23. he is my partner<\/em> ] Literally, sharer<\/strong>. See notes on the words communion<\/em> and fellowship<\/em> in the first Epistle. ‘The sharer of my labours and cares.<\/p>\n and fellow-helper concerning you<\/em> ] Better, and as regards you, my fellow-worker<\/strong>.<\/p>\n the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ<\/em> ] The word ‘ and<\/em> ’ is not in the original, and detracts from the force of the sentence. The word here translated ‘messengers’ is Apostles<\/em> in the original. But here, as in Php 2:25<\/span>, it does not signify the official rank in the Church of the persons referred to, but simply the fact that they were sent. For ‘the glory of Christ’ see 2Co 8:19<\/em><\/span> and 1Co 11:7<\/span>. A man is the glory of Christ when he manifests Christ’s glory, which is done either by displaying His power, or the holiness which comes from Him. Cf. Joh 1:14<\/span>; Joh 2:11<\/span>; Joh 11:40<\/span>; Gal 1:24<\/span>, and Act 21:19-20<\/span>; also ch. 2Co 3:18<\/span>. Both<\/em> the brethren would seem from this passage to have been ‘chosen of the Churches.’<\/p>\n Whether any do inquire of Titus – <\/B>It is to be observed that the words any do inquire are not in the original; nor is it clear that these are the most proper words to be introduced here. The Greek may mean either, if any do inquire about Titus, or it may mean if anything is to be said about Titus. The sense of the passage may either be, that some of the faction at Corinth might be disposed to inquire about the authority of Titus to engage in this work, or that Paul having said so much in commendation of the persons who went with Titus, it seemed proper also to say something in his favor also. The idea is, If any inquiry is made from any quarter about him, or if it is necessary from any cause to say any thing about him, I would say he is my partner, etc.<\/P> He is my partner … – <\/B>He partakes with me in preaching the gospel, and in establishing and organizing churches; compare Tit 1:5<\/span>. To the Corinthians this fact would be a sufficient commendation of Titus.<\/P> Or our brethren be inquired of – <\/B>That is, the brethren who accompanied Titus. If any inquiry was made about their character, or if it was necessary to say anything in regard to them.<\/P> They are the messengers of the churches – <\/B>They have the entire confidence of the churches, having been selected and appointed by them to a work of labor and responsibility; compare Phi 2:25<\/span>. The words here rendered messengers of the churches, are in the original apostles of the churches, ( <\/SPAN><\/span> apostoloi ekklesion). The word apostles here is used evidently in its proper sense, to denote one who is sent out to transact any business for others, or as an agent or legate. These persons were not apostles in the technical sense, and this is an instance where the word is applied in the New Testament to those who had no claim to the apostolic office. It is also applied in a similar way to Apollos and Barnabas, though neither, strictly speaking, were apostles.<\/P> And the glory of Christ – <\/B>That is, they have a character so well known and established for piety; they are so eminent Christians and do such honor to the Christian name and calling, that they may be called the glory of Christ. It is an honor to Christ that he has called such persons into his church, and that he has so richly endowed them. Every Christian should so live as that it would appear to all the world that it was an honor and glory to the Redeemer that he had such followers; an honor to his gospel that it had converted such and brought them into his kingdom. It is sufficient honor, moreover, to any man to say that he is the glory of Christ. Such a character should be, and will be, as it was here, a recommendation sufficient for any to secure them the confidence of others.<\/P> <\/p>\n Verse 23. Whether<\/B><\/I> any do inquire <\/B>of Titus<\/B><\/I>] Should it be asked, Who is this<\/I> TITUS? I answer, he is my companion, and my fellow labourer in reference to you; 2Co 2:13<\/span>; 2Co 7:6<\/span>; 2Co 7:7<\/span>. Should any inquire, Who are these brethren<\/I>, Luke and Apollos? I answer, They are<\/I> , apostles of the Churches<\/I>, and intensely bent on promoting the glory of Christ<\/I>.