TRV
Translation
King James Version
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Complete Jewish Bible
for we take pains to do what is right not only in the sight of God but also in the sight of other people.
Berean Standard Bible
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
American Standard Version
for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
World English Bible Messianic
Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Prouiding for honest thinges, not onely before the Lord, but also before men.
Young's Literal Translation
providing right things, not only before the Lord, but also before men;
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In the KJVVerse 28,954 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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Polycarp of SmyrnaAD 155
Epistle to the Philippians 6
And let the presbyters be compassionate and merciful to all, bringing back those that wander, visiting all the sick, and not neglecting the widow, the orphan, or the poor, but always "providing for that which is becoming in the sight of God and man;" abstaining from all wrath, respect of persons, and unjust judgment; keeping far off from all covetousness, not quickly crediting [an evil report] against any one, not severe in judgment, as knowing that we are all under a debt of sin. If then we entreat the Lord to forgive us, we ought also ourselves to forgive; for we are before the eyes of our Lord and God, and "we must all appear at the judgment-seat of Christ, and must every one give an account of himself." Let us then serve Him in fear, and with all reverence, even as He Himself has commanded us, and as the apostles who preached the Gospel unto us, and the prophets who proclaimed beforehand the coming of the Lord [have alike taught us]. Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves from causes of offence, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error.
Clement of AlexandriaAD 215
The Instructor Book 3
For it is not enough for the chaste to be pure; but they must give all diligence, to be beyond the range of censure, shutting out all ground of suspicion, in order to the consummation of chastity; so that we may not only be faithful, but appear worthy of trust. For this is also consequently to be guarded against, as the apostle says, "that no man should blame us; providing things honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men."
TertullianAD 220
On the Apparel of Women Book II
(That) we all know; provided, however, we remember what the same (God) has said through the apostle: "Let your probity appear before men." For what purpose, except that malice may have no access at all to you, or that you may be an example and testimony to the evil? Else, what is (that): "Let your works shine? " Why, moreover, does the Lord call us the light of the world; why has He compared us to a city built upon a mountain; if we do not shine in (the midst of) darkness, and stand eminent amid them who are sunk down? If you hide your lamp beneath a bushel, you must necessarily be left quite in darkness, and be run against by many.
AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul is providing goods in the sight of God when he teaches that what God commands concerning the administering of aid to the saints or to the poor ought to be put into practice. But he also provides goods in the sight of others, because he is sending people to urge them to take part in this undertaking. Paul does not want his teaching to incur reproach because of improvident assistants.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily 18 on 2 Corinthians
For "we take thought for things, honorable not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men." What can compare with Paul? For he said not, 'Perdition and woe to him who chooses to suspect anything of the kind: so long as my conscience does not condemn me, I waste not a thought on those who suspect.' Rather, the weaker they were, the more he condescended. For it is meet not to be angry with, but help, him that is sick. And yet from what sin are we so removed as he was from any such suspicion? For not even a demon could have suspected that blessed saint of this unfaithfulness. But still although so far removed from that evil suspicion, he does everything and resorts to every expedient; so as not to leave a shadow even to those who might be desirous in any way of suspecting something wrong; and he avoids not only accusations, but also blame and the slightest censure, even bare suspicion.
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
Paul's exhortation in 2 Corinthians 8:21 serves as a profound principle for Christian conduct, emphasizing the critical importance of integrity and transparency in all matters, particularly financial stewardship. It calls believers to conduct themselves in a manner that is not only pleasing and righteous in the omniscient sight of God but also demonstrably honorable and above reproach in the public view of humanity, thereby safeguarding the reputation of the gospel and the church.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is strategically placed within Paul's extended discourse concerning the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, a significant undertaking for the early church. Paul's primary aim in 2 Corinthians 8 and 2 Corinthians 9 is to encourage the Corinthian believers to complete their promised contribution, following the exemplary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave sacrificially out of their deep poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). To ensure the utmost integrity and to preempt any potential accusations of mishandling funds, Paul reveals his meticulous plan: he is sending Titus, along with two other highly esteemed brothers, to oversee the collection process (2 Corinthians 8:16-20). Verse 21, therefore, functions as the foundational principle for this administrative foresight, underscoring that even the most benevolent acts of charity must be executed with impeccable character and transparency to avoid suspicion and uphold the credibility of the Christian witness.
Historical & Cultural Context: In the Greco-Roman world, reputation and honor were paramount. Accusations of financial impropriety, especially concerning public funds or charitable contributions, could severely damage a person's standing and undermine the credibility of an entire movement. Paul, as an apostle, was acutely aware of the need to protect the integrity of the gospel message from any form of reproach. The collection for Jerusalem was a substantial sum, and its administration required scrupulous care. By ensuring that the funds were handled by multiple, respected individuals and with full transparency, Paul was not only adhering to the highest ethical standards but also proactively addressing potential criticisms from both within and outside the church. This meticulous approach was vital for maintaining trust and preventing any scandal that could discredit the nascent Christian community and its mission.
