Paul's Defense of His Integrity and Concern
2 Corinthians 1:12-2:4
2Cor.1.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Η: ART,nom,sg,fem
- γαρ: PART
- καυχησις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- αυτη: PRON,dat,sg,f
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μαρτυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- συνειδησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- οτι: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- αγιοτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- ειλικρινεια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εν: PREP
- σοφια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- σαρκικη: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- αλλ᾽εν: CONJ
- χαριτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ανεστραφημεν: VERB,aor,pass,ind,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- κοσμω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- περισσοτερως: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- υμας·: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul’s explicit aim to maintain a 'clear conscience' before God and men parallels 2 Cor 1:12’s 'testimony of our conscience' as a proof of upright conduct.
- 1 Timothy 1:5 (verbal): The phrase 'a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith' echoes 2 Cor 1:12’s stress on holiness, sincerity and the conscience as marks of true ministry.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (verbal): Paul’s insistence that his preaching was not with 'wise and persuasive words of human wisdom' but by God’s power parallels 2 Cor 1:12’s explicit denial of 'fleshly wisdom' and appeal to God’s grace.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (thematic): Both passages defend Paul’s motives and ministry—claiming conduct 'to please God' and sincerity rather than seeking human approval—similar to 2 Cor 1:12’s claim of holy, God-centered sincerity.
- Titus 2:7 (thematic): Paul’s charge to 'show yourself an example of good works' and to exhibit integrity resonates with 2 Cor 1:12’s emphasis on holy, sincere behavior as the basis for boasting and witness.
Alternative generated candidates
- For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not by human wisdom but by the grace of God, we conducted ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.
- For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience—that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not by fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, we behaved in the world, and especially toward you.
2Cor.1.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- γαρ: PART
- αλλα: CONJ
- γραφομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- αλλ᾽η: CONJ+ART,nom,sg,f
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- αναγινωσκετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- επιγινωσκετε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- ελπιζω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- οτι: CONJ
- εως: CONJ
- τελους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- επιγνωσεσθε: VERB,fut,mid,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 14:37-38 (quotation): Paul again emphasizes the authority and seriousness of his written words—'what I am writing to you'—claiming his letters carry binding instruction, similar to 2 Cor 1:13's insistence that he writes nothing other than what they read and know.
- 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 (structural): Uses the metaphor of letters and being read—'You are our letter... known and read by all'—echoing the theme of readable, authentic communication and mutual recognition of what is written and understood.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (thematic): Affirms the recipients' acceptance and understanding of Paul's spoken and written message as God's word rather than merely human words, paralleling 2 Cor 1:13's concern that the Corinthians read and fully recognize his writings.
- Galatians 1:11-12 (verbal): Paul insists his gospel is not of human origin and that he is not altering the message he proclaims—a related defense of the consistency and authenticity of his teaching, akin to his claim in 2 Cor 1:13 about writing what they already read and know.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we write nothing to you other than what you read and know, and I hope you will fully know—
- For we do not write to you anything other than what you read or understand; and I hope you will understand even to the end.
2Cor.1.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- επεγνωτε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- απο: PREP
- μερους: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- οτι: CONJ
- καυχημα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εσμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- καθαπερ: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ημερα: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (verbal): Paul calls his converts his 'hope, joy, and crown of boasting' and ties their status to Christ's coming — closely parallel to 2 Cor 1:14's claim that the Corinthians are the apostles' boast and the reference to the day of the Lord.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:4 (thematic): Paul says 'we ourselves boast of you' (glory in you) in the churches, within an eschatological context of vindication at the Lord's appearing — mirrors the theme of boasting in believers linked to the day of the Lord.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4 (structural): In the same letter Paul expresses proud confidence and rejoicing in the Corinthians ('I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you'), an internal parallel to 1:14's mutual boasting and affectionate assurance.
- Romans 1:12 (thematic): Paul speaks of mutual encouragement ('that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith of you and me'), reflecting the reciprocity and mutual belonging implied by 2 Cor 1:14's 'we are your boast as you are ours.'
