Note 18 at 2 Cor. 1:23: Paul is now stating that, it was to spare you that I came not as yet unto Corinth. The word "spare" carries the idea of not wanting to cause pain, shame, trouble, or the like. The church still had some division. Some were denying his authority as an apostle, etc. Reluctant to bring disciplinary action at this time, Paul had changed his mind about his planned visit. It was out of consideration for the Corinthians that he did this. Further explanation about his desire to spare them is given in chapter 2, verses 1-4.