2 Corinthians 1:23--2:4
Why Paul Postponed His Visit
1:23 Now I appeal to God as my witness, that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth.
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.
2:1 So I made up my own mind not to pay you another painful visit.
2:2 For if I make you sad, who would be left to make me glad but the one I caused to be sad?
2:3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that when I came 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.
2:4 For out of great distress and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not to make you sad, but to let you know the love that I have especially for you.