2 Corinthians 1:23 Meaning and Explanation
“Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul solemnly calls God as his witness that he stayed away from Corinth in order to spare them.
What Does 2 Corinthians 1:23 Mean?
Paul returns to explain his delayed visit, now with great seriousness. He calls 'God for a record upon my soul' — an appeal to the One who sees the heart — that the reason he 'came not as yet unto Corinth' was 'to spare you.' His absence was an act of mercy, not neglect.
Sometimes love withholds a hard confrontation to give room for repentance and growth. Paul stayed away not because he cared little but because he cared deeply, choosing to spare them sorrow if he could. He stakes his sincerity on God's own witness, for God alone knows the true motive of the heart. A tender shepherd weighs even his absences in love, seeking always the good of those entrusted to him.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Corinthians 1:23
What does 2 Corinthians 1:23 mean?
Paul solemnly calls God as his witness that he stayed away from Corinth in order to spare them.