II Corinthians 4:2
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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.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
renounced--literally, "bid farewell to." of dishonesty--rather, "of shame." "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ" (Rom 1:16). Shame would lead to hiding (Co2 4:3); whereas "we use great plainness of speech" (Co2 3:12); "by manifestation of the truth." Compare Co2 3:3, "manifestly declared." He refers to the disingenuous artifices of "many" teachers at Corinth (Co2 2:17; Co2 3:1; Co2 11:13-15). handling . . . deceitfully--so "corrupt" or adulterate "the word of God" (Co2 2:17; compare Th1 2:3-4). commending--recommending ourselves: recurring to Co2 3:1. to--to the verdict of. every man's conscience-- (Co2 5:11). Not to men's carnal judgment, as those alluded to (Co2 3:1). in the sight of God-- (Co2 2:17; Gal 1:10).
Open source ↗In this chapter we have an account, I. Of the constancy of the apostle and his fellow-labourers in their work. Their constancy in declared (Co2 4:1), their sincerity is vouched (Co2 4:2), an objection is obviated (Co2 4:3, Co2 4:4), and their integrity proved (Co2 4:5-7). II. Of their courage and patience under their sufferings. Where see what their sufferings were, together with their allays (Co2 4:8-12), and what it was that kept them from sinking and fainting under them (Co2 4:13 to the end).
Open source ↗4:2 Paul’s ministry was marked by honesty, unlike some other preachers (2:17).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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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.
Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.
For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
Indeed, I was not embarrassed by anything I had boasted to him about you. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting to Titus has proved to be true as well.
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.
What fruit did you reap at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? The outcome of those things is death.