2 Corinthians 2:17

“For we are not as many, etc..] The apostle here removes from himself, and other ministers of the Gospel, a character which belonged not to them, but to the false apostles; who are described by their number many; there were great swarms of false teachers in the early times of Christianity; (see <620218>1 John 2:18 4:1); some copies read, “as the rest”: and so the Syriac and Arabic versions; and also by their quality, which corrupt the word of God; by “the word of God”, may be meant the Scriptures in general, which are from God, contain his will, and which he uses for the good of men, and his own glory, and may be corrupted by false glosses, and human mixtures, and by adding to them, or taking…”

“not as many-- (Co2 11:18; Phi 2:21). Rather, "the many," namely, the false teachers of whom he treats (tenth through twelfth chapters, especially Co2 11:13; Th1 2:3). which corrupt--Greek, "adulterating, as hucksters do wine for gain" (Co2 4:2; Isa 1:22; Pe2 2:3, "Make merchandise of you"). as of sincerity . . . as of God--as one speaking from (out of) sincerity, as from (that is, by the command of, and so in dependence on) God. in Christ's--as united to Him in living membership, and doing His work (compare Co2 12:19). The whole Gospel must be delivered such as it is, without concession to men's corruptions, and without selfish aims, if it is to be blessed with success (Act 20:27). Next: 2…”

“For we are not as many - This refers doubtless to the false teachers at Corinth; and to all who mingled human philosophy or tradition with the pure word of truth. Paul’s design in the statement in this verse seems to be to affirm that he had such a deep sense of the responsibility of the ministerial office, and of its necessary influence on the eternal destiny of man, that it led him to preach the simple gospel, the pure word of God. He did not dare to dilute it with any human mixture. He did not dare to preach philosophy, or human wisdom. He did not dare to mingle with it the crude conceptions of man. He sought to exhibit the simple truth as it was in Jesus; and so deep was his sense of the…”

“For we are not as many, who adulterate the word of God - Like those vintners (so the Greek word implies) who mix their wines with baser liquors. But as of sincerity - Without any mixture. But as from God - This rises higher still; transmitting his pure word, not our own. In the sight of God - Whom we regard as always present, and noting every word of our tongue. Speak we - The tongue is ours, but the power is God's. In Christ - Words which he gives, approves, and blesses. Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 3”

“2:17 Paul contrasts his service with that of his opponents. • They preach for personal profit and adulterate the truth, like merchants in Paul’s day who offered shoddy goods, or innkeepers who watered down the wine. By contrast, Paul preached with sincerity and with Christ’s authority (cp. 1:12; 4:2). Paul’s denial of mercenary motives reemerges in 11:1–12:21.”

“which: Co2 4:2, Co2 11:13-15; Jer 5:31, Jer 23:27-32; Mat 24:24; Ti1 1:19, Ti1 1:20, Ti1 4:1-3; Ti2 2:6-18, Ti2 4:3, Ti2 4:4; Tit 1:11; Pe2 2:1-3; Jo1 4:1; Jo2 1:7-11; Jde 1:4; Rev 2:14, Rev 2:15, Rev 2:20, Rev 12:9, Rev 19:20 corrupt: or, deal deceitfully with, Co2 4:2 but as of sincerity: Co2 1:12, Co2 4:2; Act 20:20, Act 20:27; Heb 11:27 in: or, of Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 3”