A frequent misinterpretation of this verse treats Paul's rhetorical question as an implicit admission or justification for profiting indirectly through others sent to the church, suggesting a sneaky endorsement of financial manipulation in ministry, whereas it is actually a vehement denial of any such gain; others divorce it from context, using it to accuse Paul of hypocrisy or to rationalize modern exploitative practices by leaders who claim apostolic precedent while ignoring his repeated refusals of support to maintain purity of motive.
II Corinthians 12:17
King James Version (1769)
17 Did I make a gain of you by any of them whom I sent unto you?
In II Corinthians 12:17, Paul poses a rhetorical question to the Corinthian church, denying that he exploited them financially through any representatives he sent, such as Titus, thereby affirming his integrity and selfless ministry motivated by love rather than greed, as part of his broader defense against slanderous accusations that questioned his apostolic authority and genuine care for their spiritual well-being.