Peddling, in the context of biblical references, often carries a negative connotation, particularly when associated with the dissemination of God's word for personal gain or deceitful purposes. The term is derived from the practice of selling goods, often in a manner that is seen as unscrupulous or underhanded. In the Bible, peddling is used metaphorically to describe the corrupt handling of the gospel message.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Corinthians 2:17 : "For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God." This verse highlights the Apostle Paul's distinction between his ministry and those who exploit the gospel for financial gain. Paul emphasizes sincerity and divine commission, contrasting it with the mercenary motives of others.

2. 1 Timothy 6:5 : "and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain." Although the term "peddling" is not explicitly used here, the concept is evident. Paul warns Timothy about individuals who view godliness as a means to achieve material wealth, thus corrupting the true purpose of the faith.

3. Titus 1:11 : "They must be silenced, for they are upsetting whole households by teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain." This passage addresses false teachers who exploit their influence for financial benefit, disrupting the faith and unity of believers.

Theological Implications:

The act of peddling the word of God is seen as a grave offense in the Christian faith. It undermines the integrity of the gospel and the mission of the Church. The Bible consistently warns against those who would use their spiritual authority for personal enrichment, emphasizing the need for purity of motive and the faithful stewardship of God's message.

Historical Context:

In the early Church, as Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, there were individuals who sought to capitalize on the growing movement. These "peddlers" of the word often mixed Christian teachings with other philosophies or charged fees for their teachings, leading to confusion and division among believers. The Apostles and early Church leaders, therefore, took a strong stance against such practices to preserve the authenticity and purity of the Christian message.

Moral and Ethical Considerations:

From a moral standpoint, peddling the word of God is considered a form of spiritual corruption. It reflects a heart that prioritizes personal gain over the spiritual well-being of others. Ethically, it raises questions about the responsibility of those who teach and preach to maintain integrity and transparency in their ministry.

Contemporary Relevance:

In modern times, the issue of peddling remains relevant as the Church navigates the challenges of commercialization and the prosperity gospel. The call for discernment and accountability in ministry is as crucial today as it was in the early Church. Believers are encouraged to support ministries that demonstrate a commitment to truth and service rather than financial gain.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Peddle.

2. (a.) Hawking; acting as a peddler.

3. (a.) Petty; insignificant.

2585. kapeleuo -- to make a trade of
... fast gain. Word Origin from kapelos (a huckster, peddler) Definition to
make a trade of NASB Word Usage peddling (1). corrupt. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2585.htm - 6k

"She Hath done what She Could. "
... the father said: "If you will give up the Sabbath-school, I will give you every
Saturday afternoon to play, or you can have all you make by peddling." The boy ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vii she hath done.htm

The Eloi.
... our paltry self with its well-earned disgrace, lift up our eyes to the glory which
alone will quicken the true man in us, and kill the peddling creature we so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the eloi.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... The poorer Chinese find peddling employments and trade about the villages, rather
than hard work on the estates; while they cultivate on ridges, with minute ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Bad Ecclesiastics and Base Plots
... air of moral and spiritual obligations, was not likely to worry himself with the
chicanery of scrupulosities in which small and peddling minds find ...
/.../chapter xxxix bad ecclesiastics and.htm

Miscellaneous Phrases
... Patience under continual provocation. Peculiarly liable to misinterpretation. Peddling
and pitiful compromises. Pelting one another with catchwords. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section xi miscellaneous phrases.htm

Preliminary Definition of the Subject
... which is so far from appreciating the truth in this that it is hardly an exaggeration
to say that it has devoted itself to a paltry and peddling criticism of ...
/.../the atonement and the modern mind/chapter i preliminary definition of.htm

The Atonement and the Modern Mind
... which is so far from appreciating the truth in this that it is hardly an exaggeration
to say that it has devoted itself to a paltry and peddling criticism of ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 7 the atonement and.htm

Footnotes
... I have mainly followed the Greek. Begging, if we borrow the sense of the verb in
Syriac, otherwise huckstering, peddling. 432 Hosea 6:1-4. 433 P.189. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/footnotes.htm

The Epistles of St. Paul
The Death of Christ. <. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/denney/the death of christ/chapter 3 the epistles of.htm

Peddling (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (a.) Petty; insignificant. Multi-Version Concordance Peddling (1 Occurrence).
2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. ...
/p/peddling.htm - 6k

Peddlers (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Peddlers (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians 2:17 For
we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as ...
/p/peddlers.htm - 6k

Pedestal (4 Occurrences)

/p/pedestal.htm - 8k

Peddle (1 Occurrence)
... tinware. Multi-Version Concordance Peddle (1 Occurrence). 2 Corinthians
2:17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But ...
/p/peddle.htm - 7k

Sincerity (17 Occurrences)
... toward you. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). 2 Corinthians 2:17 For
we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as ...
/s/sincerity.htm - 14k

Contrary (77 Occurrences)
... his excessive sorrow. (WEB DBY YLT NAS). 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not
as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity ...
/c/contrary.htm - 31k

Sight (522 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of
sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ. ...
/s/sight.htm - 37k

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