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.

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Footnotes

  1. 8:18 Lit churches, in the gospel

Titus and His Companions

16 But thanks be to God, who placed in the heart of Titus the same dedication to you that I have. 17 He welcomed my request and eagerly went to visit you by his own free will. 18 With him we have sent the brother who is praised in all the churches for spreading the gospel.[a] 19 More than that, he has also been selected by the churches to travel with us while we are administering this work of kindness[b] for the glory of the Lord and as evidence of our eagerness to help.[c] 20 We are trying to avoid any criticism of the way we are administering this great undertaking. 21 We intend to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of people.

22 We have also sent with them our brother whom we have often tested in many ways and found to be dedicated. At present he is more dedicated than ever because he has so much confidence in you.

23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker on your behalf. Our brothers, emissaries[d] from the churches, are bringing glory to the Messiah.[e] 24 Therefore, demonstrate to the churches that you love them and show them publicly why we boast about you.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:18 Lit. in the gospel
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:19 Or this grace
  3. 2 Corinthians 8:19 The Gk. lacks to help
  4. 2 Corinthians 8:23 Or apostles
  5. 2 Corinthians 8:23 Or Christ