2 Corinthians 1:23

God for a record. After vindicating his recent course of action (vs. 16-22), Paul now (chs. 1:23 to 2:4) gives the reason for his changed plans for visiting Corinth, and stakes his hope of eternal life on the truthfulness of the statement he is about to make concerning the reason for his recent change of plans (see on ch. 1:17).

To spare you. His change of plans was made out of consideration for their feelings and for their best good. It was something for which they had good reason to be grateful. Had Paul kept to his original plan, he would have come to them with a rod (1 Cor. 4:21). This postponement made it possible when he did, later, come to Corinth, to spend three months there in peace and harmony and without the need of taking the severe disciplinary action that would otherwise have been necessary.