II Corinthians 2:17
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For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
not as many-- (Co2 11:18; Phi 2:21). Rather, "the many," namely, the false teachers of whom he treats (tenth through twelfth chapters, especially Co2 11:13; Th1 2:3). which corrupt--Greek, "adulterating, as hucksters do wine for gain" (Co2 4:2; Isa 1:22; Pe2 2:3, "Make merchandise of you"). as of sincerity . . . as of God--as one speaking from (out of) sincerity, as from (that is, by the command of, and so in dependence on) God. in Christ's--as united to Him in living membership, and doing His work (compare Co2 12:19). The whole Gospel must be delivered such as it is, without concession to men's corruptions, and without selfish aims, if it is to be blessed with success (Act 20:27). Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 3
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle proceeds in the account of the reasons why he did not come to Corinth (Co2 2:1-4). Then he writes concerning the incestuous person who lay under censure; and gives direction for restoring him, together with the reasons for their so doing (Co2 2:5-11), and afterwards informs them of his labours and success in preaching the gospel in several places (Co2 2:12-17).
Open source ↗2:17 Paul contrasts his service with that of his opponents. • They preach for personal profit and adulterate the truth, like merchants in Paul’s day who offered shoddy goods, or innkeepers who watered down the wine. By contrast, Paul preached with sincerity and with Christ’s authority (cp. 1:12; 4:2). Paul’s denial of mercenary motives reemerges in 11:1–12:21.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
And this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in relation to you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God—not in worldly wisdom, but in the grace of God.
For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
But I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads My servants to be sexually immoral and to eat food sacrificed to idols.
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.
who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own authority. My people love it so, but what will you do in the end?
For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you as I taught you publicly and from house to house,