2Cor 1:15-23 | RWP | e4.org | Confidence ( πεποιθησε ). This late word (LXX Philo, Josephus) is condemned by the Atticists, but Paul uses it a half dozen times ( also). I was minded to come ( εβουλομην ελθειν ). Imperfect, I was wishing to come, picturing his former state of mind. Before unto you ( προτερον προς υμας ). This was his former plan ( προτερον ) while in Ephesus to go to Achaia directly from Ephesus. This he confesses in verse "and by you to pass into Macedonia." That ye might have a second benefit ( ινα δευτεραν χαριν σχητε ). Or second "joy" if we accept χαραν with Westcott and Hort. This would be a real second blessing (or joy) if they should have two visits from Paul.

‏ 2 Corinthians 1:15-23

Confidence ( πεποιθησε ). This late word (LXX Philo, Josephus) is condemned by the Atticists, but Paul uses it a half dozen times (3:4 also).

I was minded to come ( εβουλομην ελθειν ). Imperfect, I was wishing to come, picturing his former state of mind.

Before unto you ( προτερον προς υμας ). This was his former plan ( προτερον ) while in Ephesus to go to Achaia directly from Ephesus. This he confesses in verse 16 "and by you to pass into Macedonia."

That ye might have a second benefit ( ινα δευτεραν χαριν σχητε ). Or second "joy" if we accept χαραν with Westcott and Hort. This would be a real second blessing (or joy) if they should have two visits from Paul.

And again ( κα παλιν ). This would have been the second benefit or joy. But he changed his plans and did not make that trip directly to Corinth, but came on to Macedonia first (Ac 19:21; 20:1f.; 1Co 16:2; 2Co 2:12).

To be set forward by you ( υφ' υμων προπεμφθηνα ). First aorist passive infinitive of προπεμπω. Paul uses this same verb in Ro 15:24 for the same service by the Roman Christians on his proposed trip to Spain. The Corinthians, especially the anti-Pauline party, took advantage of Paul's change of plans to criticize him sharply for vacillation and flippancy. How easy it is to find fault with the preacher! So Paul has to explain his conduct.

Did I shew fickleness? ( μητ αρα τη ελαφριαι? ). An indignant negative answer is called for by μητ. The instrumental case of ελαφρια is regular after εχρησαμην from χραομα, to use. Ελαφρια is a late word for levity from the old adjective, ελαφρος, light, agile (2Co 10:17; Mt 11:30). Here only in N.T.

Purpose ( βουλευομα ). Paul raises the question of fickleness about any of his plans.

Yea yea ( Να να )

--nay nay ( ου ου ). See a similar repetition in Mt 5:37. It is plain in Jas 5:12 where "the yea" is "yea" and "the nay" is "nay." That seems to be Paul's meaning here, "that the Yea may be yea and the Nay may be nay."

Is not yea and nay ( ουκ εστιν να κα ου ). He is not a Yes and No man, saying Yes and meaning or acting No. Paul calls God to witness on this point.

Was not Yea and Nay ( ουκ εγενετο να κα ου ). "Did not become Yes and No."

But in him is yea ( αλλα Να εν αυτω γεγονεν ). Rather, "But in him Yes has become yes," has proved true. So Paul appeals to the life of Christ to sustain his own veracity.

In him is the yea ( εν αυτω το Να ). Supply γεγονεν from the preceding sentence, "In him was the Yea come true." This applies to all God's promises.

The Amen ( το Αμην ). In public worship (1Co 14:16).

Establishes ( βεβαιων ). Present active participle from βεβαιος, firm. An apt metaphor in Corinth where confirmation of a bargain often took place ( βεβαιωσις ) as Deissmann shows (Bible Studies, p. 109) and as verse 22 makes plain.

Anointed ( χρισας ). From χριω, to anoint, old verb, to consecrate, with the Holy Spirit here as in 1Jo 2:20.

Sealed us ( σφραγισαμενος ημας ). From σφραγιζω old verb, common in LXX and papyri for setting a seal to prevent opening (Da 6:17), in place of signature (1Ki 21:18). Papyri examples show a wide legal use to give validity to documents, to guarantee genuineness of articles as sealing sacks and chests, etc. (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 238; Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary).

The earnest of the Spirit ( τον αρραβωνα του πνευματος ). A word of Semitic origin (possibly Phoenician) and spelled both αραβων and αρραβων. It is common in the papyri as earnest money in a purchase for a cow or for a wife (a dowry). In N.T. only here; 5:5; Eph 1:14. It is part payment on the total obligation and we use the very expression today, "earnest money." It is God, says Paul, who has done all this for us and God is Paul's pledge that he is sincere. He will come to Corinth in due time. This earnest of the Spirit in our hearts is the witness of the Spirit that we are God's.

But I call God for a witness upon my soul ( Εγω δε μαρτυρα τον θεον επικαλουμα επ την εμην ψυχην ). Solemn attestation, "calling heaven to witness is frequent in literature from Homer onwards" (Plummer). Thus God is described above (cf. 1Th 2:5, 10; Ro 1:9; Ga 1:20; Php 1:8).

To spare you ( φειδομενος υμων ). Present middle participle (causal rather than final) of φειδομα, old verb, to hold back, to spare. Ablative case υμων.