2 Corinthians 1:22-24

Expanded Bible

²² He put his ·mark on us to show that we are his [^Lseal on us; ^Cof ownership], and he put his Spirit in our hearts ·to be a guarantee for all he has promised [^Las a pledge/deposit/downpayment].

²³ Now I ·ask [call on; appeal to] God to be my witness ·that this is true [or staking my life on it; ^Lagainst my soul/life; ^Ca very serious vow or oath]: The reason I did not come back to Corinth was to ·keep you from being punished or hurt [^Lspare you]. ²⁴ We are not trying to ·control [rule; lord it over] your faith. You ·are strong [stand firm; are well established] in faith. But we are workers with you for your own joy.