2 Corinthians 1:13-18
 
2 Cor 1:13 (KJB)
For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end;
 
Acknowledge - Know exactly, recognize, or understand
 
Here Paul is defending his letters. Some in the church had accused him of writing one thing, saying another, and doing something else. Paul points out that what he wrote and the way he lived are in total harmony and there is nothing outside of what was written to the Corinthians. He is hoping they understand this that he has in no way deceived them by his words or his actions.
 
2 Cor 1:14 (KJB)
As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
 
Acknowledged - You did recognize
 
Paul had preached the Gospel in Corinth for a period of 18 months. These Saints had once held Paul and Timothy in high esteem until a small number of rebellious church members had begun to question their sincerity from comments made by false teachers. Paul was assuring them that he and Timothy had not changed. While they were in Corinth, they came to understand Paul only in part while the church was being formed. Soon the time would come when they would all rejoice together and it seems from the verse that time would be when the Lord returns, when there will be nothing but rejoicing.
 
2 Cor 1:15 (KJB)
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;
 
Confidence - Persuasion, trust, or assurance
I was minded - Desired, intended, or inclined
Benefit - Gift, favor, or kindness
 
Paul had the confidence that they would realize that he was as sincere in his life as he was in his writings. With that in mind, Paul wanted to come and visit Corinth a second time and impart to them a second benefit or gift. He was not speaking of imparting the spiritual gifts that the Holy Spirit gives out to believers, but he was hoping to spend time with them a second time as a second gift for both of them. Paul had desired to be a blessing to them. The essence of that second blessing is found in Romans 1:12. (Rom 1:12 KJV) That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. The mutual comfort of both Paul and his converts would be a blessing to both.
 
2 Cor 1:16 (KJB)
And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
 
To pass by - to pass through
 
Paul first wanted to stop in Corinth on his way to Macedonia but he had taken another route. Then when he was done with his business in Macedonia, he thought to visit the Corinthians and stay with them for a while. Then he thought to visit them on his way to Judaea but his plans differed from doing that. It was this change in plans that his detractors in Corinth had used to try and discredit him. However, as in the first letter to the Corinthians, Paul had come in an admonishing capacity and he did not want to come with that mindset at this time.
 
2 Cor 1:17 (KJB)
When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?
 
Minded - Decide, deliberate, or resolve
Lightness - Insincerity or fickleness
 
Paul had deliberately decided to go to Corinth and visit them but he asks them the question when he had his mind firmly set on visiting them, was it from a mindset of being fickle or vacillating? He asks a second question concerning his purpose. Did he purpose things according to the flesh? Paul was one who purposed things according to the Spirit. He always waited upon the Lord to direct where he was to go and preach the Gospel. He had always desired to select places where Christ was not preached before. (Rom 15:20-21 KJV) Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: {21} But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. Paul never went to a place to be self-satisfied or indulged with the pleasantries of this world, so he never gave in to the weak flesh. His word was yea or it was nay. Whatever he said, he kept his word, whether he was with the people he wrote to or away from the people he wrote to.
 
2 Cor 1:18 (KJB)
But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay.
 
Paul reaffirms what he stated in the previous verse that his word was not yea and nay in the same statement. This would show an insincerity in his words but, he says, as God is true, and He is, Paul’s words were true to the Corinthians. Not only concerning the visit, but also the Gospel which he brought was true and was not changeable. As God is not changeable, so His Word does not change. They needed to believe that he desired to visit them but he was unable at that time. Changed plans does not mean a change in a person’s character and this is what Paul had tried to relate to them.

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