Paul’s Change of Plans

12 For this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in [the] integrity[fn] and sincerity [that are from] God—not in worldly[fn] wisdom, but in [the] grace of God. 13 For we do not write you anything that is beyond your ability to read [and] understand. And I hope that you will understand [us] completely, 14 as you have already understood us in part, that you may boast of us just as we [ will boast ] of you in the day of the Lord Jesus.[fn]

15 Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. 16 [I wanted] to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then [to have] you help me on my way to Judea.

17 When I planned this, did I do it carelessly? Or do I make my plans by human standards, so as [to say] “Yes, yes” and also “No, no”? 18 But [as surely as] God [is] faithful, our message to you was not[fn] “Yes” and “No.” 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ,[fn] who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus[fn] and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.” 20 For all [the] promises of God [are] “Yes” in [Christ]. And so in Him,[fn] [our] “Amen” is spoken to [the] glory of God.

21 Now [it is] God who establishes [both] us and you in Christ. He anointed us, 22 placed His seal on us, and put [His] Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come. 23 I call God as my witness that [it was in order] to spare you [that] I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for [your] joy, because [it is] by faith [that] you stand firm.