2 Corinthians 8:16-24 - Arrangements For Administering The Corinthians' Gift

¹⁶ But I thank God for putting the same concern [that I have] for you in the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For he not only accepted our urging, but being very diligent himself, he went to you of his own accord [i.e. Titus had wanted to go to Corinth even before being urged to]. ¹⁸ And we have sent [i.e., are sending] with him the brother who is praised throughout all the churches for [his work in] preaching the Gospel [Note: This "brother" cannot be identified with any certainty]. ¹⁹ And not only this, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [taking] this gift [to Jerusalem] as we minister in order to honor the Lord Himself, and to demonstrate our eagerness [to help poor people]. ²⁰ [We made this arrangement] to avoid anyone blaming us for the way we handled this generous gift. ²¹ For we take measures to do what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people. ²² And we have sent [i.e., are sending] with them our brother [Note: This is a different person from the one mentioned in verse 18], who has often proven his diligence to us in many ways, and is now proving to be even more diligent because of the great confidence he has in you [i.e., confidence in the Corinthians completing their collection for the poor]. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker on your behalf. As for our brothers [i.e., those who will accompany him], they are the messengers of the churches and an honor to Christ. ²⁴ [So], demonstrate in front of the churches evidence of your love [for them] and our reason for boasting about you.