Alternative generated candidates
- just as you have partially known us—that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.
- As you are our boast, so also are we yours in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2Cor.1.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- ταυτη: PRO,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- πεποιθησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εβουλομην: VERB,impf,mid,ind,1,sg
- προτερον: ADV
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ινα: CONJ
- δευτεραν: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- χαριν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σχητε: VERB,aor,act,subj,1,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:16-17 (verbal): Immediate context: continues the same thought about Paul’s prior intention to visit so the Corinthians might receive a second benefit; repeats and expands the travel plan language.
- Romans 1:11-13 (thematic): Paul’s expressed desire to visit Rome in order to impart a spiritual gift and be mutually encouraged parallels the motive in 2 Cor 1:15 of coming to confer blessing/benefit.
- 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 (structural): Paul sets out travel plans to come to Corinth via Macedonia and expresses hope to stay with them—similar itinerary language and intention to visit the Corinthians.
- 2 Corinthians 12:14 (thematic): Paul speaks of being ready to visit a third time and of giving himself for the Corinthians, echoing the theme of repeated visits and providing further benefit to the church.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in this confidence I intended at first to come to you, that you might twice receive a blessing.
- And in this confidence I intended at first to come to you, so that you might have a second benefit,
2Cor.1.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- δι᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- διελθειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εις: PREP
- Μακεδονιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- παλιν: ADV
- απο: PREP
- Μακεδονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- υφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- προπεμφθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- Ιουδαιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 (verbal): Paul outlines the same itinerary—passing through Macedonia and then coming to the Corinthians—expressing the intended sequence of visits found in 2 Cor 1:16.
- Romans 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul’s travel to Jerusalem “to minister” on behalf of the churches (collecting and delivering a contribution) parallels the idea of being sent from the Gentile churches to Judea.
- Acts 19:21 (verbal): Luke records Paul’s determined plan to travel to Macedonia and Achaia and then to Jerusalem, mirroring the route and purpose mentioned in 2 Cor 1:16.
- Acts 20:2-3 (verbal): Acts describes Paul’s movements through Macedonia and Greece (Achaia) and his interactions with those churches—corresponding to the travel plan and stopovers implied in 2 Cor 1:16.
- 2 Corinthians 8:19-24 (thematic): Within the same correspondence Paul discusses messengers and the delivery of the collection to Jerusalem—providing the immediate context for the claim that he would be “sent” to Judea by the churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- I planned, after I came to Macedonia, to pass through you into Macedonia again, and from Macedonia to return to you and be sent on my way to Judea.
- and that I might go to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come back to you and be sent on my way to Judea.
2Cor.1.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- ουν: CONJ
- βουλομενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- μητι: PART
- αρα: PART
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- ελαφρια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εχρησαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- α: PRON,nom,sg,n
- βουλευομαι: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- κατα: PREP
- σαρκα: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- βουλευομαι: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- ινα: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- παρ᾽εμοι: PREP+PRON,dat,sg,1
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- Ναι: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- ναι: PART
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- Ου: PART,neg
- ου: PART,neg
Parallels
- Matthew 5:37 (verbal): Jesus' instruction in the Sermon on the Mount: “Let what you say be ‘Yes’ or ‘No’,” the same concise formula Paul echoes about straightforward affirmation and negation (no oaths/extravagant promises).
- James 5:12 (verbal): Direct repetition of Jesus’ teaching: “But above all, my brothers, do not swear... let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’” James echoes the exact phrase Paul uses, addressing integrity of speech and vows.
- 2 Corinthians 1:18-20 (structural): Immediate context in Paul’s letter: he proceeds to deny vacillation and affirms God’s faithfulness—‘For as many as are the promises of God, in him they are Yes’—tying the language of ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ to divine reliability.
- Numbers 30:2 (thematic): Old Testament background on vows and the obligation to keep one’s word: “If a man makes a vow to the LORD... he shall not break his word,” providing thematic precedent for concern with promises and truthful affirmation.
Alternative generated candidates
- So when I planned these things, did I act lightly? Or do I form my plans according to the flesh, so that with me there would be both Yes and No?
