The last two weeks we have been studying in 2 Corinthians 8:1 to 8:15 of how the apostle Paul was encouraging the Corinthian congregation concerning their desire to give an offering to the needy church in Jerusalem. He used several points in which he appealed to the Corinthians hearts. First, he used the example of the “rich generosity” of the many congregations of the Roman providence of Macedonian churches, which was not hindered by the “most severe trial” they were experiencing “and their extreme poverty”. Paul also points out that in spite of what they were experiencing, the offering they gave was given with “overflowing joy”, and “beyond their ability. Entirely on their own”.
Then Paul focuses his encouragement on some of the characteristics of the Corinthian congregation. He points out how they excelled “in everything” such as “in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us”. However, in addition to these he also desired that they would “also excel in this grace of giving”.
How this applies to every Christian today is that there are many aspects of our character that displays our maturity in our relationship with Christ. However, just as we serve Christ’s church using a variety of characteristics and spiritual gifts is an expression of our love and maturity towards others. We should also be spiritually mature with our giving to the needs of others or as Paul states it, in our “grace of giving”.
In the world we live in today, there will always be a need of one kind or another of which we can help support with our finances, such as, to a charitable organization, a church or denominational missions program or a special offering being collected, as the churches in Macedonia did; all of which we can give monetarily one time or on a regular basis. However, how can we be sure that the organization we give to will administer the monies they receive with the upmost integrity and transparency? This was similar to the question that the apostle seems to anticipate that the Corinthian church possibly had been thinking when he told them about who was going to take their and all the other church’s offerings to Jerusalem.
What did the offering amount to? Paul does not tell us, but what Paul knew what was important to tell the Corinthian congregation was what he thought about the three men who were responsible of taking the offering with him to Jerusalem. In other words, Paul vouched or gave his personal assurances or a guarantee about these three men who he was sending to the congregation at Corinth to receive their offering for the needy church in Jerusalem.
The first brother or fellow believer and disciple in Christ that Paul mentions by name is Titus. Writing to the Corinthian church from Macedonia Paul tells the Corinthians about Titus’ motivations and heart concerning the offering. 2 Corinthians 8:16-17. I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. What qualifications did Titus have to do this task? As previously stated, Titus had Paul’s endorsement. If Titus was recommended by the apostle Paul who most of the Corinthian congregation personally knew, Paul knew that be a sufficient recommendation and that would eliminate any doubt or concerns they might have about Titus. In verse 16 Paul puts Titus on an equal status of concern as himself regarding the church, pointing out that God is the source of his concern which is his motive behind his emotions and actions. Paul continues in verse 17 to describe what are Titus’ emotions and attitude about going to the Corinthian congregation, “with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative”.
18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.
The first brother who is accompanying Titus, Paul does not mention his name. However, he does have a significant endorsement. We need to remember that Paul is writing this letter to the Corinthian church in the Roman providence of Macedonia which notably has the churches of Thessalonica, Bera, Philippi and probably many others. So, when Paul says, “…the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.” He is saying that this unnamed brother is not only known by all the churches in the providence but is also admired or commended by them. Why? Paul tells them it is because of “his service to the gospel”. This brother has a good testimony which is demonstrated by what he does. This is because of who Christ Jesus is in him or the fruit of the Spirit in his life, which results in the “praise” or how the character of Christ is experienced by the churches.
20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.
At this point Paul explains the heart and motives of these men, himself included. We see much discernment and wisdom in Paul’s words in in these two verses. The three brothers along with Paul “want to avoid any criticism”. They all want “to do what is right” first of all “in the eyes of the Lord” and “also in the eyes of men”. This is called integrity with transparency. If a leader in the church is doing God’s will with integrity concerning finances, they should not be fearful of disclosing their motives and actions because there is nothing to hide.
The third and last person that makes up the team of God’s servants who will be going to Corinth is also not mentioned by name. However, Paul describes him simply with two different characteristics. 22 In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. A person might be really enthusiastic or passionate about what they want to do, but Paul states this brother “has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous…”. This brother’s words and or emotional excitement was not the proof of what he wanted to do. His actions were proof or an expression of his enthusiasm. A person’s words and actions give evidence to others of one’s character and motives but it is one’s actions that proves it is genuine.
23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
Paul again mentions Titus, singling him out by pointing out that Titus is his “my partner and fellow worker” or colleague. Why is this important? In heart, mind and actions concerning the Corinthians, Paul wanted them to know that Titus was his equal. As for the other two brothers, they embody or represent all the churches or sisters and brothers in Christ of Macedonia.
As Paul finalizes what he is saying about the three brothers he is sending to the Corinthians, he now appeals to the Corinthian congregation and the importance of them displaying the most important characteristic of them all to the three brothers; their love. Love is not expressed just with words but the love of Christ is also expressed by our actions of love towards others.
24 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
Pastor John
