---
title: "2 Corinthians 4:2"
description: "Paul renounces 'craftiness' and refuses to 'adulterate the word of God,' commending the truth plainly to every conscience. Abolitionists take this as the movement's charter: the case is made by the open statement of truth, not by cunning, calibrated, consensus-managing rhetoric — which they see as…"
type: "scripture"
book: "2 Corinthians"
chapter: 4
verses: "2"
translation: "NASB"
refutes: "Pro-life incrementalism"
affirms_abolition: true
themes:
  - "plain truth"
  - "no craftiness"
  - "not adulterating the word"
  - "conscience"
  - "integrity"
source_url: "https://www.abhortion.org/scripture/2-corinthians-4-2.html"
---

# 2 Corinthians 4:2

Book of 2 Corinthians · Chapter 4

## The text

> But we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
> — 2 Corinthians 4:2, NASB

**The claim this verse counters:** "Shrewd, cautious, culturally-tailored messaging is wise stewardship."

## The argument

Paul renounces 'craftiness' and refuses to 'adulterate the word of God,' commending the truth plainly to every conscience. Abolitionists take this as the movement's charter: the case is made by the open statement of truth, not by cunning, calibrated, consensus-managing rhetoric — which they see as the incrementalist method.

## Context & notes

The self-described 'basis of the abolitionist movement' — read as the opening of both talks. The contrast is the '2 Corinthians 4 man' (plain truth) vs. the 'careful, cunning, calculated man' (incrementalism).

## Themes

- plain truth
- no craftiness
- not adulterating the word
- conscience
- integrity

## Discussion questions

1. Paul contrasts plain truth with 'craftiness.' Where is the line between wise communication and the cunning Paul renounces?
2. What would 'the open statement of the truth' sound like on abortion, versus 'crafted' messaging?

## Source transcript

Drawn from The Sin of Pro-Life Incrementalism (T. Russell Hunter) — Read as a prayer to open V2; 'the basis of the abolitionist movement.'.

## Related

**Related scriptures:**

- [Micah 6:8](micah-6-8.md)
- [Proverbs 29:25](proverbs-29-25.md)
- [Romans 14:23](romans-14-23.md)

**Related arguments:**

- [Obeying God is the most pragmatic path — disobedience 'to get results' does not work](../arguments/arg-obedience-pragmatic.md)
- [“Reasonable Christians can disagree on strategy; calling pro-life incrementalism 'sin' is…”](../arguments/def-incrementalism-not-sin.md)
- [Reframe the debate: it is abolition vs. regulationism, not abolition vs. 'incrementalism'](../arguments/arg-regulationism-not-incrementalism.md)

## Attribution

Verse text is quoted from the NASB. Scripture quotations taken from the New American Standard Bible® (NASB), Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org