- So when I planned this, did I act with hesitation? Or do I say what I plan as a man—'Yes, yes' and 'No, no'?
2Cor.1.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- πιστος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λογος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- Ναι: PART
- και: CONJ
- Ου: PART,neg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:19-20 (verbal): Direct continuation: contrasts 'not Yes and No' with Christ as the 'Yes' and 'all the promises of God are yea in him,' reinforcing the verbal motif.
- 2 Timothy 2:13 (thematic): Affirms God's constancy: 'If we are faithless, he remains faithful,' supporting Paul's claim 'God is faithful' as grounds for consistent testimony.
- Romans 3:4 (verbal): 'Let God be true, and every man a liar' emphasizes God's truthfulness over human contradiction, paralleling the denial that Paul's word is 'Yes and No.'
- Hebrews 6:18 (thematic): Speaks of God's unchangeable purpose and the impossibility of God lying, providing theological grounds for confidence that divine testimony (and thus Paul's) is not contradictory.
- Titus 1:2 (verbal): Explicit statement that God 'cannot lie,' closely paralleling the idea that God's faithfulness prevents his message from being 'Yes and No.'
Alternative generated candidates
- But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No.
- But as God is faithful, our word to you is not 'Yes' and 'No.'
2Cor.1.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- γαρ: PART
- υιος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Ιησους: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- Χριστος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- δι᾽ημων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,1
- κηρυχθεις: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,sg,m
- δι᾽εμου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,1
- και: CONJ
- Σιλουανου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- Τιμοθεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- Ναι: PART,affirm
- και: CONJ
- Ου: PART,neg
- αλλα: CONJ
- Ναι: PART,affirm
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- γεγονεν·: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:20 (verbal): Immediate continuation of v.19: explicitly states that 'all the promises of God' are 'Yes' in Christ and ties the 'Yes/No' language together ('Yes in him, and through him the Amen').
- 1 Thessalonians 1:1 (verbal): Same trio of messengers (Paul, Silvanus/Silvanus, and Timothy)—verbal parallel in the listing of those who preach and send greetings, linking authorship and missionary endorsement.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:1 (verbal): Another Pauline letter that begins with Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy together—parallels the joint apostolic witness and authority invoked in 2 Cor 1:19.
- Hebrews 6:18 (thematic): Develops the same theological point about the absolute trustworthiness of God's promises (God cannot lie), which undergirds the claim that God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we preached to you—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No; in him it is always Yes.
- For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, whom we proclaimed among you—by us he was not 'Yes' and 'No,' but in him it is always 'Yes.'
2Cor.1.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οσαι: PRON,nom,pl,f
- γαρ: PART
- επαγγελιαι: NOUN,nom,pl,f
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- αυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- Ναι·διο: NOUN,nom,sg,n+CONJ
- και: CONJ
- δι᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- Αμην: PART
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- προς: PREP
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- δι᾽ημων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl
Parallels
- Romans 15:8-9 (thematic): Paul says Christ came to confirm the promises made to the fathers and that Gentiles might glorify God—parallels 2 Cor 1:20’s claim that God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ and result in God’s glory through believers.
- Galatians 3:16 (allusion): Paul argues that the promises were given to Abraham’s 'offspring' (singular), i.e., Christ—echoing the idea that the divine promises find their ‘Yes’ and fulfillment in Christ.
- Ephesians 1:13-14 (structural): Speaks of believers being 'in him' and sealed with the Spirit, the guarantee of our inheritance, 'to the praise of his glory'—similar language and structure linking blessings in Christ with the glory of God.
- Hebrews 6:13-18 (thematic): Emphasizes God’s unchangeable promise and oath as the basis for hope and assurance; parallels 2 Cor 1:20’s stress on the reliability and fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ.
- 2 Corinthians 1:19 (verbal): Immediate context: Paul explicitly says the Son of God is not 'Yes and No' but 'Yes'—the same verbal motif that 1:20 develops, stating all God’s promises are 'Yes' in Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- For all the promises of God are fulfilled in him: for this reason we also utter Amen to the glory of God through us.
