2 Corinthians 1:15-22 (WEL) I am so confident about this that I wanted to visit you, so that you might have another blessing. 16 And to visit you on my way to Macedonia, then to return from Macedonia to you, and from you to be assisted on my journey towards Judea. 17 Therefore, when I had decided, was I fickle, or were the things I planned according to worldly standards, by saying yes, yes, but meaning no, no? 18 God is faithful, for our preaching to you was not “yes” and “no.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—Silas, Timothy, and me—was not “yes” and “no” but in him was “yes.” 20 For all God’s promises in him are “yes” and in him, the “Amen,” for the glory of God through us.
V15 I am so confident about this that I wanted to visit you, so that you might have another blessing.
Confident about our witness (verse 12) and the coming of the Lord Jesus. Paul is confident that he will be able to visit them, teach them, correct them, fellowship, and meet needs. The principle taught is to think of others and how to bless them. Still, we are to be aware that many people will seek to manipulate us and use us.
V16 And to visit you on my way to Macedonia, then to return from Macedonia to you, and from you to be assisted on my journey towards Judea.
Corinth is south of the district/area of Macedonia, northern Greece. He wanted to visit them twice. The first trip started at Corinth and went into Macedonia, then secondly traveling from Macedonia back to Corinth.
V17 Therefore, when I had decided, was I fickle, or were the things I planned according to worldly standards, by saying yes, yes, but meaning no, no?
Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges: “Chrysostom defines the σαρκικός (the carnal or fleshly person) as one who is attached to present things and constantly immersed in them, being outside the influence of the Spirit’s activity, so that he follows his own fancies and desires.”
Because he had planned but was unable to come to Corinth, some thought that Paul was fickle. Principle: do not think someone is fickle when there might be a legitimate reason to change plans.
V18 God is faithful, for our preaching to you was not “yes” and “no.”
Despite whatever you think of me, know this: the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God Himself are not fickle—ever.
V19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—Silas, Timothy, and me—was not “yes” and “no” but in him was “yes.”
God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ have always been true and always the same.
V20 For all God’s promises in him are “yes” and in him, the “Amen,” for the glory of God through us.
God’s promises are always true and always the same. God does not and cannot lie (Titus 1:2). His actions are faithful and true (1 Thessalonians 5:24). The Lord Jesus is the ultimate in faithfulness and truth (Revelation 19:11).
We learn:
• God is ever true.
• One way of answering false accusations (speaking the truth).
Questions:
• Is your attitude that God is always true?
• How do you answer questions?