Interpreting 2 Corinthians 1:23 in Context of Apostolic Oaths
Interpreting 2 Corinthians 1:23
2 Corinthians 1:23 reads, "But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth to spare you" [1]. This verse is part of Paul's explanation for changing his travel plans, which had been expected by the Corinthian church.
Literary Context
The surrounding verses provide context for Paul's statement. In 2 Corinthians 1:20-22, Paul discusses God's faithfulness to His promises and how believers are established in Christ through the Holy Spirit, who serves as a seal and earnest of their inheritance [2, 3]. Paul then shifts to explaining his change in travel plans, emphasizing that his decision was not made lightly or without consideration for the Corinthian church.
Historical Setting
Paul's letter to the Corinthians is dated to around 56 AD, during his missionary journeys [5]. The Corinthian church was founded by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-18). The letter addresses various issues within the church, including divisions, immorality, and questions about Christian doctrine and practice.
Key Terms and Exegetical Decisions
The phrase "call God for a witness" is significant. It is an oath formula, invoking God as a witness to the truth of Paul's statement [5, 6]. The use of "upon my soul" or "to my soul" emphasizes the seriousness of the oath, implying a solemn appeal to God who knows the heart [7].
The reason for Paul's oath is to affirm that he did not come to Corinth "to spare you" [1, 4]. The word "spare" (Greek: φείδομαι, pheidomai) here implies avoiding a severe rebuke or disciplinary action. Paul is asserting that his decision not to visit was motivated by a desire to avoid causing pain or discipline to the church.
Range of Interpretations
Commentators have understood Paul's oath in 2 Corinthians 1:23 as a solemn affirmation of his integrity and a demonstration of his concern for the Corinthian church. John Gill interprets the oath as a full form of an oath, emphasizing Paul's sincerity and the gravity of his statement [5]. The Tyndale House commentary notes that this mild oath indicates Paul is telling the truth, referencing similar oath formulas in the Old Testament [6].
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown suggest that Paul's appeal to God as a witness underscores the importance of his statement and implies that God avenges unfaithfulness to promises [7]. They also connect Paul's statement to his previous discussion on God's faithfulness, highlighting the contrast between God's reliability and human instability.
Function in Tradition
The use of oaths in the New Testament, such as in 2 Corinthians 1:23, reflects a broader biblical tradition. Oaths were used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement or the seriousness of a commitment. In the context of apostolic ministry, such oaths served to authenticate the apostle's message and demonstrate their integrity.
The understanding of 2 Corinthians 1:23 has been shaped by various theological traditions. For instance, the Reformed tradition, as represented by John Calvin and others, emphasizes the importance of oaths as a means of invoking God's witness to human sincerity [not directly cited but inferred from Reformed sources]. The verse is also seen as part of Paul's defense of his apostolic ministry and his relationship with the Corinthian church.
Sources
- 2 Corinthians “But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn’t come to Corinth to spare you. -- 2 Corinthians 1:23”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 1:22 (BSB) — placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.”
- 2 Corinthians “2 Corinthians 1:22 (NASB) — who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”
- II Corinthians “II Corinthians 1:23 (ASV) — But I call God for a witness upon my soul, that to spare you I forbare to come unto Corinth.”
- 2 Corinthians (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on 2 Corinthians 1:23: Moreover, I call God for a record upon my soul,.... The apostle having asserted his stability, both as a minister and a Christian, which, with others, he had from God, appeals to him in the most solemn manner, in full form of an oath, for the truth of what he was about to say; and is all one as if he had said, I swear by the living God, the searcher of all hearts; I call upon him to attest what I say, and bear witness to my soul, that it is true, that to spare you, I came not as yet unto Corinth; however fickle, unstable, and inconstant, it may be insinuated ”
- 2 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Corinthians 1:23: 1:23–2:2 God as my witness: This mild oath indicates that he is telling the truth (see 1 Sam 12:5; 20:12; Job 16:19; cp. Ruth 1:17; 1 Sam 14:44; 2 Sam 3:35; 1 Kgs 2:23; Jer 42:5). The real reason for Paul’s change of travel plans was to spare them from a severe rebuke (2 Cor 1:23) and not inflict another painful visit on them (2:1).”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 1:23: Moreover I--Greek, "But I (for my part)," in contrast to GOD who hath assured us of His promises being hereafter fulfilled certainly (Co2 1:20-22). call God--the all-knowing One, who avenges wilful unfaithfulness to promises. for a record upon my soul--As a witness as to the secret purposes of my soul, and a witness against it, if I lie (Mal 3:5). to spare you--in order not to come in a rebuking spirit, as I should have had to come to you, if I had come then. I came not as yet--Greek, "no longer"; that is, I gave up my purpose of then vi”