- For all God's promises are 'Yes' in him; therefore through him we utter the 'Amen' to the glory of God through us.
2Cor.1.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- βεβαιων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- συν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- εις: PREP
- Χριστον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- χρισας: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,sg,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 John 2:20 (verbal): Uses the language of anointing (χρίσμα/χρίω) — 'you have an anointing from the Holy One' — paralleling Paul’s claim that God has anointed (χρίσας) the apostles/communities.
- 1 John 2:27 (verbal): Speaks of the abiding anointing given by God that teaches and abides in believers, echoing the idea that God’s anointing establishes and empowers the community in Christ.
- Acts 10:38 (verbal): Describes God’s action of anointing Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power; parallels Paul’s language of God as the one who anoints and thereby validates/empowers his messengers.
- Ephesians 1:13-14 (thematic): Links belief in Christ with being sealed/marked by the Spirit as a guarantee — thematically similar to Paul’s sequence: God establishes, anoints, and seals believers in Christ with the Spirit.
- Colossians 2:6-7 (structural): Urges believers to continue established/rooted in Christ (βεβαιόω/established sense); parallels 2 Cor 1:21’s emphasis on God’s action in establishing believers 'with you in Christ.'
Alternative generated candidates
- Now the one who establishes us with you in Christ and who has anointed us is God,
- Now he who establishes us with you in Christ and who anointed us is God,
2Cor.1.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- σφραγισαμενος: PART,perf,pass,nom,sg,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- δους: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αρραβωνα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- πνευματος: NOUN,gen,sg,n
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- καρδιαις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- Ephesians 1:13-14 (verbal): Speaks of believers being sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is described as a guarantee (arrabōn) of our inheritance—language and concept closely parallel to 2 Cor 1:22.
- Ephesians 4:30 (verbal): States that believers were sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption—echoes the sealing motif and the Spirit’s role as mark/assurance of salvation.
- 2 Corinthians 5:5 (verbal): Within the same letter Paul explicitly says God gave us the Spirit as a pledge/guarantee for what is to come—nearly identical theological expression and terminology.
- Romans 8:16 (thematic): Describes the Spirit’s internal testimony/assurance that we are God’s children, connecting to 2 Cor 1:22’s emphasis on the Spirit’s role in assuring believers.
- Galatians 4:6 (thematic): Speaks of God sending the Spirit of his Son into believers’ hearts (eliciting filial faith/assurance), paralleling 2 Cor 1:22’s emphasis on the Spirit given in our hearts.
Alternative generated candidates
- who also sealed us and gave the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
- who also sealed us and gave the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts.
2Cor.1.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- δε: CONJ
- μαρτυρα: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- θεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- επικαλουμαι: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,sg
- επι: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εμην: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ψυχην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- οτι: CONJ
- φειδομενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ουκετι: ADV
- ηλθον: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,pl
- εις: PREP
- Κορινθον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
Parallels
- Galatians 1:20 (verbal): Paul uses the same oath-formula invoking God as witness — 'before God I lie not' — to assert his truthfulness and conscience before his readers.
- Romans 1:9 (verbal): 'For God is my witness' echoes the direct appeal to God as attestant of Paul’s motives and actions, similar to 2 Cor 1:23's appeal to spare the Corinthians.
- 2 Corinthians 11:31 (verbal): Within the same letter Paul again summons God as witness ('The God and Father... knows that I am not lying'), a parallel instance of using God to attest his sincerity and truthfulness.
- Philippians 1:8 (thematic): Paul says 'God is my witness'/'God is my record' to express heartfelt affection and truthful testimony about his care for the recipients — a thematic parallel of invoking God to confirm his motives.
Alternative generated candidates
- Moreover I call God as witness upon my soul, that to spare you I did not return to Corinth.
- And I call God as witness against my soul: that to spare you I did not come again to Corinth.
2Cor.1.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουχ: PART,neg
- οτι: CONJ
- κυριευομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- αλλα: CONJ
- συνεργοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εσμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- χαρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- πιστει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εστηκατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 (verbal): Uses the same term συνεργοί ('fellow-workers') to describe Paul and others as co-laborers rather than overlords, paralleling 'we are fellow-workers of your joy.'
