2 Corinthians 1:21-24

1:21 But it is God who establishes ¹  us together with you in Christ and who anointed us, ²  1:22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. ³ 

Why Paul Postponed His Visit

1:23 Now I appeal to God as my witness, ⁴  that to spare ⁵  you I did not come again to Corinth. ⁶  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. ⁷ 

[1:21]  ¹ tn Or “strengthens.”

[1:21]  ² tn Grk “But he who establishes us together with you in Christ and anointed us is God.”

[1:22]  ³ tn Or “first installment,” “pledge,” “deposit.”

[1:23]  ⁴ tn Grk “I call upon God as witness against my soul.” Normally this implies an appeal for help (L&N 33.176).

[1:23]  ⁵ tn Here φειδόμενος (feidomeno") has been translated as a telic participle.

[1:23]  ⁶ sn Paul had promised to come again to visit (see 2 Cor 1:15, 24) but explains here why he had changed his plans.

[1:24]  ⁷ tn Or “because you stand firm in the faith.”