2 Corinthians 12:17
Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
Original Language Analysis
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὧν
whom
G3739
ὧν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἀπέσταλκα
I sent
G649
ἀπέσταλκα
I sent
Strong's:
G649
Word #:
4 of 10
set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
5 of 10
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
δι'
by
G1223
δι'
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 10
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
αὐτοῦ
of them
G846
αὐτοῦ
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 10
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Paul frequently worked with ministry teams—Silas, Timothy, Titus, Luke, and many others (Romans 16, Philippians 4:2-3, Colossians 4:7-14). This collaborative ministry model provided accountability and multiple witnesses to Paul's conduct. The Corinthians had extensive interaction with Paul's co-workers, giving them ample data to evaluate his character through his associates.
Questions for Reflection
- How does collaborative ministry (working with teams rather than solo) provide accountability that answers accusations of financial impropriety?
- What does Paul's appeal to the Corinthians' own experience ("examine those I sent") teach about defending ministry integrity through transparent evidence versus mere assertions?
- Why is a leader's choice of co-workers significant for evaluating that leader's character—does association reveal character?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you? Paul's rhetorical question demands self-examination: examine the co-workers I've sent—did any of them exploit you financially? The Greek epleonektēsa (ἐπλεονέκτησα, "I made gain," "I defrauded") implies greedy advantage-taking. Paul's defense rests on empirical evidence: review the conduct of everyone I sent, including Titus (v. 18), and you'll find consistent integrity.
This verse establishes a principle: ministry is evaluated not just by the primary leader but by all associated workers. If Paul secretly schemed to extract money, his representatives would expose it through their behavior. The Corinthians' own experience of Paul's delegates proves his financial integrity—unless they can identify a single instance of exploitation, the accusation collapses.
The question format is pastorally wise: rather than defensively asserting innocence, Paul invites the Corinthians to examine evidence themselves. This respects their agency while exposing the baselessness of accusations.