2 Corinthians 2:17
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's contrast between those who 'corrupt the word of God' (kapēleuontes, huckstering like a wine-peddler who adulterates his product) and his own ministry characterised by 'sincerity' (eilikrineia) and speaking 'as of God' expresses the earliest known polemic against paid or sensationalised preaching. The Greek 'kapēleuō' was a commercial term for the unethical mixing of wine with water for profit, making Paul's charge vivid: his opponents traffic in God's word for personal gain. The contrast to speaking 'in Christ, in the sight of God' suggests that authentic proclamation is governed by divine accountability rather than audience approval. 2 Corinthians 4:2 ('renouncing the hidden things of dishonesty') develops the same theme and has made these chapters the foundational text for Christian homiletical ethics.
Other Translations
For we are not as the many, corrupting the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, speak we in Christ.
for we are not as the many, adulterating the word of God, but as of sincerity--but as of God; in the presence of God, in Christ we do speak.
For we are not like the great number who make use of the word of God for profit: but our words are true, as from God, being said as before God in Christ.
Cross References
Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people …
Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his …
The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: …
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone …
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This …
And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived …
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: …
Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to …
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.