Tag: Devotion

2 Corinthians 9:3-4 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.

The Apostle Paul’s urging of the church in Corinth concerning complete the task of their intended giving is like a parent preparing the children for life. The parent teaches the children godly principles and follow-up by showing them how to apply well to life situations. This is the heart of a godly parent toward training children for the life ahead of them.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

2 Corinthians 9:1-2 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works (Hebrews 10:24). This was the Apostle Paul’s intention when he recalled the readiness of the Corinthian church to give support to the saints in Jerusalem. As a result of their zeal to give, it has encouraged the churches in Macedonia to do likewise. And these churches have flourished in their giving. A year later, it seemed the good intention of the Corinthian church to give has not been realized. The Apostle Paul felt that he need not even mention this in his letter, knowing that the Corinthian church will be forward to complete the collection.

2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

The collection that will be sent to Jerusalem will go a long way to help the brethren there. It was a blessed opportunity to exercise the stewardship entrusted of the Lord to them in Corinth. The Apostle Paul, their spiritual mentor, was at hand to guide them towards this grace of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Titus was the Apostle Paul’s co-labourer in the gospel work and the two unnamed men were men of integrity and reliable, selected messengers of the churches, for the glory of Christ. This was a commendable team assembled whom the Corinthian church may have the confidence to entrust the care of their stewardship in their hands.

As such, the task of ensuring the collection is safely delivered to the church in Jerusalem is duly considered and planned for to ensure success for the glory of Christ. Thank God for such care taken. Such detailed organising proves the heart of the Apostle Paul towards fulfilling God’s calling in the gospel work. This provides for us an example!

2 Corinthians 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Thank God for raising honest and diligent men for the work of the gospel. Although the Apostle Paul did not name this man, he was able to recommend him as a man of integrity and dependability. Moreover, he was one whom we notice served without having to be noticed. His contribution was invaluable. God rewards such faithful labour of His servants who for the honour and glory of God hazard their lives.

The journey, no doubt, is fraught with danger, knowing that a substantial sum is being entrusted to the care of these men. As mentioned, the two unknown men mentioned thus far have been men of repute in the sight of God and men and have volunteered their services for the gospel’s sake.

2 Corinthians 8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

The Apostle Paul ensured that there was a group of two or three and even more men assigned to oversee the collection and to the safe delivery of it to the church in Jerusalem. He was careful and cautious to prevent any potential mishandling. He understood the gravity of the matter for God’s glory.

The early church father, Ignatius, upon hearing a clock strike, used to say “Now I have one hour more to answer for.” He was acutely aware that he was accountable to God for every thought and action. It causes him to have this heightened sensitivity that his life brings honour and glory to God’s Name.

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.

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.

2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

There was an unnamed brother in Christ who went with Titus to the church in Corinth. He was a man of God, well-known, throughout all the churches. He was tasked by the Apostle Paul to accompany Titus so that the collection can be safely delivered to the saints in Jerusalem. This man will be entrusted with the task together with a third unnamed person in the team to bring the collection from the Corinthian church.

The Apostle Paul’s purpose for organizing this collection was to honour the Lord. [MacDonald]

As our Lord said in Matthew 25:40 … Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

Such was the exhortation in Proverbs 14:31 He that oppresseth the poor reproacheth his Maker: but he that honoureth him hath mercy on the poor.

2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

When the walls of Jerusalem have to be re-built to protect the city, there was a concerted effort of volunteers by families for the building work.

Nehemiah 4:6 So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

Nehemiah may be described as a man who had a mind to work. And he motivated the people of God with that same mind to service in the vineyard of God, boldness in service unprecedented. The massive walls of Jerusalem were built in 52 days! It was a tremendous time of progress for God’s work when God’s people set their mind to work in a concerted effort. There was a great concentration of effort – the task at hand “Rebuilding the Broken Walls of Jerusalem”.

Piety and service are not compelled but voluntary. Titus was there at hand to carry the letter of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church. He was forthcoming in volunteering his service for this mission, although it was the Apostle Paul who entrusted Titus with the letter.