2 Corinthians 8 23

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 verses

2 Corinthians 8 23 Meaning

This verse authenticates the individuals involved in collecting the offering for the Jerusalem saints. It identifies Titus as Paul's esteemed partner and fellow worker, particularly active among the Corinthian believers. Furthermore, it designates the accompanying brothers as official messengers appointed by various churches. The ultimate purpose of their credible representation and diligent service is to bring honor and glory to Christ through the successful and transparent administration of the benevolent work.

2 Corinthians 8 23 Context

Chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians focuses heavily on encouraging the Corinthian church to fulfill their promise of a financial collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul sets the stage by commending the exceptional generosity of the Macedonian churches despite their own poverty (2 Cor 8:1-5). He then links this with the Corinthians' earlier enthusiasm for the collection, appealing to them to complete the work (2 Cor 8:6-15).

Verse 23 specifically serves to provide formal commendation and assurance regarding the character and authority of the individuals entrusted with overseeing this substantial financial transfer. Paul understood the crucial importance of transparency and integrity when handling money, particularly in a Hellenistic world where suspicion of financial misconduct was rampant, even among religious figures. By clearly defining Titus as his "partner" and "fellow worker," and the others as "messengers of the churches," Paul safeguards the collection from any potential accusations of fraud or impropriety against himself, the delegates, or the churches involved (cf. 2 Cor 8:20-21). This legitimizes their mission, fosters trust, and ensures the spiritual success of the generous act.

2 Corinthians 8 23 Word analysis

• As for Titus (Τίτος - Titos): Titus was an uncircumcised Gentile believer, one of Paul's most trusted and reliable co-workers. He acted as Paul's personal envoy for critical missions, including reconciling the Corinthians themselves (2 Cor 7:6, 13-14). His inclusion here as the primary figure demonstrates Paul's implicit confidence and his foundational role in organizing the collection from its inception (2 Cor 8:6).
• he is my partner (κοινωνός - koinōnos): The Greek word koinōnos signifies a sharer, a companion, one who participates equally or has a common interest with another. This term elevates Titus beyond a mere subordinate, presenting him as a genuine colleague who shares in Paul's work, vision, and mission. It emphasizes a deep level of trust and collaborative ministry.
• and fellow worker (συνεργός - synergos): From syn (with) and ergon (work), literally "co-worker" or "laboring together." This reinforces the active participation and joint effort between Paul and Titus. It denotes practical involvement in the ministry, working side-by-side toward a shared gospel objective. This term is used by Paul to describe other key individuals in his ministry as well.
• among you: This clarifies that Titus's "fellow worker" status is specifically relevant to his ministry in Corinth, where he previously worked to resolve issues and initiate the collection. It emphasizes his direct experience and familiarity with the Corinthian congregation.
• as for our brothers (ἀδελφοὶ - adelphoi): Literally "brothers," signifying fellow believers, united in Christ. While their names are not given in this verse (they may be Luke, Gaius, Aristarchus mentioned in other letters or implied by the context of chapter 8, like the "brother whose praise is in the gospel" in 2 Cor 8:18), their identity as "brothers" confirms their standing within the Christian community, implying spiritual kinship and trust.
• they are messengers (ἀπόστολοι - apostoloi): This is a crucial term. While "apostle" often refers to the Twelve and Paul in their foundational, authoritative sense, here apostolos is used in its broader, literal meaning: "one sent forth," a delegate, an envoy, or an ambassador. It means these brothers were not self-appointed but officially commissioned by the various churches involved in the collection, lending legitimacy and communal accountability to their mission. This is a powerful form of validation.
• of the churches (ἐκκλησιῶν - ekklēsiōn): This specifies the source of their commission. They were not just Paul's associates but representatives from the collective body of believers—the churches. This detail highlights the shared ownership of the collection project, demonstrating that it was a church-wide endeavor, not just a personal initiative of Paul. It ensures their accountability to the broader Christian community.
• and an honor to Christ (δόξα Χριστοῦ - doxa Christou): This phrase elevates the entire purpose of their service. Doxa means glory, honor, splendor, or renown. Their integrity, faithful administration of the offering, and proper representation of the churches and Paul, ultimately serve to bring glory and credit to Christ Himself. Their mission transcends mere financial transactions to become an act that showcases Christ's work through His people. Their conduct reflects on Christ's name.

2 Corinthians 8 23 Bonus section

• Authentication and Apostolic Method: Paul's detailed authentication of Titus and the other delegates reflects his meticulous approach to ministry, especially regarding finances. This systematic authentication (via shared ministry, direct appointment, and church endorsement) served as a safeguard against potential accusations common in the ancient world where charlatans and false teachers were rampant. It underscores Paul's concern for the reputation of the Gospel and the purity of Christian motives.
• Linguistic Nuance of "Apostoloi": The flexible use of apostolos for "messengers" or "delegates" from the churches in this verse highlights that while the term held a unique, foundational meaning for Paul and the Twelve, it also retained its broader sense of "one who is sent." This illustrates the dynamic nature of early Christian terminology and distinguishes between the foundational apostolic office and the functional sending of an envoy.
• Unity of the Church: The "messengers of the churches" demonstrates the organic connection and interdependency among early Christian communities. This collection was not just about charity; it was a visible manifestation of the unity of Jew and Gentile believers in Christ, solidifying bonds between distant congregations and symbolizing the practical reality of one body.
• Paul's Humility and Delegation: While an apostle himself, Paul demonstrates humility and wisdom by involving multiple trusted individuals and ensuring church endorsement for financial matters. He did not attempt to manage everything personally, nor did he allow the authority of his office to circumvent the need for transparency and collective accountability. This provides a model for leadership and resource management within the church.

2 Corinthians 8 23 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:23 is a powerful statement of validation and purpose, carefully constructed by Paul to ensure the success and spiritual integrity of the collection for Jerusalem. By designating Titus as his trusted "partner" (koinōnos) and "fellow worker" (synergos), Paul immediately imbues Titus with the weight of his own apostolic authority and shared ministry vision. This reassures the Corinthians of Titus's character and his role in facilitating the giving process. The choice of koinōnos particularly signifies a deep, shared engagement in the divine calling, not merely a functional collaboration.

Equally significant is the description of the accompanying brothers as "messengers" (apostoloi) "of the churches." This use of apostolos, while distinct from its singular use for the Twelve or Paul, conveys official delegation and mandate. These men were chosen and sent by their respective congregations, ensuring multiple layers of accountability and transparency for the handling of significant funds. This practice preempts potential criticisms or suspicions of mismanagement (2 Cor 8:20-21) and reinforces the collective nature of the Christian giving, underscoring the unity of the body of Christ across different regions and ethnicities.

Ultimately, the climax of the verse reveals the overarching spiritual aim: their entire mission is "an honor to Christ." Their diligent, transparent, and unified service in managing the relief effort is not merely a practical administrative task but an act that brings glory and positive recognition to the person of Jesus Christ. This perspective transforms a charitable act into a profound testimony of faith, love, and unity within the Christian community, directly reflecting on the One they serve. It calls every act of Christian service, especially that involving shared resources, to transcend human arrangements and align with Christ's glory.