The Preacher and His Work According to 2 Corinthians 2

The Responsibility of His Work

Regarding his preaching, Paul wrote, “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 2:17). Already Paul had defended the integrity of his preaching. In chapter one he wrote, “But as God is true, our word toward you was not yea and nay. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea” (2 Corinthians 1:18–19). Unlike some false teachers, Paul always faithfully and unwaveringly preached the truth. Whether his hearers accepted it and thereby gained life or rejected it and reaped death, he preached the truth. He deemed that to be his great responsibility.

There were some who “corrupted” the word. The ASV adds a note of explanation: “making merchandise of the word of God.” The ESV translates the verse “For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word…” The word denoted merchants who diluted their wine with water and used false weights. Paul was unwilling to water down his preaching! Micah said in his day the priests taught for hire and the prophets prophesied for money (Micah 3:10). As a result, they would reap their terrible reward because they had led the people astray (Micah 3:5). There will always be those who have “itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3), but the faithful preacher must remember the seriousness of his responsibility and refuse to scratch them.

Paul said his preaching was done in “sincerety.” His motives were pure. His desire was to save as many as he could. He could bear the scrutiny of all—including God Himself, since it was in His sight that he preached Christ. Paul pointed Timothy toward this great responsibility as well when he wrote, “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ…Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:1–2).

Like Paul, as preachers of God’s word, may we always be mindful of this great responsibility!