2 Corinthians 12:18

KJV

I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?

KJV (with Strong's)

I desired {G3870} Titus {G5103}, and {G2532} with him I sent {G4882} a brother {G80}. Did {G4122}{G3387} Titus {G5103} make a gain {G4122} of you {G5209}? walked we {G4043} not {G3756} in the same {G846} spirit {G4151}? walked we not {G3756} in the same {G846} steps {G2487}?

Complete Jewish Bible

that I took advantage of you? I urged Titus to go and sent the brother with him; Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? Didn’t we live by the same Spirit and show you the same path?

Berean Standard Bible

I urged Titus to visit you, and I sent our brother with him. Did Titus exploit you in any way? Did we not walk in the same Spirit and follow in the same footsteps?

American Standard Version

I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 12:18, the Apostle Paul continues his fervent defense against accusations of financial exploitation and inconsistency, specifically addressing the integrity of his co-worker Titus and the unnamed brother sent with him. Through a series of rhetorical questions, Paul affirms his consistent practice of selfless ministry, emphasizing the unified spirit and blameless conduct shared by himself and his associates, thereby challenging the Corinthian believers to recognize the purity of their motives and actions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and deeply personal defense of his apostolic authority and ministry in 2 Corinthians, particularly from chapters 10-13. He is responding to "super-apostles" and other detractors who sought to undermine his credibility, often by questioning his financial practices and personal character. Chapter 12 specifically highlights Paul's "boasting" in his weaknesses and divine revelations, contrasting his humility with the self-exaltation of his opponents. Verse 18 serves as a direct rebuttal to potential or actual accusations that Paul, or his emissaries, had financially exploited the Corinthians. It immediately follows Paul's declaration that he did not burden them financially and his intention to visit them again without being a burden (2 Corinthians 12:13-17), reinforcing his consistent pattern of selfless service.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Corinth was a major Roman port city, a hub of commerce, and a melting pot of cultures and religions. It was known for its wealth, but also for its moral laxity and internal divisions, even within the church. Traveling rhetoricians, philosophers, and religious teachers were common, many of whom charged fees for their services, often exploiting their audiences for personal gain. Paul's refusal to accept financial support from the Corinthians, unlike these "super-apostles" (see [2 Corinthians 11:5](/2_corinthians/11-5 "Paul's Defense Against Super-Apostles")), was counter-cultural and a point of contention. His sending of Titus was crucial, as Titus was tasked not only with facilitating the collection for Jerusalem (see [2 Corinthians 8:6](/2_corinthians/8-6 "Titus's Ministry in Corinth")) but also with assessing the church's spiritual condition and addressing disciplinary matters. The accusations against Paul and Titus likely stemmed from the cultural expectation of teachers receiving payment, twisted by Paul's opponents to imply that his refusal was a deceptive ploy to mask hidden financial impropriety.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Corinthians. Firstly, **Apostolic Integrity and Transparency** is paramount, as Paul vehemently defends his and his co-workers' financial honesty and blameless conduct. He challenges the Corinthians to confirm that neither he nor Titus exploited them, directly addressing a common charge against traveling teachers. Secondly, **Unity in Ministry and Purpose** is highlighted by the rhetorical questions, "Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?" These questions underscore the consistent conduct and shared spiritual alignment between Paul and his fellow ministers. They operated with one mind and purpose, driven by the Holy Spirit, demonstrating a unified approach to ministry, a theme Paul often stresses, such as in [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Paul's Call for Unity in Philippians 2:2"). Finally, the verse exemplifies **Refutation of False Accusations**, serving as a direct rebuttal to the slanders and suspicions sown by those who sought to undermine Paul's authority and discredit his gospel message, showcasing Paul's commitment to defending the truth of his ministry for the sake of the gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desired (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** From G3870, meaning "to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation):--beseech, call for, (be of good) comfort, desire, (give) exhort(-ation), intreat, pray." Paul's "desire" for Titus to go to Corinth was not a casual wish but an earnest request or even an exhortation, indicating the importance and urgency of Titus's mission. This word implies a deep concern for the Corinthians' well-being and a strategic move in his pastoral care.
* **make a gain (Greek, _pleonektéō'_):** From G4122, meaning "to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach:--get an advantage, defraud, make a gain." This strong term directly addresses the accusation of financial impropriety. Paul uses it to assert that neither he nor Titus engaged in such covetous behavior, emphasizing their commitment to selfless service rather than personal enrichment.
* **spirit (Greek, _pneûma'_):** From G4151, meaning "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e. (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital principle, mental disposition, etc., or (superhuman) an angel, demon, or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit:--ghost, life, spirit(-ual, -ually), mind." In this context, "spirit" refers to their shared spiritual guidance and motivation, implying a common divine leading and a pure, unselfish motive behind their actions, indicative of the Holy Spirit's influence.
* **steps (Greek, _íchnos'_):** From G2487, meaning "a track (figuratively):--step." This word signifies a consistent pattern of conduct, a blameless example, and a unified method of ministry. Paul and Titus followed the same path of integrity and selfless service, leaving a clear "track" for others to observe and follow.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I desired Titus, and with [him] I sent a brother."**: Paul recounts his initiative in sending Titus to Corinth, highlighting that this was a deliberate act of pastoral care. The inclusion of "a brother" (likely a trusted companion like Luke or another delegate) further demonstrates Paul's commitment to transparency and accountability, as multiple witnesses were often used for financial matters (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:18-21](/2_corinthians/8-18-21 "Paul's prudence in sending companions with the collection")).
* **"Did Titus make a gain of you?"**: This is the first of three rhetorical questions, directly challenging the Corinthians to confirm Titus's financial integrity. Paul implicitly asserts that Titus did not exploit them, forcing the Corinthians to acknowledge the truth of Titus's blameless conduct, thereby refuting any slanders.
* **"walked we not in the same spirit?"**: The second rhetorical question extends the defense to include Paul himself ("we"). It refers to their shared spiritual guidance and motivation. Paul is asking if their underlying disposition, their very "mind" or "spirit," was not unified and pure, implying that they were both led by the Holy Spirit and acted with unselfish motives.
* **"[walked we] not in the same steps?"**: The final rhetorical question reinforces the previous one, focusing on their consistent pattern of conduct. "Steps" refers to their actions, their lifestyle, and their method of ministry. Paul is asking if their outward behavior and practical approach to ministry were not identical in their integrity and refusal to exploit the Corinthians, leaving no room for accusation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Rhetorical Questions** throughout this verse to engage the Corinthians directly and to force their acknowledgment of the truth. By posing questions like "Did Titus make a gain of you?" and "walked we not in the same spirit? [walked we] not in the same steps?", Paul does not seek information but rather compels the Corinthians to affirm what he knows to be true: that he and his associates acted with integrity. This technique serves as a powerful **Apologia** (defense), allowing Paul to refute accusations without explicitly stating them as facts, thereby avoiding giving them more credence. Furthermore, the verse exhibits **Parallelism** in the repetition of the phrase "walked we not in the same..." followed by "spirit" and "steps." This structural device emphasizes the consistency and unity of their internal motivation ("spirit") and external conduct ("steps"), creating a strong, undeniable argument for their blamelessness. The implicit **Contrast** between Paul's and Titus's selfless ministry and the covetous practices of the "super-apostles" also undergirds the entire passage, highlighting the genuine nature of Paul's gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse underscores the profound theological principle that true ministry is characterized by selfless service and unwavering integrity, particularly in financial matters. Paul's defense of Titus and himself is not merely about personal reputation but about safeguarding the purity of the gospel message itself. If ministers are perceived as exploitative, the message they proclaim is undermined. The unity in "spirit" and "steps" between Paul and his co-workers reflects the unity of the Holy Spirit's work in diverse individuals for a common, God-honoring purpose. This consistency in character and conduct is a powerful witness to the truth of their divine calling and the authenticity of their relationship with Christ.

