What does Paul say he renounced in 2 Corinthians 4:2?
Paul states that he renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, refusing to walk in craftiness or handle the word of God deceitfully. He contrasts this with corrupting the gospel for personal gain, emphasizing that his ministry was not motivated by wealth or fame but by a desire to see lost humanity receive the gospel.
Les explains that in 2 Corinthians 4:2 Paul is defending his apostleship against innuendos and attacks from Judaizers. Paul had just said in verse 1 that having received mercy, he does not faint, though he was human and close to despair. In verse 2 he renounces the hidden things of dishonesty—not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully. Les connects this to chapter 2 verse 17, where Paul says he is not like many who corrupt the word, a word meaning to adulterate like water mixed with wine. Les emphasizes Paul was not in ministry for personal gain, wealth, or fame, but solely to see lost humanity given the gospel.
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.