ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 8 v16 - 24

OVERVIEW:

Paul urged the Corinthians to demonstrate their love by the way they would treat those he is sending to them (AMBROSIASTER). Since the Corinthians were making progress, Titus had become particularly concerned about them and even volunteered to visit them. The identity of the “famous brother” was debated by the Fathers (CHRYSOSTOM) as to whether it might be Barnabas (THEODORET OF CYR), Luke (PELAGIUS, OECUMENIUS) or someone else. The presbyters are always to provide for the poor whatever is honorable in the sight of God and of men (POLYCARP).

8:16 | Care for You

TRUSTWORTHINESS. CHRYSOSTOM: Again Paul praises Titus. After talking about almsgiving, Paul goes on to speak about those who are entrusted with collecting and administering the gifts. This is important, because if we trust them, we shall be inclined to give more. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 18.1.

8:17 | Titus’s Earnestness

TITUS VOLUNTEERED TO VISIT. AMBROSIASTER: Seeing that the Corinthians are making progress in good works, Titus has become particularly concerned about their attitude and has even volunteered to go to visit them. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

8:18 | A Famous Brother

ONE WHO PREACHES. CHRYSOSTOM: Who is this famous brother? Some say it is Luke because of the history which he wrote, but others say it was Barnabas because Paul also calls unwritten preaching the gospel. Why does he not mention him by name? Perhaps it was because the Corinthians did not know him personally, and Paul was content to say only enough to allay any possible suspicion of him at Corinth. Notice that the man was praised for his preaching. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 18.1.

WHETHER LUKE. PELAGIUS: This is to be understood of Luke, who was highly honored because he had written a Gospel, not to mention the Acts of the Apostles as well. COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 8.

OECUMENIUS: This may refer to Luke. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

OR BARNABAS. THEODORET OF CYR: These words refer to Barnabas. COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 331.

8:19 | Appointed by the Churches

HE WILL TRAVEL WITH US. CHRYSOSTOM: This verse seems to point toward Barnabas, who was commissioned along with Paul. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 18.1.

8:20 | Administering the Gift

REMEMBERING THE POOR. AMBROSIASTER: Since the matter had to do with administering aid, Paul makes this additional remark in order not to be thought negligent concerning the care of the poor or of the saints. For the apostles had agreed to keep the poor in mind. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

8:21 | Honorable in the Lord’s Sight

AIM AT WHAT IS HONORABLE. POLYCARP: The presbyters must always be compassionate and merciful toward everyone, turning back the sheep which have gone astray, visiting the sick, not neglecting a widow or an orphan or a poor man but providing always for that which is honorable in the sight of God and of men. EPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 6.

INCURRING NO REPROACH. AMBROSIASTER: 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. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

NO APPEARANCE OF WRONGDOING. CHRYSOSTOM: Who is there who can be compared with Paul? For he did whatever he thought was right without ignoring those who might doubt his intentions. On the contrary, he was concerned not to appear to be doing wrong even in the eyes of the weak. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 18.1.

8:22 | An Earnest Brother

SENDING A BROTHER. THEODORET OF CYR: Some people think this refers to Apollos, whom Paul promised in his first epistle that he would send. COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 332.

8:23 | Messengers of the Churches

TITUS KNOWN TO THEM. CHRYSOSTOM: It is clear from this that Titus had a special task relating to the church at Corinth, whereas the others were unknown there. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 18.2.

TITUS AND OUR BROTHERS. THEODORE OF MOPSUESTIA: The two “as for” phrases do not denote a contrast between them but rather emphasize the similarity. PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH.

8:24 | Proof of Your Love

DEMONSTRATING LOVE. AMBROSIASTER: Paul is urging the Corinthians to demonstrate their love by the way they treat those he is sending to them. If they received them with honor, they would be demonstrating to all the other churches how far they had progressed and that the good things which were said about them were true. He is therefore encouraging their resolve, for someone who is well thought of usually shows improvement. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.