Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:19
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:
19. and not that only ] i.e. not only is he praised throughout all the Churches.
but who was also chosen of the churches ] i.e. chosen by the Churches. See note on 1Co 14:24, ch. 2Co 1:16, 2Co 2:6; 2Co 2:12 of this Epistle, and Heb 12:5, &c. The word here used signifies chosen by show of hands. So also in Act 14:23. Voting by show of hands was the custom among the Greeks as among ourselves. See Xenophon, Anabasis, Book III. ii. 33. For the choosing by the Churches see 1Co 16:3-4 and note.
to the glory of the same Lord ] The word ‘same’ is omitted by many MSS. and editors.
and declaration of your ready mind ] Nearly all the MSS. and versions read ‘our.’ ( To the glorie of the Lord and to our ordeyned wil. Wiclif.) The words ‘and declaration of’ are not in the Greek.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And not that only – Not only is he esteemed on account of other services which he has rendered by his preaching and writings; but he has had a new mark of the confidence of the churches in being appointed to convey the collection to Jerusalem.
Chosen of the churches – Chosen by the churches. Many concurred in the choice, showing that they had entire confidence in him. Paul had been unwilling to have charge of this contribution alone (1Co 16:3-4; compare 2Co 8:20), and he had procured the appointment of some one to undertake it. Probably he expected that the church at Corinth would concur in this appointment.
With this grace – Margin, Gift; see 2Co 8:1. The word here refers to the alms, or the collection which had been made.
Which is administered by us – That is, which is undertaken by us. Paul had been the instrument of procuring it.
To the glory of the same Lord – The Lord of us all. The design was to promote the glory of the Lord by showing the influence of religion in producing true benevolence.
And declaration of your ready mind – That is, to afford you an opportunity of evincing your readiness to do good to others, and to promote their welfare.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 19. Chosen of the Churches to travel with us] . Appointed by a show of hands; from the hand, and , to extend. This appointment, by the suffrage of the Churches, seems to refer more to St. Luke than any one else; unless we suppose he refers to the transaction, Ac 15:40; Ac 15:41, and then it would appear that Silas is the person intended.
With this grace] Liberal contribution. See on 2Co 8:1.
Your ready mind.] Your willingness to relieve them. But, instead of , your, , our, is the reading of almost all the best MSS. and all the versions. This is, doubtless, the reading.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And that he was chosen by the churches to go along with Paul and Titus, to carry the charity of other churches to the distressed Christians in Judea; which charity is here again called grace, for the reason before mentioned, 2Co 8:1. He declares that their end in this administration, was the glory of God, and the proof and
declaration of these Corinthians sincerity of brotherly love, and
ready mind to yield obedience to the will of God declared to them.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
19. not thatonlynot only praised in all the churches.
chosenby vote: so theGreek.
of the churchesthereforethese companions of Paul are called “messengers of the churches”(2Co 8:23).
to travelto Jerusalem.
with this graceGreek,“in the case of this grace,” or “gift.“
to the glory of the sameLordThe oldest manuscripts omit “same.”
