2CO 8:16-24

Titus Commended

16But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnestness for you into the heart of Titus. [8:17] For he received the appeal and, being more earnest, went out to you of his own accord. [8:18] And we sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is through all the assemblies — [8:19] and not only that, but he has also been chosen by a show of hands by the assemblies to travel with us with this grace being administered by us — for the glory of the Lord himself and to demonstrate our readiness — [8:20] avoiding this: that no one may find fault with us in this generous gift being administered by us. [8:21] For we take thought for honorable things not only before the Lord but also before people. [8:22] And we sent with them our brother, whom we have tested and found earnest in many things on many occasions, and now much more earnest because of his great confidence in you. [8:23] As for Titus — he is my partner and co-worker for you; as for our brothers — they are sent ones of the assemblies, the glory of Christ. [8:24] Therefore demonstrate toward them, before the face of the assemblies, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

In the world it was spoken into

In the Greco-Roman world, the sending of trusted emissaries was a common practice, especially in matters requiring integrity and accountability. Titus, described here as acting with earnestness and initiative, embodies the ideal of a reliable envoy. The term (chosen by a show of hands) reflects the participatory decision-making process of the early Christian communities, where leaders were often selected collectively. The mention of (active service) underscores the personal and sacrificial nature of ministry, contrasting with the transactional relationships typical of Roman patronage. The deliberate avoidance of blame highlights the importance of maintaining honor and trust in communal dealings, a critical concern in the honor-shame culture of the Mediterranean. The term (apostles) here refers not just to the Twelve but to authorized representatives carrying out specific missions, a role Titus and his companions fulfill. This passage reflects the careful balancing of communal trust, personal integrity, and accountability in the early church’s financial and relational practices.

›See the receipts

How other translations render this

2CO 8:16

KJV: But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
BSB: But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.
Koinōnos: But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnestness for you into the heart of Titus.

2CO 8:17

KJV: For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
BSB: For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.
Koinōnos: For he received the appeal and, being more earnest, went out to you of his own accord.

2CO 8:18

KJV: And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
BSB: Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel.
Koinōnos: And we sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is through all the assemblies —

2CO 8:19

KJV: 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:
BSB: More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the gracious offering we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.
Koinōnos: and not only that, but he has also been chosen by a show of hands by the assemblies to travel with us with this grace being administered by us — for the glory of the Lord himself and to demonstrate our readiness —

2CO 8:20

KJV: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
BSB: We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
Koinōnos: avoiding this: that no one may find fault with us in this generous gift being administered by us.

2CO 8:21

KJV: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
BSB: For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
Koinōnos: For we take thought for honorable things not only before the Lord but also before people.

2CO 8:22

KJV: 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.
BSB: And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.
Koinōnos: And we sent with them our brother, whom we have tested and found earnest in many things on many occasions, and now much more earnest because of his great confidence in you.

2CO 8:23

KJV: 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.
BSB: As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
Koinōnos: As for Titus — he is my partner and co-worker for you; as for our brothers — they are sent ones of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.

2CO 8:24

KJV: Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
BSB: In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.
Koinōnos: Therefore demonstrate toward them, before the face of the assemblies, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.

Translator's notes

2CO 8:19

having been chosen:The word translated 'having been chosen' refers to a public selection by a show of hands, indicating a communal and transparent decision, not a private appointment.
being administered:The term translated 'being administered' implies active, humble service, often in a practical or material way, rather than just passive management.

2CO 8:20

avoiding:The word translated 'avoiding' carries the sense of drawing back or shrinking from something, often to prevent scandal or suspicion, not just simple avoidance.

2CO 8:23

[they are] apostles:The word translated 'apostles' literally means 'one sent out' or 'messenger,' emphasizing their role as authorized representatives with a specific mission, not just a title.