2 Corinthians 1

      12-14. For our rejoicing is this. Rather, as in the Revision, "our glorying." He could boast that in his conduct everywhere, and at Corinth as well, he had acted with purity of purpose, integrity, and under the guidance of God. He appeals to his singleness of purpose, because a charge had been made against him, which he answers below ( verses 15-19 ). 13. For we write none other things. The charge seems to have been that he was ambiguous in what he wrote ( verse 17 ). Hence he insists that he writes plainly, and that they read, understand, and accept what he writes. 14. As also ye have acknowledged us in part. All but a faction acknowledged him as an apostle and rejoiced in his labors.

      15-24. In this confidence. Of their acknowledgment of his apostleship and rejoicing in him. I was minded to come unto you before. Before going to Macedonia, sailing straight across from Ephesus to Corinth. That you might have a second benefit. Two visits, one as Paul went to Macedonia, and one on his return. All this is explained in verse 16 . 17. When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? Some of his detractors at Corinth had urged from his change of plans that he was fickle, or that he made ambiguous promises, and was ready to break them. His original plan was probably conveyed in the letter which has not come down to us ( 1 Cor. 5:9 ). In 1 Cor. 16:5 , he declared his change of plans. Do I purpose according to the flesh? In a carnal way. So that there should be a readiness to turn a yea into a nay; that is, no fixed purpose to do as promised. 18. Our word . . . was not yea and nay. That is, ambiguous and unreliable. 19. For the Son of God, etc. The idea is that there was no vacillation and uncertainty about Paul's preaching when he was in Corinth. In him was yea. There was positive affirmation. 20. For all the promises of God in him are yea. They are sure and positive. 21. Now he that stablisheth us with you in Christ. He gives us our stability so that our gospel is yea, sure and steadfast. And hath anointed us. With the unction of the Holy Spirit ( 1 John 2:20 1 John 2:27 ). 22. Sealed us. The seal was anciently the mark of ownership. In Ephesians 1:13 Ephesians 4:30 , it is said that the saints are sealed by the Holy Spirit. They are thus marked as Christ's. So here the sealing is by the earnest of the Spirit. 23. Moreover . . . to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth. He delayed coming in order to give time for his First Epistle to have effect and bring repentance. Had he come before they repented, his coming must have been in severity. 24. Not that we have dominion over your faith. Not that he would exercise a lordship. How different this is from the arrogant style of a Catholic bishop! Paul wishes rather to be a helper. For by faith ye stand. Faith in Christ. He hath dominion. Every disciple is accountable to him. Not even an apostle can come between.