declaration of your readymindThe oldest manuscripts read, “our,” not your.This and the previous clause, “to the glory of the same Lord,”do not follow “administered by us,” but “chosen of thechurches to travel,” &c. The union of the brother with Paulin this affair of the collection was done to guard against suspicionsinjurious “to the glory” of the Lord. It was also done inorder to produce a “readiness” on the part of Paul and thebrother to undertake the office which each, by himself, would havebeen less ready to undertake, for fear of suspicions arising (2Co8:20) as to their appropriation of any of the money.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches,…. Not only famous for preaching the Gospel, but he was also appointed by the joint suffrages of the churches, which were made by the lifting up or stretching out of the hand, as the word here used signifies; this brother was not chosen to this service by a few private persons, or by a single church only, but by several churches; which does not refer to the churches at Jerusalem and Antioch, as if the apostles were appointed, and others were appointed by these churches to travel with them, in order to collect money for the poor saints at Jerusalem; of which no mention is any where made, only of their being sent out by them to preach the Gospel. James, Cephas, and John indeed, when they gave to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that they might go to the Heathen, desired them to “remember the poor”; Ga 2:9 but these were not the churches. The church at Antioch did collect for the brethren in Judea, at the time of the famine among them, and sent their bounty by the hands of Barnabas and Saul, which seems to be the case here. This brother was chosen by the churches who collected, and not by the churches in Judea, for whom the collections were made; for it was usual, and what was right and proper, that the churches chose whom they thought fit to carry their liberality to Jerusalem; see 1Co 16:3. Now this brother had the honour to be chosen by these churches,
to travel, says the apostle,
with us, with this grace; bounty or beneficence of the churches, what they had freely and liberally contributed for the supply of the poor, from a principle of grace, and by the assistance of it;
which is administered by us; not given by the apostles, but collected by them; or what was procured by their means, in the several churches to whom they had moved it, and by proper arguments had excited them to it, with which they cheerfully complied: and this was done on a two fold account, both
to the glory of the same Lord: Jesus Christ, who is the one Lord over all; the same Lord of the apostles, and the church at Corinth; the same Lord of the Corinthians, and the Macedonian and other churches; and the same Lord of the poor saints at Jerusalem, and the rich members of the several churches that contributed to them: and also to
the declaration of your ready mind; or to stir up their ready mind to increase it and promote it in them, as well to make it manifest, and that it might appear to others, how readily and freely they came into this service; so that the apostle’s concern in this administration was not from any sinister and selfish ends; no, nor so much for the relief of the poor, though this was greatly designed, as for the glory of Christ, and the honour of his churches.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
But who was also appointed ( ). Anacoluthon. The first aorist passive participle is from , old verb to stretch out the hands ( ) and so to vote in public. The idea is that this brother was chosen by the churches, not by Paul. Only here in N.T. save Ac 14:23 where it means to appoint without notion of raising the hands. In Ac 10:41 we have .
To travel with us (). Late word for travelling companion. So in the inscriptions (, together with, , away from home).
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
With this grace [ ] . An obscure rendering, not much bettered by Rev. Grace is ambiguous. The reference is, of course, to the contribution as a work of love; cariv being used in the sense of benefaction or bounty. Paul says that the brother was appointed as his fellow – traveller in the matter of this bounty; in the prosecution of this kindly act. For appointed, see on Act 14:23; Act 10:41.
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “And not that only,” (ou monon de) “and not only (that),” or “not only so,” but he also had wide reputation a good name, of endorsement among the churches; Pro 22:1.
2) “But who also was chosen of the churches,” (alla kai cheirotonetheis hupo ton ekklesion) “But (who) also is having been elected by the churches;” the term elected indicates a “stretching forth” of the hand,” or a visible show of the hand-vote, or approval, by the churches of the association or fellowship. The congregations voted.
3) “To travel with us,” (sunekdemos hemon en) “A traveling companion with us,” in the fund-raising and gospel bearing labors.
4) “With this grace,” (to chariti taute) “with this grace ministry,” grace of distributing to the needy, Rom 12:13; Heb 6:10.
5) ‘Which is administered by us,” (te diakonoumene huph’ hemon) “which is being administered by us,” Rom 16:1-3; Heb 13:16. Note Paul was an administrator of alms gifts, 1Co 16:1-4.
6) “To the glory of the same Lord,” (pros ten autou tou kuriou doksan) “to the glory of the Lord himself,” whose glory, not personal aim, men should aim to advance, Eph 3:21; Gal 6:14.
7) “And declaration of your ready mind,” (kai prothumian hemon) “and eagerness of us,” Gal 2:10; Act 11:30.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
19. Which is administered by us. By commending his ministry, he still farther encourages the Corinthians. He says, that it tends to promote the glory of God, and their kindness of disposition. Hence it comes, that these two things are conjoined — the glory of God and their liberality, and that the latter cannot be given up without the former being proportionally diminished. There is, in addition to this, the labor of those distinguished men, which it were very inconsistent to reject, or allow to pass unimproved.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(19) Who was also chosen of the churches.The word, as in Act. 14:23, implies a definite appointment, in this case, obviously, by popular electionon the part of the Macedonian churches. This falls in, it need hardly be said, with the facts of the case as indicated by the use of the first person plural in Act. 20:5, and through the rest of the book.
