Riches of Their Liberality, Part IV

2018-02-04

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. (17) For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. (18) And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; (19) And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: (20) Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: (21) Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. (22) And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. (23) Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. (24) Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. (2 Corinthians 8:16-24)

Titus and these two other brothers in the Lord were sent to Corinth to remind them of the offering being collected and were entrusted with the offering. Paul is commending these men to the Corinthians so they can be assured that these men are trustworthy according to Paul and the churches around the world.

Titus

Titus, who had travelled with Paul extensively, was in Crete for the cause of the Gospel (Titus 1:4-5).

  1. Titus cared for the saints in Corinth. 2 Corinthians 8:16
  2. Titus was exhorted to go to Corinth. Paul told him of the need for him to go there. 2 Corinthians 8:17
  3. Titus went to Corinth of his own volition. He was already eager to go there before any exhortation because of his care for them. 2 Corinthians 8:17
  4. Titus embraced a difficult task with difficult people. We know that Corinth was having many issues with Paul at that time. Titus did not let any of that bother him; he went to them without hesitation. We also should embrace difficult tasks and difficult people; it helps them, and it grows us.

The Brother Whose Praise is in the Gospel

This unnamed gentleman went with Titus to help them. We do not know his name, but we know much from the verses about him.

  1. His praise is in the Gospel. This man was a preacher of the Gospel. 2 Corinthians 8:18
  2. His praise in the Gospel throughout all the churches. He was renowned in all the churches by being a preacher and getting people saved. 2 Corinthians 8:18
  3. He was chosen to travel with Paul. This tells us a lot about his reputation. 2 Corinthians 8:19
  4. Being a part of Paul’s team made this man a vessel of God’s glory. 2 Corinthians 8:19

Providing for Honest Things

Paul and those handling the offering should not be eyed with suspicion because they handled such a large amount of money (2 Corinthians 8:20). The Lord keeps such people accountable, that the offering would not be misused (2 Corinthians 8:21). If it is not enough to tout the resume of the men involved in handling this offering, the Lord Himself had His eyes on these men and the offering. They were entrusted with the task to honestly handle this offering, and they were very transparent in what they were doing.

Brother Diligent in Many Things

Another unnamed brother was sent with Titus and the other, and he had the reputation of being diligent. Understanding the importance of the situation, he is going to be yet more diligent (2 Corinthians 8:22).

Final Words on the Three Brothers

Paul’s partner Titus and the other messengers of the church were fully commended to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 8:23). Because of their solemn duty and their reputation for God’s service, He expected the Corinthians to trust them as the servants that they are. One can tell that Paul knew that they have lost the zeal of giving and are not as trusting as they should be. Paul wrote this commendation so that they would follow through with their commitment to the giving of the offering.

Continue to Part V.