2 Corinthians 8:16

¶ But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

But {G1161} thanks {G5485} be to God {G2316}, which {G3588} put {G1325} the same {G846} earnest care {G4710} into {G1722} the heart {G2588} of Titus {G5103} for {G5228} you {G5216}.

Now I thank God for making Titus as devoted to you as we are;

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.

But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

Context

This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:16, is part of Paul's extensive discussion in chapters 8 and 9 concerning a special collection being gathered from the Gentile churches for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem. Paul uses the example of the Macedonian churches' generosity (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) to encourage the Corinthians to complete their own promised contribution. Here, Paul commends Titus, a trusted co-worker, who was instrumental in facilitating this collection and in fostering reconciliation between Paul and the Corinthian church. Paul expresses profound gratitude to God for inspiring Titus's genuine concern for the Corinthians.

Key Themes

  • Divine Inspiration of Service: The verse emphasizes that God is the ultimate source of genuine care and zeal in ministry. It was God "which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus," indicating that true Christian service is divinely enabled, not merely human effort. This highlights God's active involvement in motivating His servants for His purposes, aligning with the idea of God working in the hearts of believers.
  • Paul's Gratitude: Paul consistently expresses thanks to God for His work through others. His opening phrase, "But thanks be to God," reflects his habitual recognition of divine agency in all good things, a theme often seen in his epistles, such as his exhortation in Colossians 3:17.
  • Titus's Earnestness: Titus is presented as a faithful and diligent minister. His "earnest care" for the Corinthians was not superficial but a deep, divinely implanted concern for their spiritual well-being and their participation in the collection for the saints. Titus had previously served the Corinthians by bringing Paul comfort (2 Corinthians 7:6) and now returned with renewed zeal.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "earnest care" translates the Greek word spoudē (σπουδή), which signifies diligence, zeal, eagerness, or earnestness. It implies a swift, intense, and committed effort. This isn't just a casual concern but a fervent, active desire to see something accomplished, reflecting Titus's deep commitment to the Corinthians and the mission of the collection.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • Recognizing God's Hand: It encourages us to see God's work in the hearts and actions of others who serve. When we witness genuine passion and diligence in ministry, we should give thanks to God, acknowledging that He is the one who inspires such commitment.
  • Embracing Zeal: The example of Titus reminds us of the importance of having "earnest care" in our own service and relationships. A heart truly moved by God will demonstrate zeal and diligence in fulfilling Christian duties and showing love to others.
  • God Uses Willing Hearts: God sovereignly places desires and burdens on the hearts of His people to accomplish His will. If you feel a strong, godly inclination towards a particular service or concern for others, recognize that it may be God himself working within you, just as He did in Titus. This should encourage us to respond faithfully to such divine promptings, whether it's for cheerful giving or any other act of service.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 17:17

    For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

  • 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.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:14

    Now thanks [be] unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.

  • Philippians 2:20

    For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

  • Ezra 7:27

    ¶ Blessed [be] the LORD God of our fathers, which hath put [such a thing] as this in the king's heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which [is] in Jerusalem:

  • 2 Corinthians 7:12

    ¶ Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, [I did it] not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.

  • Jeremiah 32:40

    And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.

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