corinth. The phrase "not as yet" implies that the visit was still intended, but its timing was adjusted out of a deep pastoral concern. This clarifies that his absence was not a sign of neglect or fickleness, but a deliberate act of love designed to foster their repentance and spiritual growth.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is Oath/Solemn Affirmation, where he invokes God as a witness to the truth of his words. This device lends immense weight and credibility to his statement, appealing to a higher authority than human testimony. It serves to counter any accusations of duplicity and establish his sincerity. There is also an element of Pathos, as Paul appeals to the emotions of his readers by revealing his compassionate motive to "spare" them. This highlights his deep pastoral care and desire for their spiritual good, aiming to soften their hearts and rebuild trust. Finally, the verse demonstrates Rhetorical Justification, as Paul uses this strong declaration to explain and defend his actions, providing a compelling reason for his altered travel plans that goes beyond mere logistical convenience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God is omniscient and the ultimate witness to our innermost thoughts and motives. Paul's willingness to "call God for a record upon my soul" reflects a deep conviction in God's all-seeing eye and His role as the final arbiter of truth and integrity. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine faith involves living transparently before God, understanding that our words and intentions are known to Him. Furthermore, Paul's pastoral decision "to spare you" highlights God's own character of patience and long-suffering, often delaying judgment to allow for repentance and restoration, mirroring His desire for humanity's salvation rather than condemnation.
Reflection and Application
Paul's solemn appeal to God in 2 Corinthians 1:23 offers a profound model for believers today regarding integrity, communication, and pastoral care. In a world often characterized by superficiality and broken promises, Paul's example calls us to live with a deep sense of accountability to God, knowing that our true motives are laid bare before Him. This should inspire us to speak truthfully, act consistently, and maintain transparency, especially when our actions might be misunderstood. Furthermore, Paul's compassionate decision to "spare" the Corinthians reminds us of the wisdom of patience and grace in our interactions with others, particularly those we lead or care for. Sometimes, the most loving response is to grant space for growth, repentance, and healing, rather than immediate confrontation or judgment. This requires discernment and a heart aligned with God's own patience and desire for restoration.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Paul need to make such a strong oath about his travel plans?
Paul's strong oath was necessary because his altered travel plans had led to accusations of fickleness and unreliability from some in the Corinthian church. They questioned his integrity and consistency, suggesting that his "yes" was also "no" (2 Corinthians 1:17). By invoking God as his witness "upon my soul," Paul was making the most solemn possible affirmation, appealing to divine knowledge to validate his sincerity and the purity of his motives. This was crucial for re-establishing trust and defending his apostolic authority amidst the challenges he faced in Corinth.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
2 Corinthians 1:23, while speaking of Paul's integrity and pastoral heart, ultimately points to the perfect integrity and compassionate patience of Christ. Paul's willingness to "spare" the Corinthians, giving them time to repent, echoes God's own long-suffering love for humanity, supremely demonstrated in Jesus. Christ, unlike any human, never had to swear an oath to prove His truthfulness, for He is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). His "yes" is always "yes," and His "no" is always "no," for "in Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4). Moreover, the ultimate act of "sparing" humanity from the just consequences of sin is found in Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. God "did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all" (Romans 8:32), so that we, through faith, might be spared from eternal condemnation and reconciled to Him. Thus, Paul's pastoral concern, though imperfectly human, reflects the perfect, redemptive patience and truthfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who came not to condemn the world, but to save it (John 3:17).