⁶ so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking^[a] among you.^(A)

¹⁸ I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him. Titus did not take advantage of you, did he? Did we not conduct ourselves with the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same footsteps?^(A)

¹⁹ and not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this generous undertaking^[a] for the glory of the Lord himself^[b] and to show our goodwill.^(A)

Commendation of Titus

¹⁶ But thanks be to God, who put in the heart of Titus the same eagerness for you that I myself have. ¹⁷ For he not only accepted our appeal, but since he is more eager than ever, he is going to you of his own accord.

⁴ begging us earnestly for the favor^[a] of partnering in this ministry to the saints,^(A)

¹⁸ I have been paid in full and have more than enough; I am fully satisfied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God.^(A)

⁵ So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for this bountiful gift that you have promised, so that it may be ready as a bountiful gift and not as an extortion.

¹⁰ Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.^(A)