August 21st
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 inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired 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.
Paul thanks God for the Pastoral care that Titus has for the Corinthian believers. Paul says that it was Titus’s idea to come to see the Corinthian church and he says we also sent with him the brother who is very highly regarded in the gospel in all the churches. Probably Paul is referring to Luke the beloved physician the travelling companion of Paul. Paul says of him that he was chosen to accompany Paul by the churches. Paul says that no-one should blame him and his fellow-workers for the abundance of financial provision which is administered to them for the work of the Lord. This provides for honest things (like food and clothing) and it will be used honestly in the sight of the Lord and in the sight of men. Paul advocated complete transparency in his ministry. Honesty in all things - before God and men. Paul says we have sent Luke who in the past has proved himself to be very meticulous in many things. Paul says if any enquire of Titus’s character then let them know that he is my partner and fellow helper in relation to you. And if they enquire of our other brethren, then let them know that they are messengers of the churches and of the glory of Christ. Paul says give then the respect that is their due and give to them in the sight of all the churches the proof of your love and the proof of our boasting about you. Paul was very proud of the Corinthian church in the best sense.
Steve
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