But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Corinthians 1:23
What does 2 Corinthians 1:23 mean?
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2 Corinthians 1:23
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What's really striking here is Paul's solemn appeal to God as a witness, suggesting the immense weight and perhaps even the pain involved in his decision not to visit Corinth. He's not just explaining himself; he's invoking divine authority to underline that his absence was a difficult act of mercy toward them, not a sign of his own convenience or disinterest.
But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is defending his apostolic authority against critics who questioned his motives and visits. He's explaining why he hasn't returned to Corinth as he'd promised, clarifying that his absence was a difficult choice made to protect the Corinthian church from further discipline and pain he might have had to inflict. He emphasizes that his sincerity and integrity are open before God, whom he invokes as his witness.
Paul invokes God as a witness. What does that tell us about the seriousness of his words and his heart?
Invoking God's Name
Paul starts this statement with a powerful invocation: "But I call God to witness against me." This wasn't a casual phrase. In the ancient world, calling God as a witness was the most solemn oath possible. It meant appealing to God's absolute knowledge and His perfect justice. If Paul were lying, he would be bringing God's judgment upon himself.
A Sacred Promise
By using such a strong oath, Paul emphasizes how incredibly important his truth is to him. He’s not just saying he didn’t come to Corinth; he’s making a sacred promise that this is the absolute truth, and he’s willing to face God’s ultimate judgment if it isn’t.
This shows us that Paul’s ministry was conducted with utter integrity and transparency, even when it involved difficult circumstances or explanations.
Paul says he 'refrained from coming again' to Corinth. Why would he not want to go, and what does this reveal about his love for the Corinthians?
The Shepherd's Hesitation
Paul’s decision not to visit Corinth was painful for him. He says it was "to spare you" that he stayed away. This reveals a deep pastoral love and concern. He wasn't avoiding them out of anger or indifference. Instead, he was exercising a difficult restraint because a visit under those circumstances might have caused further hurt or pain.
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Avoiding Further Harm
We learn from the context of 2 Corinthians that the Corinthian church was struggling with divisions, immorality, and false apostles. Paul had previously confronted them and perhaps had to deliver some stern words. He was hesitant to come again because he feared that his presence, at that specific moment, might have led to more severe discipline, confrontation, or even the pain of seeing the church further fractured. His reluctance to come was an act of mercy, hoping they would correct themselves without him needing to inflict further spiritual pain.
Paul's decision not to visit Corinth again was a direct response to a period of deep relational strain, stemming from a previous 'painful visit' and a harsh letter he had sent. His current letter seeks to mend that relationship.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's First Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent about 18 months establishing the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey. This church was diverse but also struggled with internal divisions and moral issues.
c. AD 53-55
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Facing reports of ongoing problems, Paul wrote his first letter (1 Corinthians) from Ephesus to address divisions, immorality, and doctrinal errors within the Corinthian church.
c. AD 55
Paul's "Painful Visit" to Corinth
Paul made a brief, difficult visit to Corinth. This visit was marked by conflict and sorrow, and he refers to it as a "painful visit" in his later letters.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul's "Severe Letter"
Following the painful visit, Paul wrote another letter (now lost) expressing his grief and disappointment. This letter was intended to be a strong rebuke, and he expected it to bring about repentance.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's "Letter of Reconciliation"
After receiving reports that the severe letter had a positive, though sorrowful, impact on the church, Paul wrote 2 Corinthians. This letter expresses relief, defends his apostolic authority, and seeks to restore their relationship.
This passage immediately follows our verse and directly explains Paul's sorrow and the Corinthians' potential pain if he had come, reinforcing the sincerity of his decision in 2 Corinthians 1:23.
Philippians 2:12Paul's emphasis on working out salvation with fear and trembling echoes the careful, almost fearful, consideration he gave to his actions regarding Corinth, seeking God's glory and the people's well-being.
1 Corinthians 4:21Paul directly references his upcoming visit to Corinth and his intention to assess their behavior, mirroring the tension and decision-making process highlighted in 2 Corinthians 1:23 about whether to come or not.
2 Corinthians 13:10This verse shows Paul's desire to use his apostolic authority constructively, which aligns with his explanation in 1:23 that he delayed his visit to avoid using his authority in a harsh way.
What's really striking here is Paul's solemn appeal to God as a witness, suggesting the immense weight and perhaps even the pain involved in his decision not to visit Corinth. He's not just explaining himself; he's invoking divine authority to underline that his absence was a difficult act of mercy toward them, not a sign of his own convenience or disinterest.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority against critics who questioned his motives and visits. He's explaining why he hasn't returned to Corinth as he'd promised, clarifying that his absence was a difficult choice made to protect the Corinthian church from further discipline and pain he might have had to inflict. He emphasizes that his sincerity and integrity are open before God, whom he invokes as his witness.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority against critics who questioned his motives and visits. He's explaining why he hasn't returned to Corinth as he'd promised, clarifying that his absence was a difficult choice made to protect the Corinthian church from further discipline and pain he might have had to inflict. He emphasizes that his sincerity and integrity are open before God, whom he invokes as his witness.
"But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth." — What's really striking here is Paul's solemn appeal to God as a witness, suggesting the immense weight and perhaps even the pain involved in his decision not to visit Corinth. He's not just explainin…
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Last reviewed October 2026