Why was Paul accused of not bringing the truth in 2 Corinthians 2:17?
The charge that he did not bring the truth arose because Paul would not agree with the Judaizers in Jerusalem and no longer worked hand in glove with Peter and the eleven. He proclaimed a message they did not know, so false accusations that belonged to false teachers were directed at him instead.
Les explains that Paul did not come with fickle language; everything he said was prompted by the Holy Spirit, and he was there for the love of Christ, which constrained him and enabled him to endure privation after privation. In verse 17, he was being accused of not bringing the truth because he was not agreeing with the Judaizers in Jerusalem. He was not working hand in glove with Peter and the eleven anymore. He was out proclaiming something they really knew nothing of, so he was bombarded with false accusations that should have been reserved for false teachers. Les notes that it is so often the other way around: those with the truth come under attack rather than the false teachers.
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.
How did Paul describe his own ministry in contrast to the many who corrupt the Word of God?
Paul contrasted his ministry with those who corrupt or hawk God's Word as an adulterated product. He said he did not water down the message or act like a huckster. Instead, he came in complete sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God, speaking in Christ, bringing the absolute truth.
How did Paul defend his apostleship against false teaching?
Paul defended his apostleship by declaring he did not corrupt the Word of God. He did not come with false teaching or half-truth, unlike false teachers described as clouds without water, raging waves, and wandering stars. His defense contrasted his message with their adulterated product.
More Questions
How did Paul defend his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 2:17?
Paul defended his apostleship by saying he did not come with false teaching.
What does Paul mean in 2 Corinthians 2:17 when he says he did not come like a hawker selling cheap wares?
Paul said he did not come like a hawker selling his cheap wares, but came with all the sincerity of his heart so that his hearers might turn.
Is the word for deceitfully handling God's word in 2 Corinthians 4:2 the same as corrupt in 2 Corinthians 2:17?
The Greek word in 2 Corinthians 4:2 is not the same as the word 'corrupt' in 2 Corinthians 2:17, but it is awfully close in meaning.
Did Paul come with half truth?
Paul defended his apostleship by saying he did not come with half truth.