2 Corinthians 1:18-24

1:18 But as God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and “No.” 1:19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the one who was proclaimed among you by us – by me and Silvanus ¹  and Timothy – was not “Yes” and “No,” but it has always been “Yes” in him. 1:20 For every one of God’s promises are “Yes” in him; therefore also through him the “Amen” is spoken, to the glory we give to God. 1:21 But it is God who establishes ²  us together with you in Christ and who anointed us, ³  1:22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. ⁴ 

Why Paul Postponed His Visit

1:23 Now I appeal to God as my witness, ⁵  that to spare ⁶  you I did not come again to Corinth. ⁷  1:24 I do not mean that we rule over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, because by faith you stand firm. ⁸ 

¹ sn Silvanus is usually considered to be the same person as Silas (L&N 93.340).

² tn Or “strengthens.”

³ tn Grk “But he who establishes us together with you in Christ and anointed us is God.”

⁴ tn Or “first installment,” “pledge,” “deposit.”

⁵ tn Grk “I call upon God as witness against my soul.” Normally this implies an appeal for help (L&N 33.176).

⁶ tn Here φειδόμενος (feidomeno") has been translated as a telic participle.

⁷ sn Paul had promised to come again to visit (see 2 Cor 1:15, 24) but explains here why he had changed his plans.

⁸ tn Or “because you stand firm in the faith.”