2 Corinthians 1:15-17, To Come Again

2 Corinthians 1:15-17 And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; 16 And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea. 17 When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?

The church in Corinth that began with the conversions of Justus and Crispus and persecutions that came from unbelieving Jews. Our Lord Jesus encouraged the Apostle Paul with words of assurance that he should remain in Corinth for the gospel’s sake – Acts 18:9-11 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 

Indeed, the infant church was established, nurtured by the hands of God’s servant for a prolonged period of time. The gospel work continues in the other local churches established in the other cities of Macedonia like Philippi. There was also the church of Ephesus in which the Apostle Paul spent prolonged periods of spiritual nurturing. But the plan to visit Corinth did not come to pass when the Lord led him otherwise although it was his intention to come again.

Thank God for His directive will. Amen.