2 Corinthians 2:17

For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God The original makes -many" definite with the article, thus clearly pointing out the false teachers, against whom so much of this and the former Epistle is directed. The word of God may be corrupted (1) by the admixture of foreign doctrines, e. g. those of the Judaizers, who grafted on Christianity the alien doctrine of the universal obligation of the Jewish law, (2) by degrading the doctrine of Christ into a system of argument and disputation (1 Corinthians 1:17-31; 1Co 2:1; 1 Corinthians 2:4-5; 1 Corinthians 2:14), and (3) by the introduction of personal objects, such as influence, authority, the praise of men (1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 11:18; Galatians 4:17). The word here translated corruptoccurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is derived from a substantive equivalent in meaning to our higgleror huckster, especially a dealer in wine (See the LXX. of Isaiah 1:22. The word is not in the Hebrew), and hence from the dishonest practices of these small dealers it has come, by a process somewhat similar to that of our reproachful terms -higgling" or -huckstering," to mean adulterate, i.e. to mix what should be pure with worthless or even deleterious substances.

but as of sincerity, but as of God See note on 2 Corinthians 1:12. The word is here opposed to the idea of corrupting by admixture. The Apostle does not lose sight even here of the truth to which he returns in ch. 2 Corinthians 3:5, that his purity of heart is a supernatural gift. If he preaches Christ of sincerity, it is because the power to do so comes from God, Who gave the mission.

in the sight of God A task imposed by God, and performed with the consciousness that His All-seeing Eye is upon those whom He has sent.

speak we in Christ St Paul, throughout the whole of this chapter, has had in view the vindication of himself from any ulterior motives or lower principles of action in preaching Christ. His sole object is to minister Him. He desires nothing for himself. If he rebukes, it is for the offender's sake. If he tests the obedience of the Church, it is because he is set over it for its benefit, not for his. If he preaches the word of God, it is by virtue of an inspiration from Him, whereby he preaches simply and faithfully the words put in his mouth by Christ. His doctrine is ofGod, delivered as in His sight, and spoken in Christ.