2 Corinthians 4:2

In view of our inevitable success we do not need to resort to disgraceful subtleties and subterfuge. Paul’s critics in Corinth were apparently accusing him of deceitful behavior (cf. 2 Corinthians 7:2; 2 Corinthians 12:16). He continues here his self-defense from 2 Corinthians 2:17. Paul did not need to trick his hearers because the Spirit would enlighten them concerning the truth and transform their characters. Some of the Corinthians may have concluded that because Paul did not require obedience to the Mosaic Law he was watering down the gospel to make it more acceptable. They apparently accused him of preaching "easy believism."

"In any self-defense, self-commendation must play some part. But Paul’s self-commendation was distinctive. He commended himself, not by self-vindication at every point, but simply by the open declaration of the truth (in particular, the gospel and its implications). His appeal was not directed to a partisan spirit or the prejudices of men but ’to every man’s conscience.’ His self-commendation was undertaken with God as onlooker." [Note: Harris, p. 340.]