What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:23? I call God as my witness • Paul opens with a solemn appeal: “I call God as my witness” (2 Colossians 1:23). • This is not casual language. In Romans 1:9 and Philippians 1:8 he uses the same kind of oath, underscoring that what follows is absolutely true before the God who “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). • The phrase assures the Corinthians—and us—that Paul’s motives and decisions are transparent and accountable to God, reflecting Exodus 20:7’s command not to misuse His name. • By invoking God, Paul also models integrity for believers, echoing Jesus’ call to let “your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No,’ no” (Matthew 5:37). in order to spare you • Paul’s restraint is pastoral, not self-protective. He desires their spiritual well-being, mirroring his heart in 2 Corinthians 2:1–4, where he explains he postponed a visit to avoid causing “another painful visit.” • He is prepared to confront sin, yet prefers repentance over discipline, resonating with 1 Corinthians 4:21: “Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a gentle spirit?” • The goal is always edification (2 Corinthians 13:10). Delaying the trip gives them space to respond to his earlier letter, sparing them the sorrow of severe correction (see 2 Corinthians 7:8-10). • This reflects the Lord’s own patience, “not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). that I did not return to Corinth • Acts 18 records Paul’s founding visit; 1 Corinthians 16:5 shows he had planned another. The change could look fickle (2 Corinthians 1:17), but Paul clarifies it was deliberate, loving restraint. • His delayed return highlights the balance between apostolic authority and servant-hearted care (Mark 10:42-45). • When he finally does arrive (2 Corinthians 12:14; 13:1), it will be his third visit, and he will come ready to build them up, not tear them down (2 Corinthians 13:10). • The episode demonstrates that Christian leadership may mean altering plans for the flock’s good, even at the cost of personal misunderstanding (Proverbs 19:21; James 4:13-15). summary Paul swears before God that his change of travel plans sprang from love, not inconsistency. By postponing his visit he spared the Corinthians a stern confrontation, granting time for repentance and preserving their joy. The verse reveals a shepherd’s heart guided by truth, patience, and accountability to God—an example for every believer who seeks to act in genuine, sacrificial love. |
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