Why does Paul defend his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 4?
Paul defended his apostleship in 2 Corinthians 4 because of innuendos leveled against him and attacks from Judaizers and other forces. He affirmed he renounced dishonest hidden things, did not walk in craftiness or handle God's word deceitfully, and was not motivated by personal gain, wealth, or fame, but by giving lost humanity the gospel.
Les teaches that in 2 Corinthians 4 Paul once again defends his apostleship because of all the innuendos leveled against him and the attacks of the Judaizers and other forces in his life. Paul says, "Seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not." He had renounced 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 "corrupt" means to adulterate, like water mixed with wine. Paul was not in it for personal gain, wealth, or fame; his one purpose was to see lost humanity given the gospel.