Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Christian ministers » Sent forth in teams of two » Paul and titus
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].
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.
Liberality » Instances of » Christians » In corinth
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].
Now it is unnecessary for me to write you about this service to God's holy people [in Jerusalem, who were in need]. For I know how eager you [already] are, and I have boasted about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia [Note: This was the southernmost province of Greece, where Corinth was located] has been prepared [to give] since last year. And your enthusiasm has stirred up most of them [to give also]. But I have sent the brothers [See 8:18, 22], so that our boasting about you being prepared will not prove to be empty words. read more.
For if any Macedonians come with me and learn that you are not prepared, we, not to mention you, will be ashamed for having been so over confident. So, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers [See verse 3] to visit you ahead of time and arrange beforehand for your previously promised generous gift. Then it will be ready [when I arrive] as a generously given gift and not as something given grudgingly. But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, "plants with blessings"] will harvest a bumper crop. Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with abundant gifts, so that you will always have plenty of everything, and that you will also have plenty for doing every good deed. As it is written [Psa. 112:9], "He has distributed [gifts] widely; he has given to poor people; his generosity will last forever." Now God, who provides seeds to the planter and bread for food, will [also] supply and [even] multiply your seeds for planting, and will increase the harvest of your generosity. You will be made rich in everything so you can be generous in every way. This will result in people thanking God [for what you have done] through us. For the rendering of this service not only [fully] meets the needs of the saints [i.e., God's holy people], but also produces overflowing expressions of thanksgiving to God from many people. Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.
For if any Macedonians come with me and learn that you are not prepared, we, not to mention you, will be ashamed for having been so over confident. So, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers [See verse 3] to visit you ahead of time and arrange beforehand for your previously promised generous gift. Then it will be ready [when I arrive] as a generously given gift and not as something given grudgingly. But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, "plants with blessings"] will harvest a bumper crop. Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with abundant gifts, so that you will always have plenty of everything, and that you will also have plenty for doing every good deed. As it is written [Psa. 112:9], "He has distributed [gifts] widely; he has given to poor people; his generosity will last forever." Now God, who provides seeds to the planter and bread for food, will [also] supply and [even] multiply your seeds for planting, and will increase the harvest of your generosity. You will be made rich in everything so you can be generous in every way. This will result in people thanking God [for what you have done] through us. For the rendering of this service not only [fully] meets the needs of the saints [i.e., God's holy people], but also produces overflowing expressions of thanksgiving to God from many people. Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.
Readiness » For spiritual service
For I know how eager you [already] are, and I have boasted about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia [Note: This was the southernmost province of Greece, where Corinth was located] has been prepared [to give] since last year. And your enthusiasm has stirred up most of them [to give also].
If a person rids himself of the common ones [i.e., the influences of evil people and qualities], he will be an instrument for [God's] honor, dedicated, suitable for use by the Master, [and] prepared for [doing] every good deed.
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].
You should serve as shepherds of God's flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.
Verse Concepts
God, As ShepherdCovetingChurch Authority, Of EldarsEnthusiasmeagernessdiligenceBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanGreed, Believers' Response ToGuardsHiringMinistry, In The ChurchMoney, Attitudes ToResponsibility, For God's WorldShepherds, As Church LeaderUnselfishnessWatchfulness, Of LeadersMaterialismMoneyPastors
Remind the people [where you minister] to be in subjection to [civic] rulers, [governmental] authorities, to be obedient [to them], to be prepared for [doing] every good deed,
But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.
Verse Concepts
Acknowledge, Faith In ChristAbsolute TruthAgnosticismCoolApologeticsDesires For HolinessFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsWhat Christian Should Do Alwaysevangelists, identity ofequipping, spiritualAskingHope, As ConfidenceHope, Results OfOpportunities, And SalvationReadinessReasonSensitivitySpeech, Power And Significance OfSpeech, Positive Aspects OfWatchfulness, Of BelieversWitnessing, Approaches To
Witnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, LordMissionary WorkReasoningTestify On God's BehalfAccusations, Against Early ChristiansThe Gentleness Of God's PeopleAnswering PeopleReasons For Faith In ChristChrist Is LordReady To SpeakThe Hope Of The GospelHope For The RighteousRespectHope And FaithAnxiety And StressGentleness As A Fruit Of The SpiritHope Kjvanswersreverence
Service » Obedient power for » Preparation for
For I know how eager you [already] are, and I have boasted about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia [Note: This was the southernmost province of Greece, where Corinth was located] has been prepared [to give] since last year. And your enthusiasm has stirred up most of them [to give also].
If a person rids himself of the common ones [i.e., the influences of evil people and qualities], he will be an instrument for [God's] honor, dedicated, suitable for use by the Master, [and] prepared for [doing] every good deed.
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].
You should serve as shepherds of God's flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.
Verse Concepts
God, As ShepherdCovetingChurch Authority, Of EldarsEnthusiasmeagernessdiligenceBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanGreed, Believers' Response ToGuardsHiringMinistry, In The ChurchMoney, Attitudes ToResponsibility, For God's WorldShepherds, As Church LeaderUnselfishnessWatchfulness, Of LeadersMaterialismMoneyPastors
Remind the people [where you minister] to be in subjection to [civic] rulers, [governmental] authorities, to be obedient [to them], to be prepared for [doing] every good deed,
But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.
Verse Concepts
Acknowledge, Faith In ChristAbsolute TruthAgnosticismCoolApologeticsDesires For HolinessFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsWhat Christian Should Do Alwaysevangelists, identity ofequipping, spiritualAskingHope, As ConfidenceHope, Results OfOpportunities, And SalvationReadinessReasonSensitivitySpeech, Power And Significance OfSpeech, Positive Aspects OfWatchfulness, Of BelieversWitnessing, Approaches To
Witnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, LordMissionary WorkReasoningTestify On God's BehalfAccusations, Against Early ChristiansThe Gentleness Of God's PeopleAnswering PeopleReasons For Faith In ChristChrist Is LordReady To SpeakThe Hope Of The GospelHope For The RighteousRespectHope And FaithAnxiety And StressGentleness As A Fruit Of The SpiritHope Kjvanswersreverence
Titus » Sent to corinth
So, [i.e., because of your enthusiastic response to this need. See verse 10], we urged Titus, who had previously begun [taking up this collection], to help you also complete this favorable work [i.e., by finalizing it].
But I thank God for putting the same concern [that I have] for you in the heart of Titus. 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]. 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]. read more.
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]. [We made this arrangement] to avoid anyone blaming us for the way we handled this generous gift. For we take measures to do what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people. 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].
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]. [We made this arrangement] to avoid anyone blaming us for the way we handled this generous gift. For we take measures to do what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people. 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].
Did I take [financial] advantage of you by any of those men I sent to you? I urged Titus [i.e., to go to you to arrange for the special offering. See 8:6], and I sent the brother with him. [See 8:18]. Did Titus take any [financial] advantage of you? Do we not [both] have the same attitude [in this matter]? Do we not [both] follow the same procedures?