15 and in this confidence I was purposing to come unto you before, that a second favour ye might have, 16 and through you to pass to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and by you to be sent forward to Judea. 17 This, therefore, counselling, did I then use the lightness; or the things that I counsel, according to the flesh do I counsel, that it may be with me Yes, yes, and No, no? 18 and God 'is' faithful, that our word unto you became not Yes and No, 19 for the Son of God, Jesus Christ, among you through us having been preached—through me and Silvanus and Timotheus—did not become Yes and No, but in him it hath become Yes; 20 for as many as 'are' promises of God, in him 'are' the Yes, and in him the Amen, for glory to God through us; 21 and He who is confirming you with us into Christ, and did anoint us, 'is' God, 22 who also sealed us, and gave the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 And I for a witness on God do call upon my soul, that sparing you, I came not yet to Corinth; 24 not that we are lords over your faith, but we are workers together with your joy, for by the faith ye stand.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:15-24
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.