Thomas Aquinas Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

"But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel [is spread] through all the churches; and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [the matter of] this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and [to show] our readiness: Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us: for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. and we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which [he hath] in you. 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. Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf." — 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 (ASV)

After addressing the collections to which they should contribute, the Apostle then discusses the ministers by whom these collections should be made. In this regard, he does two things: first, he names them, and second, he recommends them to the Corinthians (verse 24). Regarding the first point, he does three things: first, he names Titus; second, another brother (verse 18); and third, a final brother (verse 22). Concerning Titus, he commends two things: his earnest care and the sign of that care (verse 17).

Therefore, regarding Titus, he says: I mentioned earlier that I asked Titus to demonstrate this grace of collecting alms, as it relates to the care entrusted to me by the apostles—a care in which I have also found him diligent. But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus that I have, a care for exhorting you and encouraging you toward works of mercy. For he is as eager as I am to see this grace demonstrated among you. As Scripture says, And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end (Hebrews 6:11), and, the one who leads, with zeal (Romans 12:8).

But the sign of this care is that he consented to my exhortation when I asked him. Therefore, Paul says that Titus not only accepted our appeal but, being very earnest himself, is going to you of his own accord—more so than by my urging—even though he at first refused to go on account of your sins. As it is written, Never flag in zeal (Romans 12:11).

Then, when he says, With him we are sending the brother, he discusses the second minister. In this regard, he does two things. First, he commends this brother, and second, he gives the reason for sending such earnest messengers (verse 20).

According to some, this brother is Luke; according to others, he is Barnabas. Whoever he is, Paul commends him on three points. The first is his reputation. If the brother is Luke, his fame is for the gospel he wrote, which was approved by the apostles and is known throughout all the churches. If the brother is Barnabas, his fame is for preaching the gospel among all the churches, to both Jews and Gentiles. Thus, it is said of Barnabas that he was a good man, full of faith and the Holy Spirit (Acts 11:24).

Paul also commends him for his companionship. That is, not only is this brother famous, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work. This work can be understood as my preaching, for which we travel as pilgrims throughout the world: We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:6). This description fits Luke, who was one of the seventy-two disciples and a companion of Paul. It also fits Barnabas, for the Holy Spirit said in Acts 13:2, Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. He was made a companion for this gracious work, which could mean either collecting the alms or the gracious work of preaching, of which Paul says, To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (Ephesians 3:8).

Finally, Paul commends him based on his office, because he is a minister of the grace that we are administering. As it is written, This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ (1 Corinthians 4:1), and, who has made us competent to be ministers of a new covenant (2 Corinthians 3:6). This grace is administered for the glory of the Lord, so that our Lord may be glorified by the alms collected, which follows the conversion of many people through our preaching. As it says in Proverbs 14:28, In a multitude of people is the glory of a king. It is also administered so that our own will might be fulfilled, because we want this to be done. Thus, Paul says it is done to show our good will—a will, that is, which was predestined by God, who from eternity predestined us to have such a desire.

Then, when Paul explains his precautions, he gives the reason for sending such distinguished messengers. First, he gives the reason, and second, he proves it (verse 21).

He says, therefore, that the reason for sending such distinguished messengers is so that you may know how important this matter is to us. Thus, he says, we are taking this precaution so that no one should blame us. This is to say, we want to avoid any accusation that could be made against us, whether for negligence (if we did not send distinguished messengers) or for fraud (if we did not send trustworthy men). But these men are energetic, prompt, and trustworthy, because they were appointed by the churches and chosen by the Holy Spirit. As Paul says, We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry (2 Corinthians 6:3). He says this concerning this "liberal gift," which refers either to the alms or to the converted Gentiles: As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10).

Then he proves his point, saying, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man (Romans 12:17). This means ensuring that their good works may be seen by others. He accomplishes this by providing for things carefully and by imitating good men: Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good (Romans 12:9).

Then, when Paul says, And with them we are sending our brother, he discusses the third messenger, whom the author identifies as Apollos, and he does two things concerning him. First, he commends him for his diligence. He says that this brother, Apollos, is one whom they have often tested and found earnest in many matters for the Corinthians' salvation, but who is now more earnest than ever. For as is clear from earlier, Apollos was the first one to preach to the Corinthians after the Apostle Paul: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth (1 Corinthians 3:6). However, being disturbed by their sin, he departed and set aside the care he previously had for them. But now, hearing of their repentance, he has become more diligent than ever for their salvation. As it is written, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3), and, the one who leads, with zeal (Romans 12:8).

Second, he reveals the reason for this renewed diligence: Apollos has great confidence in you because of the commendable things Titus has reported. Hence, Paul writes of his "great confidence in you." As for Titus, he is my partner. As for the brother in question (Apollos), he gladly went in fellowship with Titus and the other brother (Luke or Barnabas), and he was encouraged to do this by the apostles of the churches in Judea. Therefore, Paul says, "as for our brethren, they are messengers of the churches"—which the author takes to mean the churches of Judea that encouraged him to care for you. These messengers are "the glory of Christ"; that is, their work is for Christ's glory.

Finally, when Paul says, So give proof, he recommends these messengers to the Corinthians. He is saying: "Because I have sent such men to you, you must now give proof, before the churches, of your love and of our boasting about you to these men." In other words, show by your actions that you have love for them. Prove that Paul has commended you truthfully and was right to boast about you. This proof should be given "before the churches"—either the churches where Paul has been and preached, or in the sense that your actions toward these men will be made known to all the churches.