¹⁶ But thanks be to God who puts the same genuine concern for you in the heart of Titus. ¹⁷ For Titus not only accepted our appeal, but was so very interested in you that he has gone to visit you of his own accord. ¹⁸ And we have sent along with him the ^[a]brother who is praised in the gospel [ministry] throughout all the churches; ¹⁹ and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this gracious offering which we are administering for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our eagerness [as believers to help one another]. ²⁰ We are taking precaution so that no one will [find anything with which to] discredit us in our administration of this generous gift. ²¹ For we have regard for what is honorable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. ²² We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found to be diligent in many things, but who is now even more diligent [than ever] because of his great confidence in you. ²³ As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker in your service; and as for the [other two] brothers, they are [special] ^[b]messengers of the churches, a glory and credit to Christ. ²⁴ Therefore, show these men, in the sight of the churches, the proof of your love and our reason for being proud of you.