With this grace.The word is used, as in 2Co. 8:4; 2Co. 8:6-7, as we familiarly use the word charity, for the liberality which was the result of the grace.
To the glory of the same Lord.Better, if we keep the Received text, of the Lord Himself; but the better MSS. give, of the Lord, only. There is no need of inserting the word declaration of; in relation to the glory of the Lord and to your readiness gives a perfectly intelligible sense.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
19. Chosen of the Churches The brother is not now merely nominated by St. Paul and sent by his authority. Were that the case, cavillers might insinuate a plot. But he is named by Paul as by the Macedonian Churches elected. Luke’s position with those Churches we have indicated in our note on Act 16:10.
To travel with us To carry the benefactions from Corinth to Jerusalem.
With this grace The charitable contribution.
To the glory Depends not upon administered but upon chosen. The brother was for this mission chosen, literally, to subserve the glory of the same Lord, and your ready mind.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
2Co 8:19. And not that only, &c. This verse is to be included in a parenthesis, and the continued sense of 2Co 8:18; 2Co 8:20 will be, We have sent that brother,to avoid blame, &c. Dr. Heylin translates and connects the verses from 18 to 21 thus: A brother, who is not only famous for his success in preaching the Gospel, 2Co 8:19 but also is particularly appointed by the churches to accompany me with this collection, which we shall dispose of to the glory of God, and agreeably to your good intention, 2Co 8:20. (I have used this precaution [in having one joined with me] to prevent any suspicion that might be raised, upon my having the management of so large a sum; 2Co 8:21. For I am careful to conduct myself unblamably, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight men.)
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
2Co 8:19 . As in 2Co 8:20 is connected with in 2Co 8:18 , 2Co 8:19 is a parenthesis (Beza, Lachmann) in which Paul “generali testimonio subjungit speciale, quod praesenti negotio congruit,” Calvi.
] sc. (or , praised , or , or the like) . . . [280] Comp. Rom 9:10 ; Rom 5:3 ; Rom 5:11 ; Rom 8:23 .
. . .] but also having been chosen by the (collecting) churches as our travelling companion , etc. The . . . contains a point so important in its bearing that we may not take it parenthetically , thereby breaking up the flow of the discourse. So Hofmann, assigning the incorrect reason, moreover, that the perfect participle must have been used. The perfect might be used; but the aorist expresses the act done , whereby the person concerned became of the churches in this case (2Co 8:23 ), and so Paul has conceived of it here.
The here meant are, according to 2Co 8:1 ff., the Macedonian .
.] suffragiis designates. How this election was conducted, we do not know. Perhaps by the presbyters as representatives of the churches, and on the proposal of the apostle. Comp. on Act 14:23 .
. . .] a more precise definition of the . . It does not, however, simply mean: in the bringing over (Billroth; this arbitrary limitation was produced by the reading ), but in general: in matters of this , i.e. in the prosecution , in the whole bringing about, of this kindness (this work of love), which is ministered by us , is effected through our ministry (comp. 2Co 3:3 ).
. . .] is connected by most (including Theodoret, Beza, Grotius, Estius, Billroth, de Wette, Ewald, Neander) with . . . But since in this way (which is not, with Ewald, to be taken as according to , comp. 2Co 1:20 ) would have to combine two quite different relations: “in order to promote Christ’s honour and to prove our good-will ;” and since, moreover, the latter element would be self-evident, tame, and superfluous, we ought rather, with Chrysostom (who, however, reads instead of ), to construe with . . .: elected, etc., in order to further Christ’s honour and our good-will . The election of this brother had as its object, that by his co-operation in this matter Christ should be honoured [281] and our desire and love for the work should not be lessened “ ob metum reprehensionis illius, de qua mox loquitur ” (Bengel), but should be maintained and advanced by freedom from such hindering anxiety, and by a fellow-worker thus authorized. The connection with . . ., which Hofmann, attaching it also to . , declares to be impossible (why?), places the election, which had primarily a business motive, under the higher ethical point of view.
