16 But (A)thanks be to God who (B)puts the same earnestness in your behalf in the heart of (C)Titus. 17 For he not only accepted our (D)appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. 18 We have sent along with him (E)the brother whose fame in the things of the (F)gospel has spread through (G)all the churches; 19 (H)and not only that, but he has also been (I)appointed by the churches to travel with us in (J)this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our (K)readiness, 20 [a]taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; 21 for we (L)have regard for what is honorable, not only in (M)the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of other people. 22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for (N)Titus, he is my (O)partner and fellow worker [b]among you; as for our (P)brothers, they are [c](Q)messengers of the churches, (R)a glory to Christ. 24 Therefore, [d]openly before the churches, [e]show them the proof of your love and of our (S)reason for boasting about you.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:20 Lit avoiding this
  2. 2 Corinthians 8:23 Lit for you
  3. 2 Corinthians 8:23 Lit apostles
  4. 2 Corinthians 8:24 Lit in the face of the churches
  5. 2 Corinthians 8:24 Or show the proof...for boasting about you to them

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