2 Corinthians 8:16Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Again the Apostle praises Titus. Since he had been speaking about almsgiving, he now wants to speak also about those who will receive the offerings from the Corinthians and carry them. This was needed to increase the collection and stir greater readiness in those who gave.

The one who is assured of the servant's honesty and does not regard the receivers with suspicion gives more generously. Listen, then, how here too he praises those sent with the alms, in order to achieve this. Titus was first among them.

He says: "Thanks be to God, Who put such earnest care for you into the heart of Titus." What does "such" mean? Such as he had for the Thessalonians, or such as I have. Notice his wisdom.

After saying what was necessary about almsgiving, he finally praises those sent for it, so that, being free from suspicion, they might more readily stir the Corinthians to readiness for the offering. Since the first among them was Titus, he praises him, and calls his stirring toward this service a work of God. For God gave him the same diligence that I have for you. Here he also persuades them to make an honorable offering. For if God stirred him, then without doubt God Himself asks you to make an offering worthy of God.

Therefore we sent Titus, whom you honored and received. With him we also sent our brother, whom you did not know, yet whose praise in the Gospel is proclaimed throughout all the churches. This is Luke, ordained by the churches to be our fellow worker for this grace, in hanc gratiam, as in the Clementine Vulgate and the Russian translation. But the Greek has "with grace," as in some codices, the Vulgate, Armenian, Coptic, and Ethiopic, which we serve.

The Apostle again allowed them to see Titus's love for them, preparing them to be more obedient to his instructions.

Here and below the Apostle speaks of sending Titus to Corinth with two other brethren. He gives an account of those being sent, explains why several persons were sent, and asks that attention be given to them.

St. John Chrysostom remarks that "people give much more generously when they are assured of the servant's honesty. Listen, then, how the Apostle here too praises those being sent, in order to achieve this. Titus was first among them. Having shown that the zeal of Titus is God's work, the Apostle gives thanks to the One Who gave it, so that by this he may stir the Corinthians. For if God raised him up and sent him to you, then without doubt God Himself entreats through him. Therefore do not regard this as a human matter."

In everything that St. Paul has said thus far about almsgiving, the Corinthians could not fail to see how much he desired them to be upright in this matter. He is zealous for the good reputation of the Corinthians. Therefore he does not limit himself to exhortations, but sends Titus.

He had already mentioned this earlier, saying that he had entreated Titus. Now he adds: I thank God that Titus agreed to go to you. And not only because he agreed, but especially because he shows the same zeal for your good name, or for your appearing perfect, that I also have. God gave him this disposition toward you. Thanks be to God.