2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5

Christian Standard Bible

Administration of the Collection

¹⁶ Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For he welcomed our appeal and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice. ¹⁸ We have sent with him the brother^(A) who is praised among all the churches for his gospel ministry.^{[a] 19} And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us with this gracious gift that we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. ²⁰ We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering. ²¹ Indeed, we are giving careful thought^(B) to do what is right,^(C) not only before the Lord but also before people. ²² We have also sent with them our brother. We have often tested him in many circumstances and found him to be diligent—and now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner^(D) and coworker^(E) for you; as for our brothers, they are the messengers^(F) of the churches, the glory of Christ.^{(G) 24} Therefore, show them proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting^(H) about you.

Motivations for Giving

9 Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. ² For I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians,^(I) “Achaia^(J) has been ready since last year,” and your zeal^(K) has stirred up most of them.^{(L) 3} But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter would not prove empty, and so that you would be ready just as I said. ⁴ Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be put to shame in that situation.^{[b] 5} Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift^(M) you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.^(N)