II Corinthians 1:15

in this confidence--of my character for sincerity being "acknowledged" by you (Co2 1:12-14). was minded--I was intending. before--"to come unto you before" visiting Macedonia (where he now was). Compare Note, see on Co1 16:5; also see on Co1 4:18, which, combined with the words here, implies that the insinuation of some at Corinth, that he would not come at all, rested on the fact of his having thus disappointed them. His change of intention, and ultimate resolution of going through Macedonia first, took place before his sending Timothy from Ephesus into Macedonia, and therefore (Co1 4:17) before his writing the first Epistle. Compare Act 19:21-22 (the order there is "Macedonia and Achaia," not Achaia, Macedonia); Act 20:1-2. that ye might have a second benefit--one in going to, the other in returning from, Macedonia. The "benefit" of his visits consisted in the grace and spiritual gifts which he was the means of imparting (Rom 1:11-12).

The apostle here vindicates himself from the imputation of levity and inconstancy, in that he did not hold his purpose of coming to them at Corinth. His adversaries there sought all occasions to blemish his character, and reflect upon his conduct; and, it seemed, they took hold of this handle to reproach his person and discredit his ministry. Now, for his justification, I. He avers the sincerity of his intention (Co2 1:15-17), and he does this in confidence of their good opinion of him, and that they would believe him, when he assured them he was minded, or did really intend, to come to them, and that with the design, not that he might receive, but that they might receive a second benefit, that is, a further advantage by his ministry. He tells them that he had not herein used lightness (Co2 1:17), that, as he aimed not at any secular advantage to himself (for his purpose was not according to the flesh, that is, with carnal views and aims), so it was not a rash and inconsiderate resolution that he had taken up, for he had laid his measures thus of passing by them to Macedonia, and coming again to them from Macedonia in his way to Judea (Co2 1:16), and therefore they might conclude that it was for some weighty reasons that he had altered his purpose; and that with him there was not yea yea, and nay nay, Co2 1:17. He was not to be accused of levity and inconstancy, nor a contradiction between his words and intentions. Note, Good men should be careful to preserve the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve but upon mature deliberation, and they will not change their resolves but for weighty reasons. II. He would not have the Corinthians to infer that his gospel was false or uncertain, nor that it was contradictory in itself, nor unto truth, Co2 1:18,…

1:15–2:2 Paul had changed his travel plan. In 1 Cor 16:5, he expressed the hope of visiting Corinth after passing through Macedonia. Then he evidently promised to visit Corinth earlier (perhaps in his “severe letter,” 2 Cor 7:8)—on his way north. Now he would have to go back to the original plan, and that earlier visit, bringing a double blessing, would not be happening after all.