2 Corinthians 8 17

2 Corinthians 8:17 kjv

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

2 Corinthians 8:17 nkjv

For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.

2 Corinthians 8:17 niv

For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.

2 Corinthians 8:17 esv

For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.

2 Corinthians 8:17 nlt

Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 17 Meaning

2 Corinthians 8:17 highlights that Titus not only agreed to Paul's appeal to go to Corinth but was even more zealous and proactive in undertaking the task of coordinating the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, demonstrating a deep personal desire and initiative for this ministry.

2 Corinthians 8 17 Context

This verse is part of Paul's broader appeal to the Corinthian church to complete their promised contribution to the collection for the struggling saints in Jerusalem. Chapter 8 opens with Paul highlighting the exemplary generosity of the Macedonian churches despite their severe poverty, using them as a model. He encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their previous eagerness for this ministry, seeing it as an expression of their genuine love and the grace of God. Titus's role in this chapter is crucial; he is presented as Paul's trusted colleague who had initiated the collection among them earlier and is now being sent back to complete it. Verse 17 underscores Titus's exceptional commitment, framing his return not merely as an obedient duty but as a deeply desired and personal undertaking, thereby adding credibility and moral weight to the collection effort. Historically, the collection symbolized unity between Gentile and Jewish believers and provided vital support to the impoverished mother church.

2 Corinthians 8 17 Word analysis

• For: This conjunction introduces the reason or explanation for Paul's confidence mentioned in the preceding verse (2 Cor 8:16), namely that Titus shares Paul's concern for the Corinthians.
• He accepted (ἐδέξατο - edexato): A past tense verb (aorist indicative) meaning "he received" or "he welcomed." It denotes a definite action in the past, indicating that Titus readily welcomed Paul's proposition. The active voice shows his positive engagement.
• Our appeal: Refers to Paul's request or urging that Titus return to Corinth to help complete the collection. This highlights Paul's tact and reliance on partnership rather than issuing a mere command. It implies trust and shared vision.
• But being himself: This introduces a stronger, contrasting element. It emphasizes Titus's internal motivation beyond simply acceding to Paul's request.
• Very earnest (σπουδαιότερος - spoudaioteros): A comparative adjective, meaning "more earnest," "more zealous," "more diligent," or "more eager." This term signifies a heightened degree of eagerness or readiness. Titus’s enthusiasm for the task surpassed simply responding to Paul's request; he felt a greater intrinsic urgency for the Corinthians' spiritual well-being and their participation in this work of grace. It speaks of spiritual diligence and enthusiasm for good works.
• He has gone (ἐξέρχεσθαι - exerchesthai): This implies action and departure. While translated in some versions as "has gone," the Greek conveys the idea of an initiative "to go out" or "to set forth," emphasizing his movement towards Corinth. It signifies his prompt and willing undertaking of the mission.
• To you: Explicitly refers to the Corinthian believers, indicating the direct object of Titus's service.
• Of his own accord (αὐθαίρετος - authairetos): A crucial term meaning "spontaneous," "voluntary," "of one's own free will," or "by his own initiative." This underlines the fact that Titus's departure to Corinth was not out of compulsion or obligation but originated from his deep personal willingness and spiritual readiness. This aligns with Christian giving and service that springs from the heart (cf. 2 Cor 9:7; 1 Pet 5:2).
• "he accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord": This entire phrase conveys that Titus's motivation transcends simple obedience. He welcomed Paul's idea, but his zeal was so great that he was already determined to go to them on his own initiative, indicating a passionate identification with the mission. It suggests that Paul’s request simply aligned with Titus’s existing fervent desire to minister to them concerning this good work.

2 Corinthians 8 17 Bonus section

• Implied Polemic: By stressing Titus's uncompelled, zealous initiative ("of his own accord"), Paul implicitly refutes any suggestion that the Corinthians were being coerced or manipulated. It authenticates the sincerity of the collection effort, distinguishing it from practices motivated by self-interest or external pressure. This underscores the genuineness of love (2 Cor 8:8) in both giving and in the ministers facilitating it.
• Authenticity of Service: Titus's example is a living illustration of truly willing service (cf. 1 Pet 5:2). His disposition confirms that true spiritual ministry is not a burden but a heartfelt calling embraced with eagerness, aligning with God's desire for willing participation from His people in His redemptive work.
• Divine Empowerment: Titus's readiness can be seen as an outworking of God's grace in him, similar to the Macedonians' generosity being described as the "grace of God" (2 Cor 8:1). It highlights how God not only enables the givers but also prepares the hearts of His servants to facilitate acts of love.

2 Corinthians 8 17 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:17 provides a vivid commendation of Titus, painting him as a truly exceptional co-laborer in the gospel. Paul's message here is layered: he is commending Titus, validating the collection process, and subtly encouraging the Corinthians towards cheerful giving by highlighting the exemplary spirit of his delegate. The verse emphasizes that Titus's commitment to the collection for Jerusalem was not merely a matter of duty or obedience to Paul's command. Instead, his willingness transcended mere acceptance of Paul's "appeal" (a request, not an order), evolving into a personal, fervent drive. The phrase "very earnest" underscores a zeal that exceeded expectation, demonstrating an inherent passion for the work. Most significantly, "of his own accord" reveals Titus's deeply internal motivation; he possessed an enthusiastic eagerness to help the Corinthians fulfill their promise and grow in their generous spirit. This genuine initiative sets Titus apart and serves as a powerful model for Christian service and ministry—one that flows not from external compulsion but from an eager heart devoted to Christ and His people. It implicitly counters any possible skepticism the Corinthians might have had about the legitimacy or character of those involved in the collection, showcasing the purity of motives driving this act of grace.