<\/P> <\/p>\n This verse contains the apostles credential letters, given to Titus, and the other two persons, sent about the business of making this collection in the church of Corinth. Many, in matters where the drawing of their purses is solicited and concerned, are very scrupulous and inquisitive, seeking all advantages to excuse themselves; one while pleading their own poverty, another while objecting against the state, or want, or quality of those for whom they are solicited; again, questioning whether their charity shall ever come to those persons for whom it is desired, objecting against the persons intrusted with the conveyance or distribution of it. The apostle having, therefore, before obviated some objections, he here obviateth the last mentioned, letting them know, that the persons intrusted with this service were unexceptionable persons. He calleth Titus his <\/P> partner and fellow-helper concerning<\/B> them, that is, in the business of the gospel, and promoting the salvation of their souls. For the others, he tells them they were such as <\/P> the churches<\/B> had thought fit to make their <\/P> messengers; <\/B>so had the credit of the churches, whose messengers they were, who would not have intrusted them if they had not judged them faithful. He calleth either the churches, or them, <\/P> the glory of Christ.<\/B> If the words be to be understood of the messengers.<\/I> (which seemeth the fairest application of them), the meaning is, that they were instruments of the glory of Christ: or persons who, by their grace, did bring much glory to Christ. Every one that excelleth in the habits or exercise of grace, is the glory of Christ, because without Christ he can do nothing of that nature: I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me, <\/I>Gal 2:20<\/I><\/span>. The acts and exercises of grace are indeed our acts, but the power by which we do them is from Christ: we glory in Christ, and by our holy conversations glorify Christ; and Christ glorieth in every pious and holy person, as God did concerning Job, Job 1:8<\/span>; 2:3<\/span>. <\/P> <\/p>\n 23. fellow helper concerningyou<\/B>Greek,<\/I> “fellow worker towards you.” <\/P> our brethren<\/B>the twomentioned in 2Co 8:18<\/span>; 2Co 8:22<\/span>.<\/P> messengers<\/B>rather, asthe Greek,<\/I> “apostles”: in the less strict sense (Ac14:14<\/span>). <\/P> of the churches<\/B>sent bythe churches, as we are by the Lord (Php2:25<\/span>). There was in the synagogue an ecclesiastical officer,called “the angel of the Church,” whence the title seemsderived (compare Re 2:1<\/span>).<\/P><\/p>\n Whether any do inquire of Titus<\/strong>,…. The apostle here sums up the characters of each of the above persons; as for Titus, he says,<\/p>\n he is my partner<\/strong>; he had been his companion in his travels, a partner with him in preaching the Gospel, as well as in the troubles and persecutions he had met with; and was one with whom he had had sweet communion and fellowship:<\/p>\n and fellow helper<\/strong>; or worker,<\/p>\n concerning you<\/strong>; he had been a joint instrument with him, either in their conversion, or consolation, and correction; or for their edification and instruction, and setting things right, which had been out of order among them:<\/p>\n or our brethren be inquired of<\/strong>; if their characters are asked after, as well as Titus’s; by whom are meant not his fellow apostles, but the two brethren who were sent along with Titus; what may be truly said of them is,<\/p>\n they are the messengers of the churches<\/strong>; they were chosen and sent forth by the churches, not only to preach the Gospel, but particularly to take care of the ministration to the poor saints. They were messengers appointed by the churches for this service, and were also appointed to the service of the churches; respect seems to be had to the public minister in the synagogues, who was called <\/p>\n , “the messenger of the congregation”, or “church” z; whose business was to take care about the reading of the law and the prophets, to pray in public, and also to preach if there was no other; so we read a also of , “the messengers of the sanhedrim”; who were sent at the proper time to reap the sheaf of the first fruits, and of others who swore the high priest before the day of atonement b; and of , “the messengers of the commandment” c; who went to hear the exposition (of the traditions) and visit the head of the captivity:<\/p>\n and the glory of Christ<\/strong>: meaning either that the churches were the glory of Christ, in whom he is glorified, where his glory is seen, and his presence enjoyed; or rather the messengers of them, on whom the image of Christ was stamped, who faithfully performed the work of Christ, in all things sought his glory and not their own; and in and by whom his glory was displayed, and held forth to others.