2 Corinthians 1:22-24

1:22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a down payment. ¹ 

Why Paul Postponed His Visit

1:23 Now I appeal to God as my witness, ²  that to spare ³  you I did not come again to Corinth. ⁴  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. ⁵ 

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

[1:23]  ² tn Grk “I call upon God as witness against my soul.” Normally this implies an appeal for help (L&N 33.176).

[1:23]  ³ tn Here φειδόμενος (feidomeno") has been translated as a telic participle.

[1:23]  ⁴ 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]  ⁵ tn Or “because you stand firm in the faith.”