Verse 17
Many itinerant teachers and philosophers in Paul’s day adulterated the Word of God. All was not well in Corinth in this respect. Nevertheless Paul claimed absolute sincerity (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:12). His only desire was the glory of God, the advancement of the gospel, and the progress of His people. The proofs of his sincerity were his divine commission, his sense of divine dependence and responsibility, and his divine authority and power. As a spiritual physician, Paul did not dilute or add other ingredients to the medicine that brings life, the Word of God. [Note: Harris, p. 332.]
"How is Paul able confidently to attribute such negative motives to these men, while expecting his own claim ’of sincerity’ to be accepted? It appears that he is appealing to the known fact that these men have received some material benefit from the Corinthians (cf. 2 Corinthians 11:20), whereas Paul deliberately refused payment from them (2 Corinthians 11:7-12; 2 Corinthians 12:13-16)." [Note: Barnett, p. 157.]
We must grasp Paul’s perspective on the unfailing success of God’s work in the world today and of those of us who participate in it. We must do so to see life as it really is and to avoid discouragement because of the apparent failure of many of our best intended activities (cf. Isaiah 55:10-11).
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