1:23a I call God as my witness that

So now, upon penalty of death, I myself appeal to him as a witness ⌊that what I say here is true⌋ :
-or-
⌊Indeed,⌋ I myself ask God to verify this truth ⌊and punish me with death if I lie⌋ :

1:23b it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth.

I did not return to Corinth because I did not want to cause you (plur.) further pain.
-or-
the reason that I did not return to ⌊visit you in⌋ Corinth was that I might not have to punish you ⌊but allow you time to repent⌋.

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