23 But I call on God as my soul's witness, that it was to spare you [pain and discouragement] that I did not come again to Corinth—

24 not that we rule [like dictators] over your faith, but rather we work with you for [the increase of] your joy; for in your faith you stand firm [in your strong conviction that Jesus of Nazareth—the Messiah—is the Son of God, through whom we obtain eternal salvation].