Pretext (4392) (prophasis from prophaÃno = to cause to shine before, to appear before, be apparent <> pró = before, + phaÃno = to appear, to shine before. Vincent gives the origin as pro = before, in front of + phemi = to say, affirm) is that which is alleged as the cause, an allegation, plea. In other words it denotes something put forward for appearance to conceal what lies behind it. In the NT it is used only in a bad sense and with the idea of an ulterior motive (Ulterior = going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper), of a falsely alleged motive or of an ostensible reason (or excuse). Our English word pretext is from the Latin, praetextum (prae = before + texere = weave) which described something woven in front of, with a view to concealment or deception or to screen or extend in front. Pretext is defined as a purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order to cloak the real intention or state of affairs. It suggests subterfuge and the offering of false reasons or motives in excuse or explanation (eg, using any pretext to get out of work). It is an outward show or appearance, pretense or pretext to cover one's real intent or to hide the true state of things. Here it is an outward show or pretext used to conceal the reality "of greed". Prophasis signifies the assuming of something so as to disguise one’s real motives. Pretense refers to that which is professed rather than that which is one's heart intention or purpose. Moulton and Milligan write that prophasis... is the “ostensible reason” for which a thing is done, and generally points to a false reason as opposed to the true (Moulton, J. H., & Milligan, G. The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament. London: Hodder and Stoughton. 1930) There are 7 uses of prophasis in the NT... Matthew 23:14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you devour widows' houses, even while for a pretense you make long prayers; therefore you shall receive greater condemnation. Mark 12:40 who (referring to the Scribes) devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation. (Comment: The hypocritical scribes looked good outwardly but this was only a sham and a cover for their internal greed and selfishness) Luke 20:47 who devour widows' houses, and for appearance's sake offer long prayers; these will receive greater condemnation. (Comment: Exactly how they would devour widows' houses is not clear but could refer to foreclosing on mortgages, to excessive charges for services rendered, to eating with widows as a forced hospitality, or to insisting that widows make generous contributions to the religious causes advocated by the scribes.) John 15:22 "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Acts 27:30 And as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship, and had let down the ship's boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, Philippians 1:18 (note) What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice, yes, and I will rejoice. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed-- God is witness-- Bruce comments that... Ostensibly the language might be above suspicion, but if its real purpose is the speaker's advantage, it is but a pretext for covetousness. That this was not so with Paul and his companions is known both to their converts and to God (God is witness) cf. 1Th 2:10. (Bruce, F F: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Incorporated. 1982 or Logos) Hampton Keathley asks... I wonder how many of the problems and heartaches going on in the church are rooted in this problem, the problem of people using ministry of all sorts to promote themselves and meet their own needs and wants whether financial or emotional. It is the problem of hidden agendas. (1Thessalonians 2:1-12 Compelling Example for Ministry) "Copy and paste the address below into your web browser in order to go to the original page which will allow you to access live links related to the material on this page - these links include Scriptures (which can be read in context), Scripture pop-ups on mouse over, and a variety of related resources such as Bible dictionary articles, commentaries, sermon notes and theological journal articles related to the topic under discussion." http://www.preceptaustin.org/1thessalonians_25-6.htm#pretext