What does 2 Corinthians 2:17 mean?

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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. 2 Corinthians 2:17

Explanation

The verse from 2 Corinthians 2:17 is aimed at drawing a distinction between the genuine apostles of Christ and the deceptive or false teachers that were prevalent at the time. The Apostle Paul, the author of the letter, is asserting the sincerity and integrity of his own ministry. He is affirming that unlike many, he and his fellow workers do not corrupt or adulterate the word of God for personal gain. Rather, they present it sincerely, as from God, in full view of God’s omniscience, and translate this sincerity into their speech and actions in Christ Jesus.

Historical Context

2 Corinthians is a letter attributed to the Apostle Paul and written to the church at Corinth. This epistle is thought to have been written around the year AD 55-57. The church in Corinth was a community rife with issues, including divisions, immorality, and challenges to Paul’s authority. This particular verse, 2 Corinthians 2:17, falls within Paul’s defense of his apostolic ministry and his conduct amongst the Corinthians, where he was confronting the claims of false apostles who were discrediting him and misleading the church.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse illustrates the concept of divine stewardship of the gospel. Paul demonstrates that the message of God should be handled with reverence and integrity, not diluted or twisted for personal benefit. Theological interpretations often focus on the purity of the message, integrity in ministry, and accountability before God—the necessity of being authentic representatives of Christ.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages believers to uphold sincerity and truth in communication. In daily life, this can manifest as honesty in interactions, ethical conduct in business, and faithful representation of one’s beliefs. It is a call to both reject distortion of truth for personal gain and to strive to present oneself genuinely in all circumstances, respecting the responsibility that comes with carrying the message of Christ.

Cross-References

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:1-2)
“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3)
“As of sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17)

Language Study

The key words in this verse in the original Greek are worth examining:

“Corrupt” (Greek: καπηλεύοντες, kapēleuontes): This term suggests the idea of peddling for profit or adulterating, similar to a huckster diluting wine for sale.
“Sincerity” (Greek: εἰλικρινείᾳ, eilikrineia): Meaning purity or clearness, like the sun’s light displaying things honestly without distortion.
“Speak” (Greek: λαλοῦμεν, laloumen): To communicate or declare, indicating an active conveyance of a message.

These terms emphasize the purity and integrity that Paul aimed for in his presentation of the gospel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of the faithful transmission of religious truths can be compared to the concept of the ‘guru-shishya’ tradition in Hinduism or the ‘oral Torah’ in Judaism, where the accuracy and integrity of the message’s transmission from teacher to student are of paramount importance. The emphasis on non-corruption of the message is a tenet shared across various ancient and contemporaneous religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly relate to science, the principles of honesty and integrity that it espouses are held in high regard within the scientific community. The pursuit of knowledge in science is similarly grounded in the unwavering commitment to report findings truthfully and without alteration, a reflection of the sincere approach advocated by Paul in sharing the word of God.

Commentaries

Commentators generally agree on the interpretation that Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the purity of his gospel message against critics and false apostles. Matthew Henry’s commentary describes this verse as an assertion of uprightness against those who “deal deceitfully with the word of God.” The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary emphasizes that the word of God is not treated as a commodity for selfish profit by Paul, in contrast to the false teachers of the time. John Gill’s exposition underlines the notion that Paul is representing himself and his fellow apostles as men of sincerity, acting under the immediate inspection and eye of God.