But: the transition word is left untranslated in Good News Translation and a number of other versions. In Revised English Bible and Moffatt it is rendered “and,” while New International Version has “now….” Contemporary English Version translates “and so…” in an effort to show the logical connection with what precedes. Translators should seek the most natural connecting word, but in spite of the Revised Standard Version rendering, there does not seem to be a sharp contrast with what goes before.

The first us clearly excludes the readers, though the second us may include the readers. Most interpreters understand the plural pronouns in verses 21b and 22 to include the readers, though some understand them to be exclusive, as in the preceding verses, that is, including only the apostles. It is possible that, even though Paul uses the plural here, he may be referring to himself; so Moffatt translates the plural pronouns in verses 21-22 as “me.”

Establishes us with you in Christ: the verb establish means “to make firm” or “to make sure.” The meaning seems to be that God assures Paul and his companions, along with the Corinthians, that they are firmly united to Christ. The present tense of the verb is important here. Anchor Bible uses the present progressive in English to highlight it: “the one who is confirming us along with you….”

In Christ and “in Christ Jesus” are common expressions in Paul’s letters. Scholars debate the precise meaning of these words, but most agree that Paul probably means that a Christian’s new life depends closely and entirely on Christ. Good News Translation usually translates this expression as “in union with Christ,” which seems to capture the basic idea.

Commissioned is literally “anointing” (as in most versions, including New Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, and Revised English Bible). The Greek has a word play: “God is the one establishing us with you in the Anointed One and anointing us.” When one was anointed, one was “set apart” (Good News Translation). Some other renderings are “chose” (Contemporary English Version) and “consecrated” (Moffatt and Phillips).

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .