Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 2:17
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding his apostolic ministry, writing immediately after describing how his preaching functions as a life-giving fragrance to some and a death-dealing odor to others. He contrasts his approach with itinerant teachers who treat divine communication as a commodity.
The words — καπηλεύοντες (kapēleuontes) literally describes retail merchants or hucksters who adulterate goods for profit. Paul employs this present active participle to state that his opponents commercialize the message rather than deliver it faithfully.
The thread — The passage aligns with the rejection of deceptive commercialism in 2 Corinthians 4:2 and the warning against false teachers in 2 Peter 2:1. Paul also grounds his integrity in the witness of his conscience in 2 Corinthians 1:12.
Why it lands — The text demands that messengers prioritize divine commission over personal gain. Readers must evaluate teaching by its origin and motive rather than its popularity or financial backing.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 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.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 For 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.
- 2 Peter 2:1 Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.
- 2 Timothy 4:3 For the time will come when men will not tolerate sound doctrine, but with itching ears they will gather around themselves teachers to suit their own desires.
- 1 Timothy 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,
- Matthew 24:24 For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive even the elect, if that were possible.
- Jeremiah 5:31 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?
- Jeremiah 23:27 They suppose the dreams that they tell one another will make My people forget My name, just as their fathers forgot My name through the worship of Baal.
- 1 Corinthians 5:8 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.
- Titus 1:11 who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.