<\/p>\n z T. Bab. Sota, fol. 37. 2. Tosephot Beracot, fol. 34. 1. Misn. Beracot, c. 5. sect. 5. a Misn. Menachot, c. 10. 3. b Misn. Yoma, c. 1. 5. c T. Bab. Succa, fol. 26. 1.<\/p>\n About Titus <\/B> ( <\/SPAN><\/span>). There is no verb expressed. Supply “inquire.” He endorses Titus up to the hilt. He is “my partner” ( <\/SPAN><\/span>) and “fellow-worker” (<\/SPAN><\/span>).<\/P> Messengers of the churches <\/B> ( <\/SPAN><\/span>). Apostles in the general sense of “sent ones” (from <\/SPAN><\/span>, to send) by the churches and responsible to the churches for the handling of the funds.<\/P> The glory of Christ <\/B> ( <\/SPAN><\/span>). Financial agents, please observe. <\/P><\/p>\n 1) “Whether any do enquire of Titus,”<\/strong> (eite huper Titou) “If any inquire concerning Titus,” ask about Titus.<\/p>\n 2) “He is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you, “<\/strong> (koinonos emos kai eis humas sunergos) “He is my common ministering partner and for you a fellow-worker,” one in close affinity of work for God, a colleague, a confidant, 1Ti 3:10<\/span>.<\/p>\n 3) “Or our brethren be enquired of,”<\/strong> (eite adelphoi hemon) “if any of our brethren (of their company) be inquired of,” in proving or testing all things, 2Co 13:5<\/span>; Gal 6:4<\/span>; 1Th 5:21<\/span>.<\/p>\n 4) “They are the messengers of the churches,”<\/strong> (apostoloi ekklesion) “They are messengers of churches,” sent out from, and by authority of churches;” They are envoys of the churches – not of boards, committees, or bishops – but of the congregationally elected church servants.<\/p>\n 5) “And the glory of Christ,”<\/strong> (doksa Christou) “even churches, which are the glory-bearers of Christ;” Eph 3:21<\/span>. The church as an institution, and true churches as organizations, doing the will of God, the work of God, according to the word of God, are the glory of Christ and of God, as a bride is the glory of the groom. Eph 5:25<\/span>; 2Co 11:1-2<\/span>; Rev 19:7-9<\/span>.<\/p>\n In calling them the Apostles of the Churches, he might be understood in two senses — either as meaning that they had been set apart by God as Apostles to the Churches, or that they had been appointed by the Churches to undertake that office. The second of these is the more suitable. They are called also the glory of Christ, for this reason, that as he alone is the glory of believers, so he ought also to be glorified by them in return. Hence, all that excel in piety and holiness are the glory of Christ, because they have nothing but by Christ’s gift. <\/p>\n (23) Whether any do enquire of Titus.<\/strong>There is no verb in the Greek, and its insertion is not required for the English. Our common phrase, As to Titus<\/em> . . . as to our brethren,<\/em> exactly expresses St. Pauls meaning. In the messengers of the churches we find in the Greek the word Apostles used, as in Php. 2:25<\/span>, and possibly Rom. 16:7<\/span>, in a lower sense (the Greek has no article), for delegates<\/em> of the churches, as the Twelve and Paul and Barnabas were delegates of Christ. The other epithetthe glory of Christis an unusual one. To say that they were working only to that glory, though true, seems hardly adequate, and we gain a deeper thought by connecting it with the language of 2Co. 3:18<\/span>. These messengers, he says, are like Christ in character: they reflect His glory. You may see that glory in them.<\/p>\n 23<\/strong>. <\/strong> Inquire of Titus<\/strong> In regard to Titus. To all questioning the standing of Titus, Paul gives his own certification. Titus is last mentioned, but the only one named. The others were but messengers<\/strong>, he partner <\/strong> and fellow <\/strong> helper<\/strong>. How faithfully he laboured and discharged the responsible duties committed to him by the apostle, is evident from Paul’s epistle to him at Crete. <\/p>\n Our brethren<\/strong> The other two, Luke and Erastus; or rather, as without the Greek article, in general, brethren of ours. <\/p>\n <\/em><\/p>\n Messengers<\/strong> Greek, apostles; <\/em> the word being used, however, in its broader sense of messengers<\/strong>; a class by whom the intercourse between the different Churches of the Christian republic was maintained. <\/p>\n Glory of Christ<\/strong> Persons whose life is devoted to the honour of Jesus.<\/p>\n ‘Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ.’