[280] Buttmann, neut. Gr . p. 252 [E. T. 292], takes it differently: “who stands in repute , not only on this account ( ., i.e. as a preacher of the gospel), but also as one elected by the churches.” But from the general . to . there is no logical climax, as respects the specifying of a reason for the ; whereas the predication ascends from the universal praise of the man to his being elected by the churches so as to assign a ground for the . Besides, his being elected was not the ground, but a consequence of his general repute, although it was the special ground for Paul’s sending him to Corinth.
[281] Rckert, though following likewise our mode of connection, holds that to the this companionship could only have contributed negatively , in so far as it was a precaution against any suspicion falling on the apostle, which suspicion according to a mode of view also Pauline would have been transferred to Christ. Why, then, not positively also? The brother had in fact been chosen as a travelling associate co-operating in the work of collection, so that by his election the work might be prosecuted more extensively and more successfully. And thus the choice of this brother served positively to glorify Christ; hence also is not to be held, with de Wette, as “rather unsuitable.”
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
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:
Ver. 19. Chosen of the Churches ] This compared withAct 13:1-2Act 13:1-2 , it may seem the apostle meaneth not Luke, but Barnabas; though others think Timothy. (Danae in 1Ti 6:12 )
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
19. ] parenthetical (see on 2Co 8:20 ) adding to his general commendation a particular qualification for this office.
. , and not only so (i.e. praised in all the churches), but who was also appointed (‘suffragiis designatus,’ see ref. and note; and Stanley here) by the churches (of Macedonia? see 2Co 8:1 ) as our fellow-traveller (to Jerusalem, from what follows) in (the matter of) this charity which is being ministered by us , in order to subserve the glory of the Lord and our readiness (this clause refers not to . . as usually interpreted, but to the fact related , the union of this brother with Paul in the matter of the alms, which was done to avoid suspicions detrimental to Christ’s glory, and to the zeal of the Apostle):
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
2Co 8:19 . . . .: and not only so, but who was also appointed ( is, strictly, to vote by a show of hands, and hence it came to mean “to elect”) by the Churches, i.e. , all the local congregations interested, as our fellow traveller in the matter of this grace (reading ; see crit. note), sc. , this contribution of money (see 2Co 8:6-7 , 1Co 16:3 ), which is being ministered by us to exhibit the glory of the Lord ( cf. 2Co 4:15 ), and our readiness . The MS. evidence requires us to read , but it must be confessed that is rather what we should expect, especially as in 2Co 8:11 and in 2Co 9:2 is applied to the Corinthians and not to St. Paul; a plausible conjecture would be for . ., but the words give an intelligible sense as they stand (see Gal 2:10 ).
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
also chosen = chosen also.
chosen. Greek. cheirotoneo. See Act 14:22.
of = by. Greek. hupo. App-104.
to travel with us = as our fellow traveller. Greek. sunekdemos. See Act 19:29.
with. Greek. sun. App-104. The texts read en.
administered. Greek. diakoneo. App-190.
by. Greek. hupo, as above.
to = with a view to. Greek. pros. App-104. This depends on “chosen”. The object of Paul’s having a companion was to avert suspicions, which would tarnish the Lord’s glory by bringing discredit on His servant, and also to remove Paul’s reluctance. Compare 2Co 8:20.
glory. See p. 1511.
same. The texts omit.
declaration of. Supply the ellipsis by “to show”. your. All the texts read “our”.
ready mind. Same as “readiness”, 2Co 8:11. Compare 2Co 8:1,
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
19.] parenthetical (see on 2Co 8:20) adding to his general commendation a particular qualification for this office.
