2 Corinthians 8:23 kjv
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:23 nkjv
If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:23 niv
As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:23 esv
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:23 nlt
If anyone asks about Titus, say that he is my partner who works with me to help you. And the brothers with him have been sent by the churches, and they bring honor to Christ.
2 Corinthians 8 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 8:23 | As apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ. | Clarity on Apostleship |
| Phil 2:25 | But I think it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow laborer... | Paul's trusted companion |
| Gal 2:9 | And when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me... | Recognition of Apostles and Leaders |
| Rom 16:7 | Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. | Apostles recognized within the faith |
| 1 Thess 2:6 | Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have been burdensome as apostles of Christ. | Avoiding self-glory as apostles |
| John 13:31 | When therefore he was out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. | Christ's glory linked to God's |
| John 17:10 | And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. | Christ glorified in believers |
| John 17:22 | And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one. | Believers sharing Christ's glory |
| Eph 4:11 | And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers. | Apostolic function within the church |
| Acts 15:3,4 | And they brought before the church, and from the apostles and elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them. | Apostles reporting to the church |
| Acts 14:23 | So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed. | Appointing leaders within churches |
| Rom 12:1 | I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. | Living sacrifice for God |
| Phil 4:18 | Indeed I have all and abound; I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. | Gifts received as acceptable sacrifice |
| 1 Cor 9:12 | If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Yet we did not use this right, but endure all things, lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. | Not hindering the Gospel |
| 2 Cor 5:20 | Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. | Christ's ambassadors |
| 1 Pet 2:5 | You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. | Spiritual sacrifices of believers |
| Rom 15:27 | Yes, they were pleased to do so, and indeed they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. | Mutual ministry in the church |
| 1 Cor 1:3 | Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. | Common greeting |
| Titus 1:5 | For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. | Appointing elders |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. | Honor for elders in ministry |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 23 Meaning
This verse speaks about the delegates, or representatives, who are sent forth as apostles and emissaries by the churches. Their character and actions bring glory to Christ, demonstrating their love and commitment to the gospel.
2 Corinthians 8 23 Context
Second Corinthians chapter 8 focuses on the collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. Paul highlights the cheerful generosity of the Macedonian churches as an example for the Corinthians. He urges them to complete their commitment to this act of giving. In verse 23, Paul shifts to speak about the delegates carrying the funds, describing them as representatives of the churches and bringing glory to Christ through their service. This immediately follows the commendation of the Macedonians, setting up a standard for the Corinthians by illustrating exemplary spiritual and practical leadership. The broader context of 2 Corinthians involves Paul defending his apostleship and ministry amidst opposition and slander from within the Corinthian church.
2 Corinthians 8 23 Word Analysis
"Our fellow workers":
- Sunergos (Greek: συνεργός): Literally "working together." It signifies those who collaborate with Paul in the ministry.
- Implies partnership and shared labor in advancing the gospel.
- Connects to the idea of all believers being coworkers with God (1 Cor 3:9).
"For you":
- Indicates the delegates' direct connection and service to the Corinthian church.
- They are not just Paul's associates but are recognized by and accountable to the local churches.
"Messengers/Apostles of the churches":
- Apestoloi (Greek: ἀπόστολοι): While usually referring to the Twelve or Paul, here it signifies chosen representatives or delegates sent with authority from the churches.
- These individuals were selected by the congregations to carry the offering.
- Their status as "apostles of the churches" means they represent the churches' unity and compassion.
"The glory of Christ":
- Doxa Christou (Greek: δόξα Χριστοῦ): Refers to the radiance, honor, praise, and visible manifestation of Christ's character and presence.
- The actions and character of these delegates reflect positively on Christ Himself.
- Their faithful service brings honor to their Lord.
Group Analysis - Delegates' Role: The delegates served a dual purpose: to faithfully deliver the collection to Jerusalem and to be living testaments to the churches' love and Christ's glory. They were recognized by the churches, underscoring the community aspect of this offering and the ministry.
2 Corinthians 8 23 Bonus Section
The term "apostles of the churches" in this context is a crucial detail. While Paul often refers to himself and the original apostles by this title, here it emphasizes the appointed, delegated nature of these specific men. They were sent by the churches, not necessarily as founding apostles of the gospel message, but as representatives carrying out a specific mission authorized by the churches. This highlights the communal and responsible nature of the early church's benevolent activities, with appointed individuals acting as the visible hands and feet of the congregations. Their honor and witness were directly tied to the glory of Christ, showing that service, even in practical matters like a collection, is a spiritual act that can profoundly honor God.
2 Corinthians 8 23 Commentary
Paul commends the individuals who are carrying the Corinthian collection, affirming them as esteemed partners in ministry (sunergos) and important emissaries (apostolos) of the churches themselves. Their role transcends mere carrying; they are presented as visible embodiments of Christ's honor. The churches' generous participation, expressed through these delegates, reflects God's grace and magnifies Christ. Their faithfulness in this task demonstrates their love not only for the Corinthians who sent them but also for the broader body of Christ, ultimately bringing glory to the Lord they serve.