2 Corinthians 8:19; Chosen of the Churches

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:

This unnamed man was one who recommended of the churches in Macedonia, a man earnest and willing, to accompany the Apostle Paul and others to see to the safe delivery of the gift to the saints in Jerusalem. All for the glory of God. There was this careful handling of the collection so that it can safely reach the church in Jerusalem.

The Apostle Paul was thankful that the church is Corinth readily agreed to this collection when he prayerfully suggested it. And now, he wrote to see to the completion of the task.

Donald Grey Barnhouse gave this interesting story of courier services in the early days entitled, “Posthaste”: Messengers Ride For Life

Not many people who use the word “posthaste” realize that the word goes back to the time of Henry VIII.

During the reign of “bluff King Hal,” postmasters and relays of horses for carrying messages were established. The messengers were sometimes irresponsible, delaying to play games with acquaintances in inns or to waste time in some other way.

A very drastic law was put into effect—every dispatch carrier should “ride for his life”. The penalty for delaying en route was hanging. Thus, letters of the 16th century were often came with a drawing of a dispatch carrier suspended from the gallows. Beneath the figure was the admonition, “Haste, post, haste! Haste for thy life.”

This law held good for many years, and there were numerous hangings.¹

Indeed, thank God for men of responsibility and accountability. Amen.

¹ Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations: Signs of the Times.