21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us,
21 Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;
21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,
21 God affirms us, making us a sure thing in Christ, putting his Yes within us.
21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,
21 It is God who enables us, along with you, to stand firm for Christ. He has commissioned us,
2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
2 If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord.
2 If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
2 Even if no one else admits the authority of my commission, you can't deny it. Why, my work with you is living proof of my authority!
2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle.
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:21
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.