<\/p>\n He recognises that some might well wish to check out the people he has sent. They can inform such people that Titus is Paul’s partner, and the fellow-worker he has appointed to oversee the Corinthian church in his necessary absence. As for the other two they are appointed ‘apostles’ of the churches. Here ‘apostles’ is used in its general use as a representative, those given authority to speak and act on behalf of those who appointed them. This might serve to demonstrate that Paul only names those who are appointed by him.<\/p>\n ‘They are the glory of Christ.’ In the Old Testament ‘the glory’ of a nation was its wealth and prosperity (Isa 10:3<\/span>; Isa 17:3-4<\/span>; Isa 21:16<\/span>; Eze 24:25<\/span>) or its powerful armies (Isa 8:7<\/span>). Thus this may signify that such men are Christ’s wealth, Christ’s battalions. They are what shows Him to be what He is, men worthy of their position who by their lives reveal His glory. They are His particular assets, His chosen vessels.<\/p>\n Or he may simply be saying that their status is such that it outshines all others. While ambassadors may be the glory of their country, these men are beyond that. They are unique in status, they are His glory, for they are the chosen representatives of His people, and therefore of Him, representatives of the glory that is unseen. Or alternately he may mean that they are those in whom Christ glories.<\/p>\n Or Paul may have in mind 2Co 3:18<\/span> and be saying that these men are of those who see Christ, as it were, face to face with unveiled eyes, and are thus those who are well on the way to attaining His glory, indeed have potentially done so. They are as much of the glory of Christ as the world can see.<\/p>\n What it certainly means is that in some way they outshine, and are more important than, all that is in or of the world<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23<\/span> f. Summary closing recommendation of all the three delegate.<\/p>\n ] sc.<\/em> or . Be it that I speak on behalf of Titus, he is my associate and<\/em> (especially) in regard to you my fellow-worker<\/em> , and my intercession is thus made with good reaso.<\/p>\n ] be it that they are brothers of ours<\/em> , namely, for whom I speak, they are delegates of churches<\/em> , [283] an honour to Christ<\/em> , people, whose personal character and working redound to Christ’s honour. The words to be supplied<\/em> with in both cases would occur of themselves to the reader of the incomplete passage. Comp. Fritzsche, ad Rom.<\/em> III. p. 47 f. Observe, however, that is predicative<\/em> , and therewith qualitative<\/em> ; hence the absence of the article appears to be strictly regular, [284] denoting the category to which the subjects meant in this second half of the verse belong, and therefore neither unsuitable (Rckert) nor yet erroneous (Buttmann, neut. Gr.<\/em> p. 76 [E. T. 87]; comp. Hofmann).<\/p>\n ] as in 2Co 8:22<\/span> . The distinguishing of the two others from Titus, who holds a higher position, by the qualitative , shows that are not official associates<\/em> . Such a one Titus<\/em> was; the two others, however, were only distinguished church-members as it were, lay<\/em> -brothers commissioned ad hoc<\/em> , the one by the churches, the other by Paul.<\/p>\n [283] In so far as they did not come as private persons, but as agents in the business of the church<\/em> , as which they were appointed partly by destination of the apostle (namely, the second of the brethren), partly by the choice of the Macedonian churches (the first of the brethren, ver. 18 f.).<\/p>\n [284] This absence of the article has led Hofmann wrongly to take all the nominatives in ver. 23 as subjects<\/em> , but as a parenthesis (“ which holds true of Titus<\/em> ”), and then in ver. 24 as the of the apodosis<\/em> . A groundless artificial construction, in which the awkward and unprecedented parenthesis (Paul would have said something like , and that after , comp. 1Co 10:29<\/span> ; Joh 6:71<\/span> ) would be simply superfluous in the highest degree, since, if . . . is the subject, the person thereby indicated would be self-evident. Just as uncalled for here after the short alleged protasis would be the epanaleptic of the apodosis. Comp. on Rom 2:17-24<\/span> .<\/p>\n 23 Whether any do enquire<\/em> of Titus, he is<\/em> my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are<\/em> the messengers of the churches, and<\/em> the glory of Christ. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Ver. 23. Messengers<\/strong> ] Gr. apostles, emandati, <\/em> ambassadors of special and high employment.