Collection for the Judean Saints

16 But thanks be to God who [a]puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him (A)the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also (B)chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us (C)to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind, 20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us— 21 (D)providing honorable 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 often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. 23 If anyone inquires about (E)Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are (F)messengers[b] of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, [c]and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our (G)boasting on your behalf.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:16 NU has put
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:23 Lit. apostles, “sent ones”
  3. 2 Corinthians 8:24 NU, M omit and

Titus Sent to Receive the Collection

16 Thanks be to God,(A) who put into the heart(B) of Titus(C) 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.(D) 18 And we are sending along with him the brother(E) who is praised by all the churches(F) for his service to the gospel.(G) 19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us(H) as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help.(I) 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 man.(J)

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. 23 As for Titus,(K) he is my partner(L) and co-worker(M) among you; as for our brothers,(N) they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. 24 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you,(O) so that the churches can see it.

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