2 Corinthians 8:16 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.

NIV: Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you.

NASB: But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness in your behalf in the heart of Titus.

CSB: Thanks be to God, who put the same concern for you into the heart of Titus.

NLT: But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have.

KJV: But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

NKJV: But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

After urging the Corinthians to follow through on their commitment to contribute to a collection for the Christians in Jerusalem, Paul turns to describing those coming to help arrange it. He begins with Titus, who has just recently returned from Corinth. The Corinthians know and, apparently, appreciate Titus. Paul ensures them again that the feeling is mutual. In fact, Paul thanks God for putting into Titus' heart the same deep concern for them that he himself has for them. In other words, Paul is saying that Titus is coming to help with the collection out of a genuine sense of care for the Corinthians and not as a glorified errand boy.

It's a fascinating idea, though, that God would put earnest concern for a specific group of people into someone's heart. Titus' feelings for the Corinthians was more than natural, Paul insisted. It was given by God, meaning God was responsible for sending Titus to see them again so soon. Christian missionaries and ministers often express feeling like God has put love for a specific people group on their hearts, as well.

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 5/6/2024 1:59:24 AM