2 Corinthians 8:22-24 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore demonstrate before the churches your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
These verses serve as a summary of Paul’s strategy for collecting the offering for the saints in Jerusalem. Paul mentions another unnamed “brother” whom he is sending with Titus and the “famous” brother mentioned in v. 18, making a team of three. This appears to be a different brother than the earlier one. This brother has been tested many times and proven himself to be trustworthy and sincere. The key word “earnest” or “diligent” from v. 17 is used again here to describe this person. This word describes the positive qualities of someone who is reliable, can be counted on, because he or she has integrity and zeal. One thing that assures this brother about this mission is that he is excited and committed with working with the Corinthians on this project. He was confident that the Corinthians would respond in the right way. This could only be fueled by God’s grace working in the heart and mind of this brother and in the Corinthians.
Paul sees Titus and these two brothers as partners with him in this ministry. This is a team effort (synergos). It requires fellowship (koinonos) and focus. No one person can do it alone. Teamwork inspired by God’s grace is powerful in ministry. Paul also recognizes here that the teamwork is not just between a few people but involves churches. There are many people involved in this ministry of giving. The brothers are representatives of a lot of people. This is an invitation for the Corinthians to join in something bigger than themselves. The Jerusalem offering was perhaps the first large-scale effort of unity in early Christianity that brought many diverse people together for a common goal. When we join with other believers, great things can be accomplished for God’s kingdom.
This whole project must and will be done for “the glory of Christ.” He is the supreme goal. Compassionate ministries are much needed, but this ministry is more than simply providing needed resources. Government agencies can do a lot of that. What is unique about Christian compassionate ministry is it ultimate goal: to lead people to a saving knowledge and experience of Jesus Christ.
The final exhortation is for the Corinthians to show their love to these men by following through with Paul’s directions in this letter. They should welcome these three brothers and show that what Paul has boasted about them is true. They are a generous church, willing to give sacrificially and obedient to what God has led them to give.
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