2 Corinthians 1:23

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:15-24

The apostle here vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy, in that he did not hold his purpose of coming to them at Corinth. His adversaries there sought all occasions to blemish his character, and reflect upon his conduct; and, it seemed, they took hold of this handle to reproach his person and discredit his ministry. Now, for his justification, I. He avers the sincerity of his intention (2 Cor. 1:15-17), and he does this in confidence of their good opinion of him, and... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

1:23-24 I call God to witness against my soul that it was because I wished to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth. I am not saying this because we have any desire to domineer over your faith, but because we desire to labour with you to produce joy. As far as faith is concerned, you stand firm. But for my own peace of mind I came to this decision--not to come to you again in grief. For, if I grieve you, who then is there to make me glad, except him who is grieved by what I have... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:23

Moreover, I call God for a record upon my soul ,.... The apostle having asserted his stability, both as a minister and a Christian, which, with others, he had from God, appeals to him in the most solemn manner, in full form of an oath, for the truth of what he was about to say; and is all one as if he had said, I swear by the living God, the searcher of all hearts; I call upon him to attest what I say, and bear witness to my soul, that it is true, that to spare you, I came not as yet unto... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:23

I call God for a record upon my soul - The apostle here resumes the subject which he left 2 Corinthians 1:16 , and in the most solemn manner calls God to witness, and consequently to punish, if he asserted any thing false, that it was through tenderness to them that he did not visit Corinth at the time proposed. As there were so many scandals among them, the apostle had reason to believe that he should be obliged to use the severe and authoritative part of his function in the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:23

Verse 23 23.I call God for a witness. He now begins to assign a reason for his change of purpose; for hitherto he has merely repelled calumny. When, however, he says that he spared them, he indirectly throws back the blame upon them, and thus shows them that it would be unfair if he were put to grief through their fault, but that it would be much more unfair if they should permit this; but most of all unfair if they should give their assent to so base a calumny, as in that case they would be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:12-24

Defence of himself; character of his preaching. "On our behalf" were the closing words of the preceding verse, and St. Paul would now impress upon the Corinthians that he was worthy of their confidence and affection. And yet, further, if their regard had been manifested by intercessions in his behalf, he wished to assure them that he had in his own mind a blessed witness to the truth and sincerity of his apostolic work. Conscience was this witness. It testified that, "in simplicity and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:23

Moreover I call God for a record; rather, But I call God for a witness . At this point, to 2 Corinthians 2:4 , he enters for the first time on the kindly reasons which had led him to forego his intended earlier visit. He uses a similar adjuration in 2 Corinthians 11:31 ; and although these appeals may be due in part to the emotional fervour of his temperament, yet he would hardly have resorted to them in this self defence, if the calumnies of his enemies had not gained much credence.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 1:23-24

A threefold theme. "Moreover I call God for a record," etc. In these verses we have three things worthy of note. I. THE FULFILMENT OF A PROMISE ADJOURNED . "Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth." Paul here, in the most solemn way, assigns the reason why he had adjourned his promised visit to Corinth. It was not for his personal convenience, or from a change of purpose, or from any indifference towards them, but on the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 1:23

Moreover, I call God for a record upon my soul - It is well remarked by Rosenmuller, that the second chapter should have commenced here, since there is here a transition in the subject more distinct than where the second chapter is actually made to begin. Here Tyndale commences the second chapter. This verse, with the subsequent statements, is designed to show them the true reason why he had changed his purpose, and had not visited them according to his first proposal. And that reason was not... read more

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