2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Expanded Bible

Titus and His Companions Help

¹⁶ ·I thank [^LThanks be to] God because he ·gave [^Lput into the heart of] Titus [2:13] the same ·love [^Leagerness; zeal] for you that I have. ¹⁷ [^LFor] Titus accepted what we asked him to do. He ·wanted very much [was eager] to go to you, and this was ·his own idea [of his own accord]. ¹⁸ We are sending with him the brother who is praised by all the churches because of his service ·in preaching the Good News [^Lin the Gospel; ^Cunknown person, possibly Luke]. ¹⁹ Also, this brother was ·chosen [appointed] by the churches to go with us ·when we deliver this gift of money [or in this ministry/administration of grace]. We are doing this ·service [ministry] to bring glory to the Lord and to show ·that we really want [our eagerness/willingness] to help.

²⁰ We are being careful so that no one will ·criticize [blame] us for the way we are handling this ·large [abundant; generous] gift. ²¹ [^LFor] We are trying hard to do what is right, not only before the Lord but also before people [Prov. 3:4].

²² Also, we are sending with them our brother, who has proved to us in many ways that he is always ·ready [eager; zealous] to help. He wants to help even more now, because he has much ·faith [confidence] in you.

²³ ·Now [or If there is any question] about Titus [2:13]—he is my partner ·who is working with me [and coworker] to help you. ·And [or If there is any question] about the other brothers—they are ·sent [messengers] from the churches, and ·they bring glory to [or they are the glory of] Christ. ²⁴ So show these men the proof of your love and the reason we ·are proud [boast] of you. ·Then [or …so that] all the churches can see it.