2 Corinthians 1:23

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/2_corinthians/1-15-16 "2 Corinthians 1:15-16 - Paul's Original Travel Plans"), 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](/2_corinthians/1-17-18 "2 Corinthians 1:17-18 - Paul's Consistency in Christ")). His invocation of God as witness in [2 Corinthians 1:23](/2_corinthians/1-23 "2 Corinthians 1:23 - Paul's Oath Regarding His Travel Plans") 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](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Divisions and Disorders") and [2 Corinthians](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Comfort"). 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](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians - Paul's Defense and Comfort"). 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](/2_corinthians/1-17 "2 Corinthians 1:17 - Paul's Consistency")). 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](/2_corinthians/13-10 "2 Corinthians 13:10 - Authority for Edification")). 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](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's All-Seeing Knowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **call (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** 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.
* **record (Greek, _mártys'_):** 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.
* **spare (Greek, _pheídomai'_):** 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.

* [Psalm 139:1-4](/psalms/139-1-4 "Psalm 139:1-4 - God's Omniscience")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - All things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do")
* [Romans 2:4](/romans/2-4 "Romans 2:4 - God's Goodness Leading to Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's solemn appeal to God in [2 Corinthians 1:23](/2_corinthians/1-23 "2 Corinthians 1:23 - Paul's Oath Regarding His Travel Plans") 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
* **In what areas of your life are you called to greater transparency and integrity, knowing that God is the ultimate witness to your heart?**
* **How might Paul's decision "to spare" the Corinthians inform your approach to difficult relationships or situations, encouraging patience and grace over immediate confrontation?**
* **What does it mean for your daily life to live with the awareness that your words and motives are known to God?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul need to make such a strong oath about his travel plans?**

Answer: 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](/2_corinthians/1-17 "2 Corinthians 1:17 - Paul's Consistency")). 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](/2_corinthians/1-23 "2 Corinthians 1:23 - Paul's Oath Regarding His Travel Plans"), 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](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, Truth, and Life")). 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](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - Life and Light in Christ")). 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](/romans/8-32 "Romans 8:32 - God Did Not Spare His Own Son")), 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](/john/3-17 "John 3:17 - Jesus Came to Save the World")).

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

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.