2 Corinthians 8:20 kjv
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
2 Corinthians 8:20 nkjv
avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us?
2 Corinthians 8:20 niv
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.
2 Corinthians 8:20 esv
We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us,
2 Corinthians 8:20 nlt
We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.
2 Corinthians 8 20 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 7:2 | "Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one..." | Paul's claim of blameless conduct. |
| Acts 6:3-4 | "Therefore, brethren, seek out... full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business." | Accountability in handling contributions. |
| Rom 12:17 | "Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." | Honesty and integrity before all people. |
| 1 Cor 16:3-4 | "And when I arrive, I will send those whom you approve... to carry your gift..." | Procedures for ensuring financial transparency. |
| Phil 4:8 | "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable..." | Call to live lives of high moral standard. |
| 1 Tim 3:2 | "Therefore an overseer must be above reproach..." | Standard of integrity for church leaders. |
| Titus 2:8 | "showing integrity, dignity, and sound speech..." | Avoiding reproach through godly conduct. |
| 1 Pet 2:12 | "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable..." | Christian witness through good works. |
| Prov 10:9 | "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely..." | The benefit of honest living. |
| Prov 11:3 | "The integrity of the upright guides them..." | Integrity as a moral compass. |
| 2 Cor 6:3 | "We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry..." | Avoiding hindrances to the Gospel. |
| 2 Cor 11:7 | "Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge?" | Paul's practice of avoiding financial burden. |
| 2 Cor 12:17-18 | "Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus and sent the brother with him..." | Reiteration of Paul's financial transparency. |
| 2 Cor 8:19 | "...who was appointed by the churches to travel with us with this generous gift, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord..." | The gift for the glory of the Lord. |
| Matt 5:16 | "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father..." | Public conduct bringing glory to God. |
| Rom 15:26-27 | "For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem." | Context of the collection for Jerusalem. |
| 1 Cor 8:9 | "But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak." | Avoiding actions that cause others to stumble. |
| Acts 20:33-34 | "I coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own necessities..." | Paul's self-sufficiency to avoid covetousness. |
| Ps 15:2 | "He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart..." | Characteristics of a righteous person. |
| Ezra 8:28-29 | "You and your vessels are holy to the LORD, and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the LORD..." | Accountability in handling sacred treasures. |
| Luke 16:10 | "One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much..." | Principle of trustworthiness in stewardship. |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 20 Meaning
2 Corinthians 8:20 states Paul's proactive measure to prevent any potential accusation or fault-finding regarding the large financial contribution for the saints in Jerusalem. It underscores his commitment to transparency and integrity in ministry, ensuring that the collection, which was significant in scope, would be handled beyond reproach in the eyes of both God and man. This was to safeguard the reputation of the apostles and the purity of the Gospel message itself.
2 Corinthians 8 20 Context
Chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians focuses on the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. Paul, having earlier commended the generous giving of the Macedonian churches despite their own poverty (8:1-5), now encourages the Corinthians to complete their previously promised contribution. This collection was not merely a financial transaction but a profound expression of Christian unity, charity, and Gentile solidarity with the Jewish believers in Jerusalem (Rom 15:26-27). Paul himself facilitated and oversaw the gathering and transportation of these funds. Verse 20 specifically highlights Paul's meticulous care in managing this substantial sum. To ensure utmost transparency and prevent any accusation of misappropriation, he had appointed not only Titus but also another respected brother (v. 18-19) to accompany him, emphasizing that the handling of funds would be public and verifiable. His concern was for the good of the Gospel, not just his personal reputation.
2 Corinthians 8 20 Word analysis
- avoiding: (Greek: στελλόμενοι, stellomenoi) - A participle implying an active, conscious effort to "draw oneself in," "to withdraw from," or "to guard against." It speaks to Paul's proactive foresight and meticulousness in preventing any potential cause for suspicion or scandal. It signifies a careful and prudent administration designed to be above reproach.
- this, that any man should blame us: This phrase expresses the direct purpose of Paul's actions. The potential "blame" (μωμήσηταί, momesetai – "to find fault," "to criticize severely," implying moral censure) could severely undermine his apostolic authority and the credibility of the Christian ministry. It's a concern not for his own ego, but for the purity and reception of the Gospel message. Paul was aware of those who sought to discredit him (2 Cor 11:13-15) and sought to eliminate any grounds for such attacks.
- in this abundance: (Greek: ἀδρότητι, adroteti) - Literally "bulk," "heaviness," "copiousness." This refers to the very substantial sum of money that was being collected. The "abundance" made it a highly visible and potentially tempting sum, necessitating greater precautions against suspicion. The larger the amount, the higher the scrutiny, and Paul acted accordingly.
- which is administered by us: (Greek: διακονουμένῃ, diakonoumenē) - From diakoneō, meaning "to serve," "to minister," "to distribute." This refers to the practical handling, management, and disbursement of the collected funds. Paul emphasizes that the administration is "by us" (himself and his trusted companions), highlighting their direct involvement and thus the need for unimpeachable transparency to prevent accusations against them, and by extension, against the whole evangelistic effort.
Words-group by words-group analysis data:
- "avoiding this, that any man should blame us": This highlights Paul's profound concern for his reputation and, more importantly, the integrity of his ministry and the gospel. He anticipates potential criticisms and takes preventive measures, showing a strategic approach to maintaining a spotless testimony, not just before God but also before men, for the sake of the church's witness.
- "in this abundance which is administered by us": This phrase ties the potential for blame directly to the financial dealings. The sheer size of the collection (the "abundance") magnified the risk of suspicion, especially in a time without modern accounting. Paul understood that financial transparency was crucial for credibility, reinforcing the idea that even good deeds, if handled carelessly, could bring reproach. It demonstrates his commitment to ethical stewardship in handling other people's consecrated funds.
2 Corinthians 8 20 Bonus section
- This verse underpins the importance of accountability structures in Christian organizations, advocating for multiple overseers or auditors for financial dealings. It predates modern auditing but reflects its core principle: avoiding sole custodianship to prevent both actual malfeasance and the mere appearance of it.
- The emphasis on "avoiding blame" implies foresight and wisdom, suggesting that Christian leaders must proactively identify potential pitfalls in their public actions and take preventative measures.
- Paul's prudence here illustrates that integrity is not just about having good intentions, but about demonstrating good practices that are clear and verifiable to others.
- The phrase indirectly critiques any notion that spiritual service exempts one from earthly ethical standards. On the contrary, spiritual work demands even higher ethical standards.
2 Corinthians 8 20 Commentary
2 Corinthians 8:20 serves as a foundational principle for integrity and transparency in financial stewardship within Christian ministry. Paul was not driven by a fear of human judgment for its own sake, but by a holy fear that any stain of suspicion or accusation against him could bring reproach upon the name of Christ and hinder the Gospel. The significant "abundance" collected meant high visibility and a greater potential for malign interpretation, particularly from his opponents. By proactively establishing multiple, publicly approved custodians for the funds (Paul, Titus, and another respected brother), he demonstrated wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to blamelessness. This was not about appearances in a superficial sense, but about guarding the authenticity and effectiveness of God's work. It provides a timeless model for handling resources: do what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of all people (2 Cor 8:21), ensuring confidence and trust in giving and leadership.