TRV
Translation
King James Version
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
Complete Jewish Bible
And with him we are sending the brother whose work for the Good News is praised in all the congregations;
Berean Standard Bible
Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel.
American Standard Version
And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches;
World English Bible Messianic
We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known through all the assemblies.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And wee haue sent also with him the brother, whose praise is in the Gospel throughout al the Churches.
Young's Literal Translation
and we sent with him the brother, whose praise in the good news is through all the assemblies,
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In the KJVVerse 28,951 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8 verses 16–24
16 ¶ But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
In these verses the apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them to collect their charity; and as it were, gives them letters credential, that, if they were enquired after (Co2 8:23), if any should be inquisitive or suspicious concerning them, it might be known who they were and how safely they might be trusted.
I. He commends Titus, 1. For his earnest care and great concern of heart for them, and desire in all things to promote their welfare. This is mentioned with thankfulness to God (Co2 8:16), and it is cause of thankfulness if God hath put it into the hearts of any to do us or others any good. 2. For his readiness to this present service. He accepted the office, and was forward to go upon this good errand, Co2 8:17. Asking charity for the relief of others is by many looked upon as a thankless office; yet it is a good office, and what we should not be shy of when we are called to it.
II. He commends another brother, who was sent with Titus. It is generally thought that this was Luke. He is commended, 1. As a man whose praise was in the gospel through all the churches, Co2 8:18. His ministerial services of several kinds were well known, and he had approved himself praiseworthy in what he had done. 2. As one chosen of the churches (Co2 8:19) and joined with the apostle in his ministration. This was done, it is most likely, at the motion and request of Paul himself; for this reason, that no man might blame him in that abundance which was administered by him (Co2 8:20), so cautious was the apostle to avoid all occasions that evil-minded men might lay hold on to blacken him. He would not give occasion to any to accuse him of injustice or partiality in this affair, and thought it to be his duty, as it is the duty of all Christians, to provide for things honest, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men; that is, to act so prudently as to prevent, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions concerning us, and all occasions of scandalous imputations. Note, We live in a censorious world, and should cut off occasion from those who seek occasion to speak reproachfully. It is the crime of others if they reproach or censure us without occasion; and it is our imprudence at least if we give them any occasion, when there may not be a just cause for them so to do.
III. He commends also another brother who was joined with the two former in this affair. This brother is thought to be Apollos. Whoever he was, he had approved himself diligent in many things; and therefore was fit to be employed in this affair. Moreover, he had great desire to this work, because of the confidence or good opinion he had of the Corinthians (Co2 8:22), and it is a great comfort to see those employed in good works who have formerly approved themselves diligent.
IV. He concludes this point with a general good character of them all (Co2 8:23), as fellow-labourers with him for their welfare; as the messengers of the churches; as the glory of Christ, who were to him for a name and a praise, who brought glory to Christ as instruments and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful and employed in his service. Wherefore, upon the whole, he exhorts them to show their liberality, answerable to the great expectation others had concerning them at this time, that these messengers of the churches, and the churches themselves, might see a full proof of their love to God and to their afflicted brethren, and that it was with good reason the apostle had even boasted on their behalf, Co2 8:24. Note, The good opinion others entertain of us should be an argument with us to do well.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 16–24. Public domain.
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Ignatius of AntiochAD 108
Epistle of Ignatius to the Ephesians
It is good to teach, if he who speaks also acts. For he who shall both "do and teach, the same shall be great in the kingdom." Our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, first did and then taught, as Luke testifies, "whose praise is in the Gospel through all the Churches."
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 18 on 2 Corinthians
And who is this brother? Some indeed say, Luke, because of the history which he wrote, but some, Barnabas; for he calls the unwritten preaching also Gospel. And for what cause does he not mention their names; whilst he both makes Titus known by name, and praises him for his cooperation in the Gospel, (seeing that he was so useful that by reason of his absence even Paul could do nothing great and noble; for, "because I found not Titus my brother, I had no relief for my spirit,") and for his love towards them, (for, saith he, "his inward affection is more abundant towards you;") and for his zeal in this matter ("for," he saith, "of his own accord he went")? But these he neither equally commends, nor mentions by name? What then is one to say? Perhaps they did not know them; wherefore he does not dwell upon their praises because as yet they had had no experience of them, but only says so much as was sufficient for their commendation unto them (i.e. the Corinthians,) and to their escaping all evil suspicion. However, let us see on what score he eulogizes this man himself also. On what score then does he eulogize? First, praising him from his preaching; that he not only preached, but also as he ought, and with the befitting earnestness. For he said not, 'he preaches and proclaims the Gospel,' but, "whose praise is in the Gospel." And that he may not seem to flatter him, he brings not one or two or three men, but whole Churches to testify to him, saying, "through all the churches."
PelagiusAD 418
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 8
This is to be understood of Luke, who was highly honored because he had written a Gospel, not to mention the Acts of the Apostles as well.
Theodoret of CyrusAD 458
COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 331
These words refer to Barnabas.
OecumeniusAD 990
Pauline Commentary from the Greek Church
This may refer to Luke.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In , the Apostle Paul introduces an unnamed but highly esteemed co-worker whom he has dispatched alongside Titus to Corinth. This individual's sterling reputation and effective ministry "in the gospel" were widely acknowledged and celebrated across the early Christian communities, underscoring Paul's commitment to absolute transparency and unimpeachable integrity in the handling of the significant financial collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey significant meaning. The most prominent is Euphemism or Anonymity, as Paul deliberately chooses not to name the brother, referring to him simply as "the brother." This choice likely serves multiple purposes: to prevent undue focus on the individual, to protect him from potential dangers associated with handling large sums, or simply because his reputation was so well-known that a name was unnecessary for the Corinthian audience. There is also an element of Metonymy in the phrase "whose praise is in the gospel," where "the gospel" stands in for the work of gospel ministry and the community that recognizes it. His praise is not merely about the gospel, but within the context and sphere of gospel proclamation and its impact. Furthermore, the phrase "throughout all the churches" uses Hyperbole to emphasize the widespread and undeniable nature of his commendation, suggesting a reputation that transcended local boundaries and was universally recognized among believers. This strong affirmation serves as a powerful endorsement of his character and suitability for the task.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the theological importance of character and reputation in Christian ministry, particularly when entrusted with significant responsibilities like financial stewardship. Paul's insistence on sending individuals whose integrity is "in the gospel" and known "throughout all the churches" underscores that effective ministry is not merely about skill or charisma, but fundamentally about a life that consistently honors Christ and His message. It highlights the communal nature of the church, where the recognition of gifts and faithfulness transcends local congregations, fostering unity and mutual trust. The integrity of the messenger directly impacts the credibility of the message, making this brother's commendation a theological endorsement of his fitness for service and a model for all who serve in God's kingdom.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The example of this unnamed brother in 2 Corinthians 8:18 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our lives, particularly those of us in leadership or entrusted with resources, are living testimonies to the gospel. The "praise" this brother received was not for himself, but "in the gospel," meaning his character and actions brought honor to Christ's message. This calls us to a high standard of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all areas of our lives, especially in financial matters within the church. Our reputation, built on consistent faithfulness, is a powerful tool for ministry, opening doors for greater trust and impact. As we seek to serve, let us aspire to live in such a way that our very presence and actions commend the good news of Jesus Christ to both believers and unbelievers, fostering unity and trust within the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who is "the brother" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:18?
Answer: The identity of "the brother" is not explicitly stated in the biblical text, and scholars have proposed several possibilities, including Luke, Silas, or Apollos, based on various lines of evidence (e.g., Luke's association with Paul, his writing ability, or Apollos's eloquence). However, Paul's deliberate choice to leave him unnamed suggests that his specific identity was less important than his universal reputation for integrity and effectiveness in gospel ministry. This anonymity emphasizes that his commendation came from his character and work, not from his personal fame, and also served Paul's purpose of ensuring absolute transparency by sending multiple, highly reputable individuals, rather than relying on one well-known figure.
Why was it so important for Paul to send multiple, highly esteemed individuals for the collection?
Answer: Paul's meticulous approach to sending multiple, highly esteemed individuals like Titus and "the brother" was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensured absolute transparency and accountability in the handling of significant funds, preventing any potential accusations of financial impropriety (2 Corinthians 8:20-21). Secondly, it demonstrated Paul's integrity and commitment to ethical stewardship, protecting his own reputation and that of the gospel itself from slander. Thirdly, it leveraged the trust and credibility that these respected individuals already commanded "throughout all the churches," thereby encouraging greater confidence and participation from the Corinthian believers in the collection. This practice aligns with the ancient principle of having multiple witnesses for important matters, reinforcing the legitimacy of the entire endeavor.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 8:18 speaks of an unnamed brother whose praise was "in the gospel," the ultimate fulfillment of such a commendation is found in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the one whose life, ministry, and very being are the embodiment of the "good news." All true "praise in the gospel" ultimately redounds to Him, for it is by His grace that any believer can live a life worthy of commendation. The brother's reputation for integrity and faithfulness in ministry is a reflection of Christ's character working through him, for it is Christ "in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27) that enables such a testimony. Our good works and commendable lives, like those of this brother, are not for our own glory but are the fruit of God's work in us, "that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Ultimately, the "praise" that truly matters is that which points to the perfect and praiseworthy work of Christ, who began a good work in us and will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).