2 Corinthians 8:22 kjv
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.
2 Corinthians 8:22 nkjv
And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you.
2 Corinthians 8:22 niv
In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8:22 esv
And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8:22 nlt
We are also sending with them another of our brothers who has proven himself many times and has shown on many occasions how eager he is. He is now even more enthusiastic because of his great confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8 22 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Prov 10:9 | Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. | Integrity leads to security; crookedness leads to exposure. |
| Prov 20:11 | Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright. | Actions reveal character and moral standing. |
| 1 Tim 3:2 | Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach... | Ministerial leadership requires proven uprightness and trustworthiness. |
| Tit 1:7 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. | Stewardship demands blamelessness. |
| Deut 8:2 | And you shall remember the whole way that the LORD your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing... | God tests His people to prove their obedience. |
| Jam 1:3 | For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. | Trials prove faith and develop perseverance. |
| 1 Pet 1:7 | So that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise... | Faith is tested like gold to reveal its true value. |
| Rom 5:4 | And endurance produces character, and character produces hope. | Endurance under trial develops a tested, proven character. |
| Phil 2:22 | But you know Timothy’s proven worth, how as a son with a father he has served with me in the gospel. | Timothy's diligence was also tested and approved. |
| 2 Cor 2:9 | For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know if you are obedient in everything. | Paul tested the Corinthians' obedience. |
| Rom 12:11 | Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. | Encourages active, diligent service for the Lord. |
| Heb 6:11 | And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end... | Exhortation to continued earnestness in spiritual life. |
| Tit 3:8 | The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves... | Encouragement for believers to be zealous for good works. |
| Prov 3:5 | Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. | General principle of trust. |
| Jer 17:7 | Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. | Blessedness of trusting in God. |
| Eph 3:12 | In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him. | Believers approach God with confidence. |
| Phil 1:6 | And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. | Confidence in God's work in believers. |
| 2 Cor 8:16-19 | But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself... | Paul sending multiple trusted individuals for the collection's integrity. |
| 2 Cor 8:20-21 | We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of... | Paul's emphasis on transparency and avoiding blame in financial matters. |
| Luke 16:10 | One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much. | Faithfulness in small matters predicts faithfulness in large ones. |
| Matt 25:21 | His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. | Reward for faithful and diligent service. |
| Acts 15:36-40 | Paul and Barnabas part ways due to dispute over Mark, a previous co-worker. | Importance of reliable co-workers in ministry. |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 22 Meaning
2 Corinthians 8:22 introduces another unnamed companion whom Paul sent alongside Titus and the first unnamed brother, concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This second brother has been repeatedly tested and found zealous in his service in various capacities. Paul notes that this particular mission has intensified his earnestness, because he holds great confidence and expectation regarding the Corinthian believers' willingness and readiness to give to the collection.
2 Corinthians 8 22 Context
2 Corinthians chapter 8 deals extensively with the collection being gathered by Paul for the poor saints in Jerusalem, who were experiencing great need. Paul appeals to the Corinthian church, not through command, but by presenting the example of the Macedonian churches' sacrificial generosity (2 Cor 8:1-5) and Christ's supreme act of grace (2 Cor 8:9). The immediate context of verse 22 is Paul's explanation of the administrative safeguards he has put in place for handling these substantial funds. To ensure complete transparency and prevent any accusation of impropriety, Paul sent Titus, his trusted co-worker, and two other respected brothers (one introduced in verse 18-19, and the other in verse 22) to oversee the collection alongside him. This verse specifically introduces the second unnamed brother, highlighting his qualifications and the reasons for his eagerness to serve the Corinthians in this matter. Paul's carefulness here serves as a powerful biblical precedent for financial integrity and accountability within the church.
2 Corinthians 8 22 Word analysis
- And we have sent: Greek: apestalkamen (ἀπεστάλκαμεν). This verb is in the perfect tense, signifying a completed action with continuing results. "We" refers to Paul and his apostolic team, indicating a deliberate, authorized commission. The act of sending multiple delegates was intentional and designed for accountability.
- with them: Referring to Titus and the first unnamed brother mentioned in verses 18-19.
- our brother: Greek: adelphon (ἀδελφόν). This term denotes a fellow Christian, a spiritual kin, and often, as in this context, a co-laborer in the gospel. This brother remains unnamed in the text, which scholars suggest was an intentional choice by Paul to highlight his qualifications and character rather than his identity, thus reinforcing the focus on integrity in handling the funds.
- whom we have often proved diligent:
- proved: Greek: dokimazo (δοκιμάζω). This is a strong term meaning to test, to put to the proof, and upon testing, to approve as genuine, worthy, and competent. It implies that his earnestness was not theoretical but evidenced through repeated experiences and tasks. It suggests a thorough vetting process.
- diligent: Greek: spoudaion (σπουδαῖον). This word means earnest, zealous, eager, industrious, prompt, or diligent. It describes someone who carries out duties with fervent dedication and energy, not reluctantly or carelessly. His past service has demonstrated a consistent and commendable level of effort.
- in many things: Refers to various tasks, responsibilities, or areas of ministry in which this brother had previously demonstrated his diligent and trustworthy character. This signifies a broad scope of reliable service.
- but now much more diligent:
- much more diligent: Greek: polu spoudaioteron (πολὺ σπουδαιότερον). This is a comparative form, emphasizing an increased degree of diligence or eagerness compared to his already proven standard. The context suggests that his heightened zeal is specifically for this particular mission to the Corinthians.
- because of the great confidence which he has in you:
- great confidence: Greek: pepoithēsin (πεποίθησιν). This signifies a firm trust, strong assurance, or conviction. It's not a hesitant belief but a settled expectation. The confidence is his confidence in the Corinthians.
- in you: This refers to the believers in Corinth. The brother's increased diligence is spurred by his positive expectation regarding the Corinthian church. He trusts that they will respond generously, eagerly, and obediently to the appeal for the collection. This might imply confidence in their repentance, their continued growth in grace, and their love for the Jerusalem saints. His belief in their readiness energizes him to serve them.
2 Corinthians 8 22 Bonus section
The anonymity of this brother (and the one in 2 Cor 8:18-19) is a significant aspect often discussed by scholars. While some have speculated on their identity, Paul's deliberate choice not to name them reinforces the focus on their qualifications and the integrity of the process rather than their personal fame. It serves to show that these were not just random individuals but competent and trusted partners whose proven character spoke louder than any particular name. This passage stands as a foundational text for principles of financial accountability and wise leadership in the church, advocating for the appointment of those whose diligence has been tested and whose zeal is evident, thereby upholding the honor of Christ and the integrity of the gospel work.
2 Corinthians 8 22 Commentary
2 Corinthians 8:22 serves as a testament to Paul's meticulous care in administering the sacred task of collecting funds for the suffering saints. Far from simply sending one trusted individual, Paul insists on multiple, thoroughly vetted co-laborers to ensure absolute transparency and prevent any hint of financial impropriety (cf. 2 Cor 8:20-21). This verse underscores that character and proven reliability are paramount in ministerial service, especially when entrusted with the resources of God's people. The anonymous "brother" here is not just generally diligent, but specifically motivated by a profound trust in the Corinthians' readiness to fulfill their commitment, which highlights Paul's wisdom in selecting people whose positive expectations of a church would further encourage that church's responsiveness. It exemplifies the principle that sound spiritual administration includes careful practical oversight and strategic deployment of well-qualified, tested individuals.