22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
22 set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.
22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
22 By his Spirit he has stamped us with his eternal pledge - a sure beginning of what he is destined to complete.
22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
22 and he has identified us as his own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts as the first installment that guarantees everything he has promised us.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:22
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 1:15-24
(Read 2 Corinthians 1:15-24)
The apostle clears himself from the charge of levity and inconstancy, in not coming to Corinth. Good men should be careful to keep the reputation of sincerity and constancy; they should not resolve, but on careful thought; and they will not change unless for weighty reasons. Nothing can render God's promises more certain: his giving them through Christ, assures us they are his promises; as the wonders God wrought in the life, resurrection, and ascension of his Son, confirm faith. The Holy Spirit makes Christians firm in the faith of the gospel: the quickening of the Spirit is an earnest of everlasting life; and the comforts of the Spirit are an earnest of everlasting joy. The apostle desired to spare the blame he feared would be unavoidable, if he had gone to Corinth before he learned what effect his former letter produced. Our strength and ability are owing to faith; and our comfort and joy must flow from faith. The holy tempers and gracious fruits which attend faith, secure from delusion in so important a matter.