2 Corinthians 1:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: As surely as God is faithful, our word to you has not been Yes and No.

NIV: But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not 'Yes' and 'No.'

NASB: But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no.

CSB: As God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes and no."

NLT: As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between 'Yes' and 'No.'

KJV: But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.

NKJV: But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.

Paul is denying the charge from some in Corinth that he has been vacillating in planning his trips to visit them in person. The charge implies he lacks integrity and commitment, foolishly saying "yes" and "no" at the same time.

Paul insists here that such is not the case. All his plans, both the original one described in 1 Corinthians 16 and the modified one detailed in the previous verses, were made in good faith. Paul fully intended to carry through with them. He promises that this is true "as surely as God is faithful." In other words, his intentions were unqualified truth; the plans changed because of things outside Paul's authority.

He will go on to say that his plans were changed by Christ Himself, as well as by what happened between him and someone in the church during his previous visit.

Second Corinthians 1:12–24 contains a defense against accusations. Apparently, some claimed Paul had acted without integrity, openness, or commitment to his stated plans to visit the Corinthians. Those were referenced near the end of his letter of 1 Corinthians. Paul insists that, especially with them, he and his co-workers have behaved with simple integrity and transparency, as well as sincerity. His change in plans has not been a case of frivolously saying ''yes and no'' to them at the same time. He has responded to the leading of the Holy Spirit and delayed his most recent visit for their own good.

Paul begins another letter to the Corinthians following a series of tumultuous events with them. He begins by praising God for His comfort to those who are in affliction, connecting Christian suffering to the sufferings of Christ. Paul insists that his suffering and the comfort he has received from God have been for the Corinthians' benefit. He defends both his integrity and sincerity in dealing with them and explains that he delayed his planned trip to visit them again for their sake.

Second Corinthians 1 follows about a year after the end of 1 Corinthians, and much has happened between the two letters. Paul has had a painful visit with the Corinthians before traveling to Macedonia, where he wrote a painful letter. The text of which has not been kept. He writes this new letter from Macedonia, as well, after learning about a positive change of heart on their behalf. Paul begins by praising God for His comfort for those who are afflicted and defending himself against several complaints from some in the church.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 5/7/2024 8:50:56 AM