2 Corinthians 1:23

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

But I appeal to God as my witness [i.e., to verify that I am telling the truth]; it was in order to spare you [i.e., from a disciplinary action] that I decided not to return to Corinth.

Cross References

Acts 18:1

After this happened Paul left Athens and went to Corinth [i.e., a principal city of Greece].

Acts 18:8

Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and all of his family became believers in the Lord. [And] many of the Corinthians who heard [Paul’s message] believed [in the Lord] and were immersed [into Christ].

Romans 1:9

For God, whom I serve wholeheartedly in [preaching] the Gospel of His Son, is my witness [to the truth] of how continually I mention you in my prayers.

Romans 9:1

I am telling [you] the truth in Christ [i.e., since I am a Christian]; I am not lying. My conscience, [confirmed] by the Holy Spirit, supports my statements [as true],

1 Corinthians 4:21

Which do you [really] want? Shall I come to you with a rod [of discipline], or lovingly, and with a spirit of gentleness?

1 Corinthians 5:5

to turn such a person over to Satan for his body to be destroyed [Note: This probably refers to his removal from their fellowship. See verse 2], in order for his spirit to be saved in the day of the Lord [i.e., the judgment day]. [Note: This implies that his removal from their fellowship will have produced a genuine repentance before that time].

2 Corinthians 1:1

[This letter is from] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, and Timothy, our brother. [It is being sent] to the church of God at Corinth, with all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] who are in the entire province of Achaia [Note: This was the southern province of Greece]

2 Corinthians 1:18

But just as certainly as God is dependable, our message to you is not [both] “yes” and “no” [at the same time].

2 Corinthians 10:2

I make this request so that I do not [have to] be bold when I am present [with you], and feel compelled to speak in an authoritative tone to some people [there] who think we are living by worldly standards.

2 Corinthians 11:10

As sure as the truth of Christ is in my heart, no one will stop me from boasting about this [arrangement] throughout the regions of Achaia. [Note: This was the province where Corinth was located].

2 Corinthians 11:11

Why [am I doing this]? Is it because I do not love you? God knows [I do]

2 Corinthians 11:31

The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who should be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.

2 Corinthians 12:20

For I am afraid that somehow, when I come [to you], I might not find you the way I want you to be, and you might not find me the way you want me to be. I am afraid there might be quarrelling, jealousy, angry outbursts, factious spirits, slander, gossip, arrogance and [other] disturbances [there].

2 Corinthians 13:10

This is the reason I am writing these things while away from you, so that I will not have to deal severely with you when I am there. For the Lord gave me authority to build people up [spiritually] and not to tear them down.

2 Corinthians 13:2

I told you the last time I was there, and now before returning, I [again] warn those who have sinned in the past as well as the rest, that if I come again I will not spare you [i.e., I will rebuke and discipline you],

2 Corinthians 6:6

[We have ministered] with purity, knowledge, patience and kindness. [We have done this] by [the power of] the Holy Spirit; out of genuine love;

Galatians 1:20

Now [realizing I am] in God’s presence, I am not lying about any of these things.

Philippians 1:8

For God is my witness that I long to see you with the [same] affection that Christ Jesus has [for you].

1 Thessalonians 2:5

For we were never found using flattering words at any time, as you know, nor did we try to cover up any greedy desires. God can testify [to this].

1 Timothy 1:20

Among these people are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered over to Satan [Note: This probably refers to withdrawing fellowship from them. See I Cor. 5:1-5], so that they would learn not to speak against God [anymore].