- Romans 16:3 (verbal): Refers to Priscilla and Aquila as 'my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus' (συνέργοι), echoing the cooperative, non-domineering language of 2 Cor 1:24.
- Matthew 20:25-28 (thematic): Jesus contrasts pagan rulers who 'lord it over' others with the servant leadership expected among his followers—paralleling Paul’s denial of 'lording over' the faith of the Corinthians.
- Romans 11:20 (verbal): Speaks of believers 'standing by faith' (ἐστήκατε ἐν τῇ πίστει), closely echoing the final clause of 2 Cor 1:24 ('for by faith you stand').
- Philippians 1:27 (structural): Urges believers to 'stand firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith,' thematically linking communal unity, cooperative effort, and steadfastness in faith found in 2 Cor 1:24.
Alternative generated candidates
- Not that we domineer over your faith, but we are fellow-workers for your joy; for by faith you stand firm.
- Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are helpers for your joy; for by faith you stand firm.
2Cor.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εκρινα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- εμαυτω: PRON,dat,sg,m
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μη: PART
- παλιν: ADV
- εν: PREP
- λυπη: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ελθειν·: VERB,aor,act,inf
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 1:23 (verbal): Paul similarly insists he refrained from coming to Corinth (to spare them), using close wording about not coming again in a way that would harm or grieve the church.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (thematic): Develops the same situation: Paul explains he avoided a painful visit, sent a letter that caused sorrow, and then received comfort—showing the pastoral concern behind his decision not to come 'in sorrow.'
- 1 Corinthians 4:21 (structural): Raises the related question of the manner of Paul's presence—whether he should come sternly or with love—echoing the concern in 2 Cor 2:1 about how his coming might affect the Corinthians (with sorrow or not).
- Galatians 4:20 (thematic): Expresses Paul's pastoral anxiety for a church and fear that his labor might be in vain—paralleling the motive behind deciding how and whether to visit so as to avoid causing grief.
Alternative generated candidates
- So I resolved this for myself: I would not again come to you in sorrow.
- So I decided this for myself: I would not come again to you in sorrow.
2Cor.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- γαρ: PART
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- λυπω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- ευφραινων: PART,pres,act,ptc,nom,sg,m
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- ει: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,sg
- μη: PART
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- λυπουμενος: VERB,pres,mid,ptc,nom,m,sg
- εξ: PREP
- εμου: PRON,gen,sg,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 2:4 (verbal): Immediate context: Paul explains his previous severe letter caused grief ('out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you'), directly linking his sorrow-causing action to the present question of who can make him glad.
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-10 (thematic): Paul reflects on the same incident: his earlier letter made the Corinthians sorrowful, but that godly sorrow produced repentance and eventual joy—showing the constructive purpose of the grief he caused.
- Romans 12:15 (thematic): Commands mutual sharing of emotional states—'rejoice with those who rejoice, mourn with those who mourn'—parallel concept of reciprocal joy and sorrow between Paul and the believers.
- Acts 20:31 (thematic): Paul's description of his pastoral care expressed with deep emotion ('I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears') echoes his willingness to bring sorrow for the sake of the flock and his emotional stake in their response.
Alternative generated candidates
- For if I cause you sorrow, who then will make me glad but the one whom I have made sorrowful?
- For if I cause you sorrow, who will make me glad but the one whom I have made sorrowful? For I wrote as I did, that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should make me rejoice.
2Cor.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- εγραψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- αυτο: PRON,acc,sg,neut
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ελθων: PART,aor,act,nom,sg,m
- λυπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- σχω: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,sg
- αφ᾽ων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl
- εδει: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- με: PRON,acc,sg,1
- χαιρειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- πεποιθως: VERB,perf,act,ptc,nom,m,sg
- επι: PREP
- παντας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- εμη: ADJ,poss,nom,sg,f
- χαρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- παντων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-13 (structural): Directly connected passage: Paul refers back to the painful letter he wrote and then describes his subsequent relief and joy when the Corinthians repented—development of the same situation and emotion mentioned in 2:3.
