“Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” 1 Corinthians 2:17 NIV
If in AD 55 (just 22 years after the cross!) there were already “many” preachers who were peddling the word of God for a profit, what do you think it is like today? Beware of the false preachers. They sound good, but they are really working for the devil. They are everywhere.
“Paul here describes preachers who were watering down the demands of the gospel to gain money, acceptance and success. They were talented and persuasive, yet secretly insincere. They were greedy for money and prominence.” (from Full Life Study Bible notes)
Peter wrote, “But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” 2 Peter 2:1-3 NIV