2 Corinthians 2:17

Background Paul’s plans regarding Corinth (2:12-13) Paul’s work of preaching (2:14-16) Paul’s absence of dishonesty (2:17) What is involved in “corrupting the word of God” and how can it be done today?

Corrupting the Word “Corrupting” is from the Gr. word kapeleuo, meaning “to peddle, make merchandise, or sell that which is corrupted” Paul refused to do this (2 Cor. 4:2) However, many today do this very thing. Let us examine how and why many corrupt the word of God.

Corrupting the Word kapeleuo … primarily signifies “to be a retailer, to peddle, to hucksterize” (from kapelos, an inn- keeper, a petty retailer in contrast to emporos, a merchant); hence, “to get base gain by dealing in anything,” and so, more generally, “to do anything for sordid personal advantage” … kapeleuo has the broader significance of doing so in order to make dishonest gain … accordingly “hucksterizing” would be the most appropriate rendering in this passage (W.E. Vine, Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, p. 130)

How Many Corrupt the Word They accentuate the positive gospel and down-play (or eliminate) the negative Some parts of the gospel involve the negative (Lk. 14:26,27,33; 2 Tim. 4:2-3) Doctrines like Hell are negative (Mt. 25:46) Errors are condemned in scripture (Mt. 23; 2 Tim. 2:17-18; 2 Pet. 2:1ff; Rev. 2:14-15,20)

How Many Corrupt the Word They avoid controversial subjects and debates Jesus was controversial (Mt ) Paul was controversial (Acts 15)

How Many Corrupt the Word They offer the social gospel that appeals to the individual’s wants Jesus did not offer the social (Jn. 6:27) The work of church is not social (1 Tim. 3:15) The Lord’s church belongs to Jesus (Mt. 16:18; Acts 20:28), not to you: “This church is for you…”

How Many Corrupt the Word They change the word of God to accommodate modern culture God’s word is not to be changed (2 Thess. 2:15; 2 Tim. 1:13) Change-agents: women’s roles (1 Tim. 2:12); Sunday Lord’s supper (Acts 20:7); singing only (Eph. 5:19); baptism for remission of sins (Acts 2:38); divorce and remarriage (Mt. 19:9); etc.

Why Many Corrupt the Word Financial gain (Ezek. 13:19; Jn. 2:16; Acts 20:20,27,33; Tit. 1:11; 2 Pet. 2:3,15; Jude 11,16) Selfishness (Phil. 3:19) Desire for popularity (Acts 12:2,22-23; 20:29-30; Gal. 1:10) Love of human wisdom (1 Cor. 1:22; 2:5; 2 Cor. 1:12; 2 Pet. 2:18) Hardened hearts (1 Tim. 4:2-3)

How Should We Speak ( 2 Corinthians 2:17 ) “As of sincerity” (Isa. 30:9-10; Rom. 16:18; 2 Cor. 11:13-15; 1 Thess. 2:4ff) “As of God” (1 Pet. 4:11) Book, chapter and verse preaching Scripture examination, explanation, application “In the sight of God” (Jer. 23:23ff; Mt. 12:36; Acts 10:33; 1 Cor. 4:1-5)

How Should We Speak ( 2 Corinthians 2:17 ) “Speak we in Christ” Christians are seed-sowers, not salesmen (Lk. 8:11; 1 Cor. 3:6; 1 Pet. 1:23)