2 Corinthians 4:2

But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty Far from shrinking from the labour and suffering and opposition entailed by the preaching of the Gospel, and so inclining to suppress its utterance, the true ministers of Christ "even rejoice and speak boldly" (Chrysostom). Cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 3:12. The word here rendered dishonesty(a word, however, which had three centuries ago a wider meaning than it has now, cf. As you Like it, Acts 3. Sc. 3) is rather disgrace. It is translated shamewherever else it occurs in the N. T., as, for instance, Luke 14:9; Philippians 3:19; Revelation 3:18. What the Apostle has renounced is all secret practices, which, when found out, cause shame. Cf. John 3:20.

craftiness The word means the conduct of a man who resorts to all kinds of contrivancesto attain his end. An excellent illustration of the meaning of the word may be found in Luke 20:20-23. See also ch. 2 Corinthians 11:3, where it is rendered subtilty. St Paul was accused of this. See ch. 2 Corinthians 12:16, note.

nor handling the word of God deceitfully This word is the nearest translation of the Greek δολοῦντες. Adulterantes, Vulgate; neither corrupte we, Tyndale. Our translation is due to Cranmer. "It is done," says Meyer, "by alterations and strange admixtures." Cf. ch. 2 Corinthians 2:17.

but by manifestation of the truth i.e. by bringing the truth clearly and plainly to light, without any attempt at concealment.

commending The word commendhas here obviously the same signification as recommend. This cannot be said of ch. 2 Corinthians 3:1, where see note.

to every man's conscience See note on ch. 2 Corinthians 1:24. The individual conscience is, and always must be, the ultimate tribunal to which all teaching must appeal, and St Paul assumes that in it there resides a faculty of appreciating and acknowledging truth.