Key Themes: The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Corinthians and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it champions Integrity and Honesty, asserting that Christian conduct must be morally upright and intrinsically good, not merely outwardly compliant. The phrase "providing for honest things" implies a proactive pursuit of what is noble and honorable, reflecting a character shaped by God. Secondly, it highlights Transparency and Accountability, emphasizing a dual responsibility: to God, who sees all hidden motives (Hebrews 4:13), and to humanity, whose perception influences the reception of the gospel. This dual accountability is crucial for maintaining trust, particularly in matters of stewardship and leadership. Thirdly, the verse speaks to Good Stewardship and Reputation, demonstrating that how resources are managed directly impacts the church's witness. A blameless reputation, built on transparent and honorable conduct, is essential for the effectiveness of Christian ministry, as seen in Paul's instruction to "provide things honest in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:17). This ensures that the light of Christian good works shines brightly, leading others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Parallelism through the repeated phrase "in the sight of," contrasting "the Lord" with "men." This structural repetition serves to highlight the dual accountability of believers, emphasizing that integrity must be comprehensive, extending from the divine realm to the human sphere. The Emphasis created by this parallelism underscores the importance of public witness alongside private devotion. Furthermore, Paul's careful articulation of this principle demonstrates Ethos, as he is establishing his own credibility and that of his associates in handling the collection, thereby building trust with the Corinthian church. The choice of "honest things" (Greek: kala) also carries a nuance of Moral Beauty, suggesting actions that are not just legally correct but inherently noble and attractive, reflecting the character of God.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
2 Corinthians 8:21 encapsulates a profound theological truth about the holistic nature of Christian living: true godliness is not confined to private devotion but must manifest in public conduct. It reflects the biblical emphasis on living a life that honors God in every sphere, acknowledging His omnipresence and omniscience while simultaneously recognizing the impact of our witness on others. This principle is deeply rooted in the understanding that believers are ambassadors for Christ, and their actions directly reflect upon the One they represent. Therefore, integrity, transparency, and accountability are not optional add-ons but essential components of a faith that seeks to glorify God and commend the gospel to a watching world. It underscores that even good intentions must be accompanied by good, transparent practices to avoid reproach and build trust, particularly in matters of shared resources and leadership.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The principle articulated in 2 Corinthians 8:21 carries profound implications for every believer's life, calling us to a standard of integrity that transcends mere legality and embraces moral excellence visible to all. It compels us to examine our conduct in every domain—our finances, our professional dealings, our interactions within the church, and our personal relationships. Are we proactively planning for "honest things," ensuring that our actions are not only right in God's eyes but also demonstrably honorable in the eyes of others? This verse challenges us to cultivate a consistent witness, where our private convictions align seamlessly with our public behavior. It reminds us that our reputation, built on transparent and blameless conduct, is a powerful tool for commending the gospel and avoiding any cause for criticism or stumbling. In an age where trust is often eroded, living out this verse becomes a compelling testimony to the transformative power of Christ, inviting others to see the beauty of His character reflected in our lives.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is it important to be honest in the sight of men, if God sees everything?
Answer: While God's omniscience means He sees all things, including our innermost motives (Hebrews 4:13), Paul emphasizes honesty "in the sight of men" for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it protects the reputation of the gospel and the church. Any hint of impropriety, especially in financial matters, can bring discredit to the Christian message and hinder its spread. Secondly, it removes stumbling blocks for unbelievers and weaker believers, ensuring that our conduct does not cause others to doubt or fall away. Thirdly, it builds trust within the community, fostering unity and cooperation. Finally, living honorably before others serves as a powerful witness, demonstrating the transformative power of Christ and leading others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16). It's not about seeking human approval over God's, but about ensuring our outward life consistently reflects our inward devotion, for the sake of God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
Does this verse imply that outward appearance is more important than inner motive?
Answer: No, this verse does not imply that outward appearance is more important than inner motive; rather, it stresses that true Christian integrity demands both. The phrase "not only in the sight of the Lord" firmly establishes that our ultimate accountability is to God, who judges the heart and motives (1 Samuel 16:7). This is the foundational truth. However, "but also in the sight of men" adds the critical dimension that genuine integrity must be outwardly consistent and verifiable. It's about the congruence between our internal purity and our external conduct. Paul is not advocating for hypocrisy or mere showmanship, but for a life so genuinely committed to "honest things" that it can withstand public scrutiny and commend the gospel to a watching world. The outward demonstration of integrity is a natural overflow of an inward heart devoted to God.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
2 Corinthians 8:21 finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent example of one who perfectly provided for "honest things," not only in the sight of the Father but also in the sight of men. Jesus consistently lived a life of absolute integrity, His motives pure and His actions blameless. He could challenge His accusers, asking, "Which of you convicts me of sin?" (John 8:46). His entire ministry was conducted with transparent honesty, teaching openly in the temple and synagogues, never in secret (John 18:20). He perfectly stewarded His divine mission, faithfully completing the work the Father gave Him to do (John 17:4). Through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and glorious resurrection, Christ not only modeled this principle but also made it possible for us to live it. By His Spirit, we are empowered to walk in newness of life, "providing for honest things" as a reflection of His indwelling presence (Galatians 2:20). Our pursuit of integrity, both before God and before humanity, is therefore a Christ-centered endeavor, testifying to the transforming power of the One who lived and died perfectly for us.