(2 Corinthians 7:2) Why does Paul insist he wronged no one, yet elsewhere admits to persecuting the church (cf. Acts 22:4)?

I. Context of 2 Corinthians 7:2

“Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.” (2 Corinthians 7:2)

Paul’s statement occurs within a larger defense of his ministry to the Corinthian believers. Throughout 2 Corinthians, he addresses concerns about his apostolic authority and integrity, especially given the suspicions some in Corinth harbored due to false teachers undermining Paul’s character. By saying “we have wronged no one,” Paul emphasizes that he has conducted himself blamelessly in his dealings with the Corinthian church and has not acted with deceit, manipulation, or moral wrongdoing in his service to them.

II. Acknowledgment of Former Persecution (Acts 22:4)

“I persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison…” (Acts 22:4)

Elsewhere, Paul plainly admits to persecuting the church before his conversion. In Acts 22:4 he recounts how he zealously sought to suppress believers in Christ. He also gives a similar admission in 1 Timothy 1:13, saying, “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man; yet because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, I was shown mercy.”

III. Reconciling the Two Statements

1. Different Time Frames

In 2 Corinthians 7:2, Paul refers to his conduct as an apostle after his conversion. His assertion “we have wronged no one” pertains specifically to his ministry among the Corinthians, focusing on the upright manner in which he has served them. By contrast, when Paul references his persecution of believers (cf. Acts 22:4), he is speaking of his past life before encountering the risen Christ on the road to Damascus.

2. Transformation and Forgiveness

Scripture consistently portrays a profound change in Paul’s life after his conversion (cf. Acts 9:1–22). This transformation involved the forgiveness of his former sins. While Paul never denies his past actions, he shows that he is no longer defined by them. In Philippians 3:6, he states, “as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness under the Law, faultless,” demonstrating his pre-conversion commitment to stopping the Christian movement. Yet, through the grace of God, he received pardon and was enlisted for a new life’s work (cf. 1 Timothy 1:13–14).

3. Ministry Integrity

When Paul writes “we have wronged no one” in 2 Corinthians, his aim is not to erase history, but to affirm that his apostolic methods have been above reproach. He did not cheat the Corinthians financially, did not preach a false gospel, and did not engage in manipulative tactics. Rather, Paul underscores his ministry’s purity and sincerity (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:2).

4. Legal Versus Moral Standing

“Wronging someone” in 2 Corinthians 7:2 carries a nuance of depriving another of what is rightfully theirs or inflicting personal injury within the context of the Corinthians’ relationship with him. His earlier persecution of believers was indeed grievous, but it preceded his transformation. Paul calls himself “the worst of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15) in reference to how desperately he needed Christ’s mercy, yet he can simultaneously claim he has wronged no one in the sense of not taking advantage of or exploiting the Corinthians.

IV. The Theological Implications

1. The Power of Christ’s Redemption

Paul’s independence from his past offenses highlights the power of divine forgiveness achieved through Christ’s sacrifice. The same man who once actively persecuted the faithful (Acts 8:3) was changed into the apostle proclaiming the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:9–10). This underscores the scriptural teaching that salvation and transformation come through faith in the risen Christ. Paul’s life illustrates that no sin is too great to be forgiven by God’s grace.

2. Transparency Regarding Sin

Although Paul boldly claimed not to have wronged the Corinthian church, he did not conceal his personal history of persecution. His candor serves as a model: believers can be honest about past failures while emphasizing God’s transformative work. Historical accounts (e.g., the Book of Acts) verify this dramatic shift in allegiance and behavior, reinforcing the authenticity of his testimony.

3. Consistency of Scriptural Testimony

Manuscript evidence, corroborated by ancient historians and archaeological findings, supports the authenticity of Paul’s letters and the Book of Acts. These consistent records show Paul’s life trajectory from persecutor to apostle, highlighting the Scripture’s reliability in telling a coherent story of repentance and renewal.

V. Practical and Pastoral Lessons

1. Hope for Personal Change

Paul’s example shows that those once opposed to the faith can become its greatest advocates. Theologically, it demonstrates the breadth of divine mercy. Behaviorally, it offers hope that one’s past does not determine one’s future.

2. Integrity in Ministry

Paul’s claim that he “wronged no one” reminds believers to serve honorably, free from manipulation or exploitation, so that the gospel message remains unclouded by ethical failings.

3. Balancing Confession and Assurance

Confessing sin and acknowledging wrongs done is a biblical principle. At the same time, believers have assurance that once they are forgiven, they stand justified before God (Romans 8:1). This duality fuels a bold yet humble approach to sharing the gospel.

VI. Conclusion

Paul’s insistence that he “wronged no one” emerges in a specific context: he is defending his apostolic integrity and conduct among the Corinthians. This statement in no way contradicts his acknowledgment of past sins, including persecuting believers. Rather, it highlights two key truths: Paul’s life was transformed upon encountering Christ, and from that point onward, he strove to deal honorably with the churches under his care.

His transparent confession of former wrongs and concurrent affirmation of present innocence illustrate the profound power of grace and a changed heart. At the same time, it testifies to the consistent and unified nature of Scripture, which presents Paul’s story as both a sober admission of sin and a bold proclamation of redemption. Through it all, God’s mercy and transforming work in Christ are on display, pointing to the hope of forgiveness and new life available to everyone.