2 Corinthians 1:23-24
What is written? (ESV)
But I call God to witness against me—it was to spare you that I refrained from coming again to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith.
What does it say?
I (Paul) ask God (the Father) to testify against me if I'm wrong. It was to spare you that I refrained from returning to Corinth at that time. We don't want to rule over you practicing your faith, but work together with you for your joy, since you stand firm in your faith.
What is its immediate context?
Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, writing to them defending his apostleship and also rejoicing in their handling of the some of the issues/sin he dealt with in 1 Corinthians.
How 2 Corinthians 1:23-24 is applied across Bible answers
What is a Christian’s joy?
Paul's work isn't to domineer over the practice of their faith, but rather to encourage them and work with them in their "joy" and to "stand firm" in it.
