12 For our [1]proud confidence is this : the testimony of our conscience , that in holiness and godly sincerity , not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God , we have conducted ourselves in the world , and especially toward you. 13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand , and I hope you will understand until the end ; 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours , in the day of our Lord Jesus .
15 In this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might [2]twice receive a [3] blessing ; 16 [4]that is, to pass [5]your way into Macedonia , and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be helped on my journey to Judea . 17 Therefore , I was not vacillating e when I intended to do this , was I? Or what I purpose , do I purpose according to the flesh , so that with me there will be yes , yes and no , no at the same time? 18 But as God is faithful , our word to you is not yes and no . 19 For the Son of God , Christ Jesus , who was preached among you by us-by me and Silvanus and Timothy -was not yes and no , but is yes in Him. 20 For as many as are the promises of God , in Him they are yes ; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God , 22 who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a [6]pledge .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:12-22
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:12-14
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:12-14)
Though, as a sinner, the apostle could only rejoice and glory in Christ Jesus, yet, as a believer, he might rejoice and glory in being really what he professed. Conscience witnesses concerning the steady course and tenor of the life. Thereby we may judge ourselves, and not by this or by that single act. Our conversation will be well ordered, when we live and act under such a gracious principle in the heart. Having this, we may leave our characters in the Lord's hands, but using proper means to clear them, when the credit of the gospel, or our usefulness, calls for it.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:15-24
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:15-24)
The apostle clears himself from the charge of levity and inconstancy, in not coming to Corinth. Good men should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons. Nothing can render God's promises more certain: his giving them through Christ, assures us they are his promises; as the wonders God wrought in the life, resurrection, and ascension of his Son, confirm faith. The Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the gospel: the quickening of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting joy. The apostle desired to spare the blame he feared would be unavoidable, if he had gone to Corinth before he learned what effect his former letter produced. Our strength and ability are owing to faith; and our comfort and joy must flow from faith. The holy tempers and gracious fruits which attend faith, secure from delusion in so important a matter.