Paul’s comments in the previous verses regarding his trips to Corinth may suggest to the readers that he considered himself to have the right to make decisions regarding their spiritual lives. However, verse 24 makes clear that Paul has no intention of being a spiritual dictator. The words Not that have the force of correcting any possible misunderstanding by the readers (see the same words at 3.5). Some may prefer to fill out the sense by saying “It is not true that….”
Not that we lord it over your faith: the expression lord it over is somewhat archaic English and may be quite unnatural in the receptor language. It simply means to “dominate” or “act like a boss.” And the word faith may be better translated by a verb phrase in many languages. Translator’s New Testament translates straightforwardly “we are not telling you what you must believe.” The idea is “we are not bosses who tell you what to believe” (Contemporary English Version) or “we are not seeking to impose on you what you must believe” (Bible en français courant).
We work with you for your joy is literally “we are co-workers of your joy.” Most interpreters do not include the readers, that is, the Corinthians, among the “co-workers.” Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation make clear that the subject we in we work refers to Paul and his associates, although the added with you has the effect of including the Corinthians as co-workers. On the other hand it is grammatically possible that the “co-workers” include the Corinthians along with Paul and his associates. Such an interpretation may be reflected in New American Bible, “we work together for your joy” (see also Nueva Biblia Española). However, the recommended interpretation is more like what is found in Contemporary English Version, “We [Paul and associates] are working together with you [Corinthians] to make you glad….”
For you stand firm in your faith: these words may also be translated as “for it is by faith that you stand” (Barrett). According to Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation, Paul says where they stand firm. According to Barrett, Paul says how they stand firm. The latter meaning is then that they stand firm, not because Paul and his companions are their lords, but because of their faith in God. This seems to be the interpretation followed by Contemporary English Version when it says “… because your faith is strong.”
The traditional division between chapters 1 and 2 is unfortunate. There is no indication in the original that a paragraph break should be made at this point. Recent versions such as New Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible reflect this fact by the format used. Translators are advised to avoid giving the impression of separation at this point.
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 .