But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes
and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by
me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes,
and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ
and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in
our hearts as a guarantee. (2 Cor.
1:18-22)
Paul's change of plans caused some of his accusers
to say that he couldn't be trusted, hoping to undermine his authority. Paul said that he was not the type of person
to say "yes" when he means "no". Paul explained that it was not indecision but
concern for their feelings that forced him to change his plans. The reason for his trip - to bring joy (2
Cor. 1:24) - could not be accomplished with the present crisis. Paul didn't want to visit them only to rebuke
them severely (2 Cor. 1:23). He would
still visit them, but at a better time.