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n The glory of Christ<\/strong> ] So the Church is called “the glory,” Isa 4:5<\/span> ; God’s glory,Isa 46:13<\/span>Isa 46:13<\/span> ; a crown of glory, and a royal diadem in the hand of Jehovah,Isa 62:3<\/span>Isa 62:3<\/span> ; the throne of God,Exo 17:16<\/span>Exo 17:16<\/span> ; margin<\/em> ; the throne of glory,Jer 14:21<\/span>Jer 14:21<\/span> ; the ornament of God, yea, the beauty of his ornament, set in majesty,Eze 7:20<\/span>Eze 7:20<\/span> . There is not so much of the glory of God (saith one) in all his works of creation and providence, as in one gracious action that a Christian performs. <\/p>\n 23.<\/strong> ] General recommendation of the three<\/em> .<\/p>\n <\/strong> . <\/strong> <\/strong> ] Whether concerning Titus<\/strong> (we may supply or , or as in E. V., ‘any enquire:’ or we need not supply any thing), he is my partner and<\/strong> (especially) my fellow-worker towards you: whether our brethren<\/strong> (be in question: viz. the two mentioned but generalized by the absence of the article ‘ whether<\/em> [ any<\/em> ] brethren of ours<\/em> ’), they are Apostles<\/strong> (in the more general sense of Act 14:14<\/span> ; 1Th 2:6<\/span> ; Php 2:25 ) of the churches<\/strong> (i.e. ‘are of the churches, what we are of the Lord’ persons sent out with authority), the glory of Christ<\/strong> (i.e. men whose work tends to Christ’s glory).<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23<\/span> . . . .: whether<\/em> you ask about Titus<\/em> ( cf.<\/em> on 2Co 1:8<\/span> for this use of ), he is my colleague and my fellow worker to you ward<\/em> (for him St. Paul will be personally responsible), or our brethren<\/em> , they are the envoys of Churches, i.e.<\/em> , they were duly (2Co 8:19<\/span> ). The term is generally used by St. Paul as a technical term; but occasionally, as here, and at Phi 2:25<\/span> (of Epaphroditus) and (possibly) at Rom 16:7<\/span> , he uses it in its primitive etymological meaning of “envoy” or “emissary” ( cf.<\/em> 1Ki 14:6<\/span> ). These men are further described as , the glory of Christ<\/em> , perhaps because their work is so specially ad majorem Dei gloriam<\/em> (see 2Co 8:19<\/span> and 2Co 9:13<\/span> ).<\/p>\n of = on behalf of. Greek. huper, App-104. <\/p>\n partner. Greek. koinonos. See 2Co 1:7. <\/p>\n fellowhelper. Greek. eeeergos. See, 1Co 3:9. <\/p>\n concerning = with reference to. Greek. eis. App-104. <\/p>\n messengers, Greek. apostolos. App-189. Here and in Php 1:2, Php 1:25 used in the general sense. <\/p>\n Christ. App-98. <\/p>\n 23.] General recommendation of the three.<\/p>\n . ] Whether concerning Titus (we may supply or , or as in E. V., any enquire: or we need not supply any thing), he is my partner and (especially) my fellow-worker towards you: whether our brethren (be in question:-viz. the two mentioned-but generalized by the absence of the article-whether [any] brethren of ours), they are Apostles (in the more general sense of Act 14:14; 1Th 2:6; Php 2:25) of the churches (i.e. are of the churches, what we are of the Lord-persons sent out with authority), the glory of Christ (i.e. men whose work tends to Christs glory).<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23. , [pro] in behalf of, for) This gives the motive of the confidence.[52]-, , in behalf of Titus, a partner) These words are in apposition; comp. [ch. 2Co 11:28] Luk 22:20 [ , ], note.-, brethren) It might have been said for, or in behalf of our brethren, but the word , partner, coming in between as the nominative case, brethren is also put in the nominative, and the verb are is supplied, i.e., whether they are and are regarded as our brethren for the sake of whom we are confident you will be liberal].-) deputies, messengers; persons who on the public account execute a pious office. Again supply are.<\/p>\n [52] i.e. We feel confident you will be liberal for the sake of Titus.-ED.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23 <\/p>\n Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward;-Titus had been with Paul much at Corinth, and he so testifies to them. They knew him personally, but he gave his relation to him and his fellows.