. ,-and not only so (i.e. praised in all the churches), but who was also appointed (suffragiis designatus, see ref. and note; and Stanley here) by the churches (of Macedonia? see 2Co 8:1) as our fellow-traveller (to Jerusalem, from what follows) in (the matter of) this charity which is being ministered by us,-in order to subserve the glory of the Lord and our readiness (this clause refers not to . . as usually interpreted, but to the fact related, the union of this brother with Paul in the matter of the alms, which was done to avoid suspicions detrimental to Christs glory, and to the zeal of the Apostle):
Fuente: The Greek Testament
2Co 8:19. [chosen] appointed) This participle is not construed with, he went unto you, 2Co 8:17 : for that construction would interrupt the connection, 2Co 8:18; 2Co 8:20, -, we sent along with-avoiding. Therefore , who, is to be supplied, taken from , of whom, whose, in the preceding verse. The churches had given this companion to Paul, whithersoever he might go. Hence they are called the apostles, or messengers of the churches, 2Co 8:23 : and Paul declares, that this office here also has respect to the present business. From this it is evident, that the rights of the churches are mutual [reciprocal].-, the companion of our travels. Those, who read with Wolfius, , refer to it by mistake the various reading of the pronoun at the end of the verse.[49]-, with) construed with , the companion of our travels. They carried along with them the gift of the Macedonians to Jerusalem.-, to) construed with , chosen, appointed.- , of the [same] Lord Himself) viz. Christ, 2Co 8:21.- , our ready mind) The proofs for reading are by far the most numerous, and has crept into a few copies, by an obvious exchange of the Greek pronoun, which was more readily made on account of the alliteration of the in with . The churches had charged the brother of whom he is here speaking, the companion of Paul, with their own gift, not with a view to the readiness of the Corinthians, which had less relation to the churches, but with a view to produce readiness on the part of Paul and of that brother, i.e. lest for fear of that blame, of which he afterwards speaks, their willingness to undertake and finish the business might be lessened.
[49] Therefore both the margin of the 2d, as well as of the larger Ed. and the Germ. Ver., prefer the reading .-E. B.
At the end of the verse is the reading of all the best Uncial MSS., BCG, etc., Vulg., etc. Rec. Text has with but slight authority.-ED.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
2Co 8:19
2Co 8:19
and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace,-This brother was entitled to confidence, and might safely be received, not only on the ground of general reputation, but also because he had been appointed by the churches for the purpose of assisting Paul in the collection and delivery of the bounty which Paul and his companions carried and delivered.
which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord,-The design was to promote the glory of the Lord by the manifestation of the power of the gospel in their lives.
and to show our readiness:-It afforded the opportunity of evincing his readiness, to do good to others and to promote their welfare.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
but: 2Co 8:1-4, Act 6:3-6, Act 15:22, Act 15:25, 1Co 16:3, 1Co 16:4
grace: or gift, 2Co 8:4, 2Co 8:6, 2Co 8:7, 2Co 9:8
to the: 2Co 8:1, 2Co 8:2, 2Co 4:15, 2Co 9:12-14, Phi 4:18, Phi 4:19, 1Pe 4:10, 1Pe 4:11
Reciprocal: Joh 12:6 – the bag 2Co 8:18 – the brother 2Co 8:23 – the messengers 2Co 9:2 – the forwardness 2Co 9:11 – which
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
2Co 8:19. This brother was not merely the selection of Paul, but he had been chosen by these same churches among which he had the praise, to be with Paul in his traveling to and fro while collecting the grace (gift) to be turned over to the needy ones.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
2Co 8:19. and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace (the contribution), which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord (the Lord Jesus), and to shew our readiness:
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 19 This second brother could be trusted because of the above mentioned praise and because he had been appointed to help Paul carry the gift to Jerusalem.
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books
and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness [Paul is commending those whom he sent to gather the collections. Luke’s primary commendation is his general character revealed in his love for the gospel facts; his further qualification is his appointment by the churches in Macedonia to assist in this very work. He had resided in Macedonia for some six years, or since Paul had first come to Philippi, and so was well known and fully trusted by the Macedonians. He was appointed that the glory of Christ might not be tarnished by any suspicion that the money was raised for selfish purposes, and that Paul’s zeal to raise the money might not be regarded with evil surmises]:
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
Verse 19
This grace; this gift; that is, the contribution before referred to.–And declaration of your ready mind; that is, to the manifestation of your ready liberality.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
8:19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this {k} grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind:
(k) These alms which are bestowed for the relief of the church of Jerusalem.