2 Corinthians 8:19-24
 
2 Cor 8:19 (KJB)
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
 
Is administered - Served or ministered
Ready mind - readiness or willingness
 
This brother was handpicked by the churches to travel with Paul for the purpose of helping with the financial gift which was being given to the Jerusalem church by the churches of Macedonia and Corinth. The term “grace” in this instance means “gift“, so it is focusing on the financial gift project. Paul sees this gift as being ministered by them to the church at Jerusalem and Paul takes his ministry very seriously. He sees that this offering was given by the Corinthians in a worshipful spirit dedicated unto the Lord. This gift had also declared openly the willing mind the Corinthians had in desiring to minister financially to the Jerusalem church. This is how Christians must view their giving, if they have a desire to give, then they must follow through with the actual gift itself.
 
2 Cor 8:20 (KJB)
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
 
Paul was very careful in the procedure of this assignment because he had already faced unjust accusations and he was doing everything he could to avoid any further false accusations. He wanted to make sure that everything was done above board and that any suspicions would be put to rest. This is why when money is collected in a church or ministry, it must be done by a few individuals to allay any suspicious activity. There will always be someone who will be suspicious of others when it comes to money, so it is better to have multiple individuals involved rather than one.
 
2 Cor 8:21 (KJB)
Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
 
Providing - Plan for or take into consideration
 
Here is one of the major principles of ministry which can help avoid all kinds of suspicion. Paul knew that his ministerial intentions and his handling of this financial gift was totally honest in the sight of the Lord but man is not omniscient and needs to have visible assurance. This was Paul’s desire to make sure that their ministry was also honest in the sight of men, that is, so no one could accuse them of pilfering any part of that gift. Church leaders and ministry directors must go out of their way to make sure that the finances are accounted for by several people, so no accusations can be levied against the ministry or church. The church I grew up in had no less than 6 men counting the money after the collection, with the church treasurer present. When I was an associate pastor, the other pastor and I both had to sign off on the amount of money given to the church treasurer. It is better to be cautious than have to face a battery of accusations.
 
2 Cor 8:22 (KJB)
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.
 
Confidence - Trust
 
Titus had been like chairman of the finance committee and he added another faithful brother and Paul wrote a recommendation for him. There were probably times they were travelling when they met with challenging circumstances and Titus had proven himself to be extremely faithful and diligent in the work of the Lord. The brother whom they sent with Titus had also proven himself faithful and that is why the Corinthian church was able to trust him with the task at hand. This brother showed much more diligence based upon the trust that Paul had in the Corinthians.
 
2 Cor 8:23 (KJB)
Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
 
Fellowhelper - Fellow worker
Messengers - Apostles or one who is sent
 
Here Paul is giving a letter of recommendation for Titus. Paul hails him as his fellow worker plus he calls him an apostle of the churches, that is, they are messengers of their congregations, or better yet, missionaries from their congregations. Their conduct and worshipful engagement in ministry had always brought honor to the Lord. Paul even saw them as messengers of the glory of Christ. What a nice appellation to be known by. How many Christians today could be considered messengers of the glory of Christ? Probably very few!
 
2 Cor 8:24 (KJB)
Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
 
Before - Presence or appearance
Proof - Sign or manifestation
Boasting - Act of boasting
 
Here Paul is asking the Corinthian church to show a good measure of Christian love when they finally arrive on the scene to take up the collection. He is also stating that their manifestation of love toward the brethren be evident in the presence of all the other churches, which would give a proof of the large measure of Christian love that they possess. Paul had boasted much about the loving nature of the Corinthian church and here was a chance for this church to prove that Paul was not doing empty boasting but was speaking the truth about them.

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