2 corinthians 2:17 - For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
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What does "2 corinthians 2:17" mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 2:17, is a powerful statement by the Apostle Paul defending his integrity and the motivations behind his preaching. Let's break it down:
"For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God..." This is the core of the verse. Paul is contrasting himself and his companions with others who were preaching the gospel, but doing so with impure motives. The word "peddling" (Greek: kapeleuo) carries a strong negative connotation. It suggests:
Commercializing the Gospel: Treating the Word of God as a commodity to be bought and sold for personal gain. This could involve distorting the message to make it more appealing and profitable, or using manipulative tactics to extract money from listeners.
Adulterating the Message: Diluting or changing the pure Word of God to suit their own agendas or the desires of their audience. Think of a merchant watering down wine to increase profits.
Being Insincere and Self-Serving: Lacking genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of their listeners, and instead focusing on personal enrichment or advancement.
"But as of sincerity..." Paul emphasizes that his and his companions' motives are entirely different. Their preaching stems from genuine honesty and a pure heart. "Sincerity" implies a lack of hidden agendas or ulterior motives. They are not trying to deceive or manipulate.
"But as of God..." This speaks to the source of their message and their authority. They are not speaking their own ideas or opinions, but delivering the very message that God has entrusted to them. They are acting as God's representatives.
"In the sight of God..." This highlights the accountability and transparency with which they operate. Paul is saying that God is their witness, and they are conscious of His scrutiny in all that they say and do. They are not trying to impress men, but to please God.
"We speak in Christ..." This refers to the content and basis of their message. They preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Savior. Their message is centered on Him, and their authority comes from their union with Him. "In Christ" also suggests that their speech is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In essence, the verse means:
Paul is vehemently defending himself and his team against accusations (implied or explicit) that they are motivated by greed or personal ambition. He contrasts himself with those who treat the gospel as a way to make money or gain power. Paul asserts that their preaching comes from a place of sincerity, is rooted in God's authority, is done with a consciousness of God's judgment, and is centered on the message of Jesus Christ. It's a powerful claim to integrity and a rebuke of those who would corrupt the gospel for selfish purposes.
2 corinthians 2:17 - For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
What does "2 corinthians 2:17" mean?
This verse, 2 Corinthians 2:17, is a powerful statement by the Apostle Paul defending his integrity and the motivations behind his preaching. Let's break it down:
"For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God..." This is the core of the verse. Paul is contrasting himself and his companions with others who were preaching the gospel, but doing so with impure motives. The word "peddling" (Greek: kapeleuo) carries a strong negative connotation. It suggests:
Commercializing the Gospel: Treating the Word of God as a commodity to be bought and sold for personal gain. This could involve distorting the message to make it more appealing and profitable, or using manipulative tactics to extract money from listeners.
Adulterating the Message: Diluting or changing the pure Word of God to suit their own agendas or the desires of their audience. Think of a merchant watering down wine to increase profits.
Being Insincere and Self-Serving: Lacking genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of their listeners, and instead focusing on personal enrichment or advancement.
"But as of sincerity..." Paul emphasizes that his and his companions' motives are entirely different. Their preaching stems from genuine honesty and a pure heart. "Sincerity" implies a lack of hidden agendas or ulterior motives. They are not trying to deceive or manipulate.
"But as of God..." This speaks to the source of their message and their authority. They are not speaking their own ideas or opinions, but delivering the very message that God has entrusted to them. They are acting as God's representatives.
"In the sight of God..." This highlights the accountability and transparency with which they operate. Paul is saying that God is their witness, and they are conscious of His scrutiny in all that they say and do. They are not trying to impress men, but to please God.
"We speak in Christ..." This refers to the content and basis of their message. They preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, the crucified and resurrected Savior. Their message is centered on Him, and their authority comes from their union with Him. "In Christ" also suggests that their speech is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
In essence, the verse means:
Paul is vehemently defending himself and his team against accusations (implied or explicit) that they are motivated by greed or personal ambition. He contrasts himself with those who treat the gospel as a way to make money or gain power. Paul asserts that their preaching comes from a place of sincerity, is rooted in God's authority, is done with a consciousness of God's judgment, and is centered on the message of Jesus Christ. It's a powerful claim to integrity and a rebuke of those who would corrupt the gospel for selfish purposes.