<\/p>\n or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches,-These messengers of the churches were sent by the churches, and sustained the same relation to the churches sending them as the apostles sent by Christ sustained to him. The apostles of Christ were sent by him to deliver a message. They had no authority except to deliver the message and perform the work Christ sent them to do. They had no authority as delegates. They had no right to confer one with another to determine how the Lord should act. They had no right to change or modify any decision, sit in judgment upon the will or work or order of God. They had no right to legislate for God. The messengers of the churches had no more right to assemble, confer, determine what was best for the churches than the apostles had the right to legislate for or determine how or what Christ and God should do. The messengers of the churches were sent to carry the message and do the specific work the church sent them to do, without direction or power to change or otherwise direct the work of the churches. Messengers have no right to meet other messengers and organize a body, nor to consider or determine what is best, nor to form a new organization, nor to legislate. Scriptural messengers carried a message or gift, went to do a work and return. Their power was limited to this. Churches sent messengers to deliver their messages and receive others and to bear their gifts. Messengers were sent to the churches in Judea to bear the gifts of those sending. They were sent with gifts to Paul, were sent by him to the churches to urge them to make gifts, to tell how it was with him, and to learn how the churches did, or receive gifts and return. Paul and Barnabas were sent as messengers to the apostles at Jerusalem to report the troubles and facts about the circumcision question to them, to receive their response and report it to the church.<\/p>\n they are the glory of Christ.-They by their work promoted the glory of Christ. [Their character was so well known and established for piety and devotion to the cause of Christ that they led men to see the excellence of Christ, whose image they bore. Nothing more genuinely complimentary was ever by way of introduction said of anyone.] <\/p>\n Titus: 2Co 8:6, 2Co 8:16, 2Co 7:6, 2Co 12:18 <\/p>\n is my: Luk 5:7, Luk 5:10, Phm 1:17 <\/p>\n and fellowhelper: Phi 2:25, Phi 4:3, Col 1:7, 1Th 2:2, Phm 1:24, 3Jo 1:8 <\/p>\n the messengers: 2Co 8:19, Phi 2:25,*Gr. <\/p>\n Reciprocal: Act 20:4 – Derbe 2Co 2:13 – Titus 2Co 8:18 – the brother Gal 2:1 – Titus 1Th 3:2 – our brother Tit 1:4 – Titus<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23. This verse constitutes an apostolic recommendation for Titus and the brethren who were going with him. It is somewhat on the same basis as the foregoing statements, namely, an assurance that the men entrusted with the important work at hand were worthy.<\/p>\n 2Co 8:23. Whether any inquire about Titus. Need I say anything in commendation of him?he is my partner, and my fellow-worker to you-wardtherefore, in relation to the apostle and his work, above the other two;or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ(as we should say) They are an honour to Christ; their walk and work bring glory to Him. Noble testimony this!<\/p>\n Observe here, What pains the apostle takes to answer all cavils and objections that might hinder the free collection and regular distribution of this charity. Some might pretend, possibly, to say then, (as many amongst us do now,) “We know not into whose hands this charity-money may fall; we know not whether ever they shall be the better for it, for whom it was intended.” Therefore, says St. Paul, if any make that objection, that they do not know Titus, and inquire after him, or his trustiness, tell them he is my coadjutor, my partner and fellow-helper in converting you to Christianity; and if the other two be inquired after, they are our brethren, the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ; that is, the instruments of his glory; therefore let these messengers see, and the churches which did depute them, the proof of your love to me and to the saints, and that I did not boast of your liberality in vain. <\/p>\n Note here, The high honour which St. Paul puts upon the ministers of the gospel, in calling them the glory of Christ, that is, the glory of the gospel of Christ, the glory of the Christian profession, the instruments of Christ’s glory, by whom his honour and glory is greatly promoted; persons who by their exemplary gloriousness did bring much honour and glory to Christ. This title I conceive shows both our dignity and duty; our dignity, in that Christ accounts us his glory when we are found faithful to him; as the faithfulness of an ambassador redounds to the glory and honour of the prince that sends him. And it points out our duty, to promote the glory of Christ, to pray and endeavour that he would use us as instruments for the advancement of his glory; that as we glorify him on earth, he may glory in us, and be glorified by us, before his Father in heaven, and we be presented faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Amen.