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21 However, it is God who enables both us and you to stand firm in Christ. He has anointed us 22 and marked us with his seal and given us the Spirit in our hearts, as a down payment of what is to come.

23 The Delay Was Intended Merely To Spare Them.[a] I call upon God as a witness that it was only to spare you that I did not come again to Corinth.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 1:23 Paul explains why he has substituted a severe Letter for the announced visit. The details of the incidents escape us, but we know that Paul was attacked by an agitator who was opposed to the Apostle’s coworkers. Paul estimated that an immediate visit would inflame the situation whereas a letter would foster reflection, an examination of conscience, and ultimately peace and harmony. The Letter of which he speaks has been lost; according to some, however, it is to be found in the last chapters of the present Letter.

21 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm(A) in Christ. He anointed(B) us, 22 set his seal(C) of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.(D)

23 I call God as my witness(E)—and I stake my life on it—that it was in order to spare you(F) that I did not return to Corinth.

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