Biblion Bible Commentary
Read the introduction to 2 Corinthians · About this commentary
Above Reproach in This Matter
2 Corinthians 8:20-24
20 We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us. · WEB
Being right before God is treated as insufficient, and the reason for the safeguards is stated as a concern about appearances.
We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
The verb is active — he is arranging things to prevent an accusation, not merely hoping none is made. And the word for the funds acknowledges their size: this abundance. A large sum in the hands of a man already accused of taking advantage of people 2 Corinthians 7:2 is a standing invitation, and he treats it as one.
Verse 21 states the principle, and it is one of the most useful sentences Paul wrote about handling other people's money: having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
The first clause would satisfy conscience. Paul says it does not satisfy the requirement. A clear record before God does not answer the question of how the arrangement looks to observers who cannot see the record — and since the collection's whole purpose is to bind distant churches together, an arrangement that invites suspicion would defeat it even if nothing were wrong.
That is not cynicism about people. It is an admission that trust is part of what the money is for.
A third man is then added, again unnamed, and his qualification is a track record rather than a title: our brother whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest. The reason for his eagerness is placed with the readers — the great confidence which he has in you.
So three men travel with the funds, and Paul is not one of them.
Verse 23 sorts their standing carefully. Titus is my partner and fellow worker for you; the other two are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ — sent ones of the churches, which is the plainer sense of the word here and distinguishes their commission from his own.
And verse 24 turns the whole delegation into an occasion for the congregation: show the proof of your love to them before the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf. The escort that protects Paul's reputation also puts Corinth's generosity in front of witnesses.
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