<\/p>\n Verse 23<\/strong> <\/strong> To stop all objections to the three, Paul noted that Titus was his partner in the work at Corinth. Further, the other two were men sent by churches to deliver messages. Apparently they had proven faithful by delivering the whole message without any changes. Also, their lives were plainly given over by them to Jesus with the sole purpose of glorifying the savior. <\/p>\n 2Co 8:23-24. Whether any inquire, &c. As if he had said, If any be not yet satisfied, but desire to know more of those persons, and inquire concerning Titus, he is my partner In my cares and labours; and fellow- helper concerning you Always ready to act in concert with me in any attempt to correct what is amiss among you, and to promote your improvement in real Christianity. Or the meaning may be, He is my fellow- labourer with respect to you, having assisted me in planting the gospel among you. If it be inquired concerning our other brethren, whom I have mentioned above, and who accompany Titus, they are the messengers of the churches Persons sent by the churches to go with me to Jerusalem; and the glory of Christ Signal instruments of advancing his glory. The apostles example in doing justice to the characters of his younger fellow- labourers, is highly worthy of the imitation of the more aged ministers of the gospel. They ought to introduce their younger brethren to the esteem and confidence of the people, by giving the praise which is due to them. For, as Doddridge observes, they will most effectually strengthen their own hands and edify the church, by being instrumental in setting forward others, who, on account of their faithfulness and diligence in the ministry, will in time merit the illustrious appellation of being the glory of Christ. Macknight. Wherefore show before the churches Present by their messengers; the proof of your love to me and the saints That is, an evidence that it is sincere; and of our boasting on your behalf That it was not without foundation. <\/p>\n Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ. <\/p>\n Verse 23 <\/p>\n Whether any, &c.; if any.<\/p>\n 8:23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our {m} brethren [be enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the {n} glory of Christ.<\/p>\n (m) The two companions of Titus.<\/p>\n (n) By whom the glory of Christ is set forth.<\/p>\n Titus was obviously the man in charge of this project. He was a special representative of the Apostle Paul (cf. Rom 16:21). The other two delegates were Paul’s spiritual brothers, the churches’ envoys, and credits to Christ. By calling these fellow workers a glory to Christ, Paul meant that they brought glory to Christ. [Note: See Keener, p. 210, for a parallel in Greco-Roman literature.] <\/span><\/p>\n This is one place where the Greek word apostolos<\/span>, usually translated "apostle," but here rendered "messenger," occurs in the non-technical sense of someone sent on a mission (cf. Php 2:25; Act 14:4; Act 14:14; et al.). Usually it refers to one of the 13 apostles whom Jesus Christ personally commissioned (e.g., 2Co 1:1, et al.).<\/p>\n Whether [any do inquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren [be inquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches, [and] the glory of Christ. 23. he is my partner ] Literally, sharer. See notes on the words communion and fellowship in the first Epistle. ‘The sharer of … Continue reading “Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 2 Corinthians 8:23”<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28901","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-commentary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28901","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28901"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28901\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28901"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28901"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biblia.work\/bible-commentary\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28901"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible <\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Greek Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n
Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)<\/b><\/i><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"