* [1 Thessalonians 2:5-6](/1_thessalonians/2-5-6 "Paul's Blameless Conduct in Ministry")
* [Philippians 4:11-12](/philippians/4-11-12 "Paul's Contentment and Self-Sufficiency")
* [Acts 20:33-35](/acts/20-33-35 "Paul's Farewell Address on Selfless Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's robust defense in 2 Corinthians 12:18 offers timeless principles for both leaders and congregants in the church today. For those in leadership, it serves as a powerful reminder of the paramount importance of financial integrity and transparency. Ministry should never be a means to personal gain, but a selfless outpouring for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Leaders are called to live above reproach, ensuring their conduct, especially concerning finances, is unimpeachable and consistent with the gospel they proclaim. For all believers, this passage encourages discernment and a healthy skepticism towards those who might exploit others in the name of ministry. It also calls us to unity in purpose and conduct within the body of Christ. Just as Paul and Titus walked in the "same spirit" and "same steps," believers are to pursue a common vision for the Kingdom, marked by consistent, Christ-like character and mutual support, rather than suspicion or division. Our collective witness is strengthened when our lives align with the truth we profess.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might financial integrity be challenged in ministry or Christian service today, and how can leaders proactively ensure transparency?**
* **How does the "same spirit" and "same steps" principle apply to unity and collaboration within your local church or Christian community?**
* **When faced with false accusations or misunderstandings, what can we learn from Paul's approach to defending truth while maintaining pastoral care?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so concerned about financial gain, and what does "make a gain of you" imply?**

Answer: Paul was deeply concerned about financial gain because it was a common accusation leveled against traveling teachers and philosophers in the ancient world, many of whom were indeed charlatans seeking personal enrichment. The phrase "make a gain of you" translates the Greek word *pleonektéō* (G4122), which means "to overreach," "to take advantage of," or "to exploit." Paul consistently refused to be a financial burden to the Corinthian church (see [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "Paul's Refusal of Financial Support from Corinthians")), often working with his own hands to support himself. This was a deliberate strategy to distinguish his genuine apostolic ministry from that of the "super-apostles" who sought to exploit the Corinthians. His concern was not just for his own reputation, but for the integrity of the gospel message itself, which could be undermined if he or his associates were perceived as greedy.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's unwavering commitment to financial integrity and selfless service, exemplified in his defense of Titus and himself, finds its ultimate fulfillment and pattern in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as Paul refused to "make a gain" of the Corinthians, Christ, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Self-Impoverishment")). Jesus consistently ministered without seeking personal profit or worldly advantage, laying down His life not for gain, but for the redemption of humanity ([Philippians 2:6-8](/philippians/2-6-8 "Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")). The "same spirit" and "same steps" that characterized Paul's and Titus's ministry are empowered by the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and conforms them to the image of Christ. This Spirit enables believers to walk in Christ's "steps" of humility, service, and self-sacrifice ([1 Peter 2:21](/1_peter/2-21 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). Therefore, Paul's defense is not merely about his own blamelessness, but points to the perfect, selfless ministry of Christ, which serves as the model for all who follow Him and are empowered by His Spirit to live lives of integrity and genuine service.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:6

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Romans 4:12

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which [he had] being [yet] uncircumcised.

2 Corinthians 7:2

Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.

Nehemiah 5:14

¶ Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, [that is], twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

2 Corinthians 2:12

¶ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

2 Corinthians 2:13

I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.

1 Samuel 12:3

Behold, here I [am]: witness against me before the LORD, and before his anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I received [any] bribe to blind mine eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.