Albert Barnes Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:23

"Whether [any inquire] about Titus, [he is] my partner and [my] fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [they are] the glory of Christ." — 2 Corinthians 8:23 (ASV)

Whether any do inquire of Titus. It should be observed that the words "any do inquire" are not in the original, nor is it clear that these are the most appropriate words to be introduced here. The Greek may mean either "if any do inquire about Titus," or "if anything is to be said about Titus."

The sense of the passage may be either that some of the faction at Corinth might be inclined to inquire about Titus's authority to engage in this work, or that Paul, having said so much in commendation of the persons who went with Titus, it seemed appropriate to say something in his favour also. The idea is, "If any inquiry is made from any source about him, or if it is necessary for any reason to say anything about him, I would say he is my partner," etc.

He is my partner, etc. He shares with me in preaching the gospel and in establishing and organizing churches . To the Corinthians, this fact would be a sufficient commendation of Titus.

Or our brethren be inquired of. This refers to the brethren who accompanied Titus. If any inquiry was made about their character, or if it was necessary to say anything regarding them.

They are the messengers of the churches. They have the entire confidence of the churches, having been selected and appointed by them to a work of labour and responsibility .

The words here translated "messengers of the churches" are in the original "apostles of the churches" (apostoloi ekklhsiwn). The word apostles here is evidently used in its proper sense, to denote one who is sent out to transact any business for others, or as an agent or representative.

These persons were not apostles in the technical sense, and this is an instance where the word is applied in the New Testament to those who had no claim to the apostolic office. It is also applied similarly to Apollos and Barnabas, though neither, strictly speaking, was an apostle.

And the glory of Christ. This means that they have a character so well known and established for piety, they are such eminent Christians, and do such honour to the Christian name and calling, that they may be called "the glory of Christ."

It is an honour to Christ that he has called such persons into his church and that he has so richly endowed them.

Every Christian should live in such a way that it would appear to all the world that it was an honour and glory to the Redeemer that he had such followers, and an honour to his gospel that it had converted such and brought them into his kingdom.

Moreover, it is sufficient honour to any man to say that he is "the glory of Christ." Such a character should be, and will be, as it was before, a sufficient recommendation for anyone to gain them the confidence of others.