What does Paul mean by this?

[M_Oliver]

Four translations:

For we are not as the majority, who are peddling the word of God, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God in Christ, are we speaking." (2 Corinthians 2:17 CLV)

For we are not, as the many, driving a petty trade with the word of God; but, as of sincerity, but, as of God, before God, in Christ, we speak. (2 Corinthians 2:17 Rotherham)

We are; for, unlike most teachers, we are not fraudulent hucksters of God’s Message; but with transparent motives, as commissioned by God, in God’s presence and in communion with Christ, so we speak. (2 Corinthians 2:17 WNT)

For we are not as the rest, adulterating the word of God for financial gain, but as out of integrity, but as from God, we speak in the presence of God, in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17 ALT)

 

[runandsew]

I think he might be referring to those other preachers going around that would make a profit while preaching. Paul in other places of his letters talks about he really tried not to be a burden on the people so he could preach the pure gospel and not be indebt to the people.
He spread the gospel out of love, not from a motivation to make money.

 

[Alexius]

M_Oliver: For we are not as the majority, who are peddling the “word of God”, but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God in Christ, are we speaking." (2 Corinthians 2:17 CLV)

Maybe Paul was talking about Rastafarians…