2 Corinthians 8:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us,

NIV: We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.

NASB: taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift;

CSB: We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering.

NLT: We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.

KJV: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

NKJV: avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—

An unnamed representative of the Macedonian churches, famous for preaching the gospel, will accompany Titus to Corinth to help with the collection of funds for Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:18–19).

Paul wanted to add this representative in part to provide as many witnesses and as much openness as possible for this collection of funds. He wanted to avoid giving anyone a valid reason to question his motives or integrity in handling these donated monies. Perhaps another accusation that some had used against Paul was that he was planning to take some of the donations for himself. That's why he wanted as many representatives as possible from the donating churches to join the delegation.

Second Corinthians 8:16–24 describes the three men who will be coming to Corinth. After delivering this letter, they will help collect the Corinthian's contribution to the needs of suffering Christians in Jerusalem. The Corinthians know Titus, who recently returned from Corinth, and that he cares for the Corinthians as deeply as Paul himself. Titus will be accompanied by two delegates from other churches to prove that everything is done honestly and with transparency. These men will then report back to their churches how the Corinthians participated in the collection.

The Corinthians had previously agreed to contribute to a collection. This was for suffering Christians in Jerusalem. Paul raises the issue with them, pointing to the example of the poverty-stricken Macedonian churches who had given beyond their means of their own free will. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their commitment by their own choice. Titus and two representatives of other churches are coming to Corinth to oversee the collection so it is done with integrity. Paul urges the Corinthians to prove their love by following through on their commitment to give.

Second Corinthians 8 follows Paul's expression of comfort and rejoicing at what he learned from Titus. That news explained the Corinthians' repentance in response to Paul's letter of rebuke. Next Paul urges them to follow through on a commitment to contribute to a collection for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. He points to the example of the generous gifts of the poverty-stricken Macedonian churches and asks the Corinthians to prove that their own Christlike love for others is genuine by excelling in this, as well. Titus and two delegates from other churches will come to Corinth to oversee the collection. In chapter 9, Paul will continue to discuss this ministry opportunity.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 10/18/2024 12:36:05 AM