- 2 Corinthians 1:24 (verbal): Uses the language of working with the Corinthians 'for your joy' (ὑπὲρ τῆς χαρᾶς ὑμῶν), echoing 2:3's concern that his joy and theirs are linked.
- Philippians 2:2 (verbal): Paul pleads 'complete my joy' (πληρώσατέ μου τὴν χαράν), a similar formulation of mutual/shared joy—Paul's emotional welfare tied to the believers' unity and conduct.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 (thematic): Paul speaks of the Thessalonians as his 'hope, joy, crown, and boasting'—the theme of the apostle's joy being bound up with the faith and well-being of his converts echoes 2:3.
- Romans 12:15 (thematic): The ethic of shared emotion—'rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep'—provides a broader biblical principle underlying Paul's expectation that his joy and the Corinthians' joy are mutually related.
Alternative generated candidates
- And I wrote as I did so that when I came I would not be grieved by those who ought to make me rejoice; I hoped to have joy with you all.
- I wrote to you this very thing so that when I came again I would not have sorrow from those who ought to be my joy—I had confident expectation about all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
2Cor.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- εκ: PREP
- γαρ: PART
- πολλης: ADJ,gen,sg,f
- θλιψεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- συνοχης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- εγραψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- δια: PREP
- πολλων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- δακρυων: NOUN,gen,pl,n
- ουχ: PART,neg
- ινα: CONJ
- λυπηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,subj,2,pl
- αλλα: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αγαπην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ινα: CONJ
- γνωτε: VERB,aor,act,imp,2,pl
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- εχω: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,sg
- περισσοτερως: ADV
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 7:8-9 (structural): Directly related passage within the same letter; Paul explains that his previous letter made them sorry and that his distressful letter-writing (with tears) aimed at repentance and love, clarifying the purpose stated in 2 Cor 2:4.
- Romans 9:2 (verbal): Paul elsewhere uses very similar language of 'great heaviness and continual sorrow/anguish of heart' over others, paralleling the emotional burden and phrasing of 2 Cor 2:4.
- Acts 20:31 (verbal): Paul recounts his ministry to the Ephesian elders spent 'night and day with tears' warning them—a comparable image of tearful concern and pastoral anguish like that in 2 Cor 2:4.
- Galatians 4:19 (thematic): Paul expresses intense pastoral yearning and toil—'I am in labor until Christ is formed in you'—reflecting the same theme of anguished love and solicitude for the spiritual welfare of his converts.
- 2 Corinthians 11:28 (thematic): Paul speaks of a daily pressure of concern for all the churches, echoing the ongoing anxiety and heartfelt care that underlie his tearful letter in 2 Cor 2:4.
Alternative generated candidates
- For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the abundant love I have for you.
- For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears; not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundance of my love for you.
For our boast is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity—not by fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God—we have behaved in the world, and especially toward you.
For we write nothing to you but what you can read and understand; and I hope you will understand fully.
As you have come to know us in part, that we are your boast, even as you are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus. And in this confidence I planned at first to come to you, that you might twice receive a blessing;
and to pass through you to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be sent on my way to Judea.
So, when I made this plan, did I act lightly? Or do the things I determine come from mere human impulse, so that with me there should be 'Yes' and 'No'? But God is faithful, and the word given to you by us is not 'Yes' and 'No'.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not 'Yes' and 'No,' but in him it has been 'Yes'.
For as many as are the promises of God, they are 'Yes' in him; therefore through him we say 'Amen,' to the glory of God. Now he who establishes us with you in Christ and who anointed us is God,
who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
I call God as witness upon my soul that to spare you I did not again come to Corinth.
Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith you stand.
Therefore I resolved that I would not come to you again with sorrow.
For if I cause you sorrow, who then will make me glad but the one whom I have made sorrowful? And I wrote as I did so that, when I came, I might not suffer pain from those who ought to make me rejoice; for I had confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all.
For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears—not to cause you sorrow, but that you might know the abundance of the love I have for you.