2 Corinthians 8:20

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Avoiding {G4724} this {G5124}, that no {G3361} man {G5100} should blame {G3469} us {G2248} in {G1722} this {G5026} abundance {G100} which {G3588} is administered {G1247} by {G5259} us {G2257}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Our aim in this is to show that our conduct in dealing with these substantial sums is above reproach;

Berean Standard Bible

We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.

American Standard Version

avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8:20, articulates a foundational principle of financial stewardship within ministry, emphasizing the critical importance of proactive transparency and blameless conduct. He underscores his meticulous care in handling the generous contributions collected for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, aiming to prevent any potential accusation or suspicion of impropriety. This verse highlights Paul's commitment not only to being honest but also to ensuring that his administration of funds was perceived as unimpeachable, thereby safeguarding the integrity of the Gospel and the apostolic ministry itself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive and passionate appeal to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, a significant undertaking to provide financial relief to the economically struggling Jewish Christians. Chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians form a cohesive unit dedicated to this topic, outlining the theological motivations, practical arrangements, and ethical considerations for the offering. Paul has just introduced Titus and another unnamed brother (likely Luke or another trusted companion) as co-administrators of the collection in [2 Corinthians 8:16-19](/2_corinthians/8-16-19 "2 Corinthians 8:16-19 - Paul's Commendation of Titus and the Brother"). Verse 20, therefore, serves as a direct explanation for the necessity of sending multiple, highly regarded individuals to oversee the funds, explicitly stating the preventative measure against blame. It follows Paul's commendation of the Macedonian churches' exemplary generosity ([2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches")) and precedes further instructions on the collection's administration.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of collecting funds for needy believers, particularly for the Jerusalem church, was a significant aspect of early Christian solidarity. Jerusalem, as the birthplace of the church, faced unique challenges, including potential famine, persecution, and economic hardship, as referenced in [Acts 11:27-30](/acts/11-27-30 "Acts 11:27-30 - Famine Relief for Judea"). Paul's collection from the Gentile churches was not merely an act of charity but a powerful demonstration of the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, solidifying the theological truth that all are one in Christ. In the Greco-Roman world, financial transparency was often lacking, and accusations of misappropriation were common, especially concerning public funds or charitable contributions. For a nascent movement like Christianity, maintaining an impeccable reputation was crucial for its growth and acceptance. Paul's proactive measures reflect an acute awareness of these cultural realities and the potential for scandal to undermine the Gospel's credibility.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 8](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8 - The Collection for the Saints") and [2 Corinthians 9](/2_corinthians/9 "2 Corinthians 9 - Further Exhortation for the Collection") collectively develop several key themes. **Grace and Generosity** are paramount, with Paul framing giving as a response to God's grace, exemplified by Christ's self-giving ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). **Equality and Reciprocity** are also emphasized, suggesting that those who have abundance should share with those in need, creating a balance within the body of Christ ([2 Corinthians 8:13-15](/2_corinthians/8-13-15 "2 Corinthians 8:13-15 - Equality in Giving")). However, [2 Corinthians 8:20](/2_corinthians/8-20 "2 Corinthians 8:20 - Paul's Prudence in Handling Funds") specifically highlights the theme of **Integrity and Accountability in Stewardship**. Paul's concern for avoiding blame underscores the importance of not only acting with integrity but also ensuring that one's actions are perceived as such. This theme is vital for anyone involved in handling communal resources, particularly in ministry, where the reputation of the Gospel is inextricably linked to the conduct of its representatives. It anticipates later instructions on the qualifications of church leaders, who must be [above reproach](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers") and [not greedy for dishonest gain](/titus/1-7 "Titus 1:7 - Qualifications for Elders").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Avoiding (Greek, _stéllō'_):** From G4724, this word means "to set fast," "to repress," or "to withdraw oneself." In this context, it signifies a deliberate, proactive effort to keep clear of, or prevent, something negative. Paul is not merely hoping to avoid blame; he is actively taking steps to distance himself and the ministry from any potential accusation of impropriety. It conveys a sense of prudent foresight and careful management.
* **Blame (Greek, _mōmáomai'_):** From G3469, meaning "to carp at," "to censure," or "to discredit." This word implies a critical judgment or accusation that could tarnish one's reputation. Paul's concern is specifically about preventing legitimate grounds for criticism or suspicion regarding the handling of funds, which could lead to public disgrace for the ministry.
* **Abundance (Greek, _hadrótēs'_):** From G100, meaning "plumpness," and figuratively, "liberality." This term refers to the generous and substantial financial collection being gathered. It emphasizes the significant amount of money involved, which naturally necessitated greater care and transparency to avoid any perception of mishandling. The "abundance" highlights the scale of the trust placed in Paul and his team.
* **Administered (Greek, _diakonéō'_):** From G1247, meaning "to be an attendant," "to wait upon," or "to minister." This word describes the act of managing or distributing the funds. It implies a service-oriented approach to handling the collection, emphasizing that it is a ministry rather than a personal endeavor. The passive voice ("which is administered by us") highlights that the collection is a communal effort, overseen by Paul and his chosen delegates.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Avoiding this,"**: Paul begins by stating his active and intentional strategy. The "this" refers to the potential for blame or suspicion that could arise from handling a large sum of money. It signals a preventative measure, a deliberate choice to operate with utmost caution and foresight.
* **"that no man should blame us"**: This clause reveals the specific negative outcome Paul seeks to avert. His concern is not merely about personal integrity, but about protecting the reputation of the Gospel and the apostolic ministry. Any accusation of financial impropriety would discredit their spiritual message and hinder the work of God. The phrase "no man" indicates a desire to be above reproach in the eyes of everyone, both within and outside the church.
* **"in this abundance"**: This specifies the context of the potential blame. The "abundance" refers to the substantial financial collection being gathered for the saints. The large sum of money naturally presented a greater temptation for mishandling or a greater opportunity for suspicion, thus necessitating heightened transparency and accountability measures.
* **"which is administered by us:"**: This final clause identifies those responsible for handling the funds—Paul and his chosen associates. It underscores that the administration of the collection is a direct act of ministry, and therefore, their conduct in this practical matter directly reflects on their spiritual authority and the message they proclaim. The passive construction emphasizes that the funds are being managed on behalf of others, not for personal gain.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Prudence** as a guiding principle in his rhetoric, demonstrating a keen awareness of human nature and the potential for suspicion. His actions are not merely reactive but proactively designed to preempt any legitimate cause for criticism. This reflects a deep commitment to **Ethical Instruction**, setting a high standard for financial integrity within the burgeoning Christian community. The verse also functions as a form of **Apologia** (defense), where Paul justifies his decision to send multiple representatives, thereby reinforcing his blameless character and the purity of his motives. The careful phrasing highlights a **Rhetorical Question** implicitly asked and answered: "How can we ensure no one blames us?" The answer is through meticulous, transparent administration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to broader theological themes of stewardship, integrity, and the witness of the church. Paul's actions demonstrate that Christian ministry, while spiritual in nature, must also operate with the highest ethical standards in practical matters, especially finance. The handling of God's resources is a sacred trust, and transparency is not merely good practice but a theological imperative. To avoid blame is to protect the name of Christ and the credibility of the Gospel message. This principle extends beyond financial matters to all areas of Christian life, urging believers to live in such a way that no legitimate accusation can be brought against them, thereby adorning the doctrine of God.

