2 Corinthians 1:23

Why Paul Postponed His Visit

1:23 Now I appeal to God as my witness, ¹  that to spare ²  you I did not come again to Corinth. ³ 

2 Corinthians 8:23

8:23 If there is any question ⁴  about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; if there is any question about our brothers, they are messengers ⁵  of the churches, a glory to Christ.

2 Corinthians 2:3

2:3 And I wrote this very thing to you, ⁶  so that when I came ⁷  I would not have sadness from those who ought to make me rejoice, since I am confident in you all that my joy would be yours.

¹ tn Grk “I call upon God as witness against my soul.” Normally this implies an appeal for help (L&N 33.176).

² tn Here φειδόμενος (feidomeno") has been translated as a telic participle.

³ sn Paul had promised to come again to visit (see 2 Cor 1:15, 24) but explains here why he had changed his plans.

⁴ tn Grk “If concerning Titus” (εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου, eite Juper Titou); the Greek sentence opens with an ellipsis which must be supplied: If [there is any question] about Titus.”

⁵ tn Grk “apostles.”

⁷ tn The words “to you” are not in the Greek text but are implied.

⁸ sn So that when I came. Regarding this still future visit by Paul, see 2 Cor 12:14; 13:1.