above board” (The New Testament in Modern English). These high standards of content, motive, and method continue to serve as the marks of God’s true spokespersons today. Then, repudiating the false accusations with a strong On the contrary (2:4), Paul reinforces his claim to integrity in a positive affirmation. He has a sacred stewardship, having been entrusted with the gospel (2:4; see also 1 Corinthians 4:1–2; 9:17; Galatians 2:7; 1 Timothy 1:11; 2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:3), but only after having
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