* [Romans 14:16](/romans/14-16 "Romans 14:16 - Do not let what you consider good be spoken of as evil")
* [1 Timothy 3:2](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers")
* [Titus 2:10](/titus/2-10 "Titus 2:10 - Adorning the Doctrine of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's foresight in 2 Corinthians 8:20 offers a timeless model for integrity and accountability, particularly for those entrusted with resources, whether in ministry, business, or personal life. It challenges us to move beyond mere honesty to proactive transparency, recognizing that our actions, especially in financial matters, deeply impact our witness and the reputation of the Gospel. In an age where trust is often eroded and scandals frequently mar organizations, Paul's example calls us to implement robust systems of accountability, involving multiple trustworthy individuals, clear documentation, and open communication. This isn't about a lack of trust in others, but a commitment to protecting everyone involved and, most importantly, honoring God. Our aim should always be to live and operate in such a way that even those outside the faith find no legitimate cause for criticism, ensuring that the glory goes to God alone and not to human efforts or perceived virtue. This diligent approach safeguards the mission, builds confidence, and ensures that the message of Christ remains unimpeded by worldly suspicions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I handling resources (financial or otherwise) where greater transparency might be beneficial?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure that my actions are not only honest but also perceived as blameless by others?**
* **How does my commitment to financial integrity reflect on the broader reputation of Christ and His church in my community?**
* **Are there any areas where I might be prioritizing convenience over meticulous accountability, and what changes should I make?**

### FAQ

**Why was Paul so concerned about avoiding blame in handling money?**

Answer: Paul's concern stemmed from several critical factors. First, he understood that financial integrity was paramount for the credibility of the Gospel message. Any accusation of mishandling funds could severely damage the reputation of the apostles and the nascent Christian movement, leading to the name of God being [blasphemed among the Gentiles](/romans/2-24 "Romans 2:24 - The Name of God Blasphemed"). Second, he wanted to protect the unity of the church, ensuring that the collection, intended to foster solidarity between Jewish and Gentile believers, would not become a source of division or suspicion. Third, Paul aimed to set a high standard for future Christian leaders and ministries, demonstrating what it means to be [above reproach](/1_timothy/3-2 "1 Timothy 3:2 - Qualifications for Overseers") in all matters, especially those involving public trust. His actions were a proactive measure to safeguard the spiritual mission from worldly accusations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's meticulous concern for blamelessness in financial stewardship ultimately points to the perfect integrity of Christ Himself. While Paul strives to avoid blame, Jesus is inherently blameless, the [Lamb without blemish or spot](/1_peter/1-19 "1 Peter 1:19 - Christ, the Lamb without Blemish"). His life and ministry were characterized by absolute transparency and purity, even when accused falsely by His adversaries. Christ perfectly administered the ultimate "abundance"—the grace and truth of God—not for personal gain, but for the salvation of humanity, freely giving His life as a [ransom for many](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve"). Paul's actions, therefore, serve as an earthly reflection of the heavenly reality of Christ's perfect stewardship of the Father's will and resources. As believers, we are called to imitate Christ's blamelessness ([Philippians 2:15](/philippians/2-15 "Philippians 2:15 - Blameless Children of God")) and to administer all that God entrusts to us with the same integrity and transparency, ensuring that our lives, like Paul's, bring glory to God and commend the Gospel to a watching world, ultimately pointing to the One who was perfectly [pure and undefiled](/hebrews/7-26 "Hebrews 7:26 - Christ, a Holy and Blameless High Priest").

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

Ephesians 5:15

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

1 Thessalonians 5:22

Abstain from all appearance of evil.

2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.

Matthew 10:16

¶ Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

1 Corinthians 16:3

And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

Romans 14:16

Let not then your good be evil spoken of: