1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know the grace that God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
2How that in the midst of great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty has overflowed into the riches of their generosity.
3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, of their own free will;
4Urgenly pleading with us for the privilege of sharing their gift for the service of the Lord’s saints.
5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord; and by the will of God, also to us
6So that we urged Titus that, just as he had begun, so he would also finish in you this same act of grace.
7Since you excel in everything - faith, speech, knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love toward us - see that you abound in this grace of giving, also.
8I say this not as a command, but occasioned by the earnestness of others, to prove the sincerity of your love.
9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you, through His poverty, might be made rich.
10And here is my advice, for it would be good for you, who have begun: Last year, you were the first, not only to do, but also in your desire to do so.
11Therefore, finish what you started; that just as there was an eagerness to start, it might be matched by your completion of it, according to what you have.
12For if there is first a willingness, it is accepted according to your means.
13For I do not desire that others are relieved while you are burdened,
14But that by your abundance at this time may be able to supply for their needs, so that their abundance in the future may also supply your needs; that there may be equality;
15As it is written, “He that had gathered much had no excess; and he that had gathered little had no lack” (Ex.16:18).
16But thanks be to God, Who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest concern for you.
17For Titus, being very diligent and enthusiastic, not only accepted but welcomed our request that he visit you again.
18And we have sent along with him the brother, whose praise is throughout all the churches, for his service to the gospel;
19And what is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we take this offering, which we administer to the glory of the Lord, Himself, and to show our eagerness to help.
20We want to avoid any criticism of the way in which we administer this generous gift,
21For we are taking pains to do what is honest and right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22And we have sent with them our brother, who has often proved diligent in many ways, but now even much more so, because of the great confidence which I have in you.
23If anyone asks about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; or if they inquire about any of our other brothers, they are the representatives and messengers of the churches, and in service of Christ.
24Therefore, show these men the proof of your love, and of our boasting about you, so that the churches can see it. Verses 18 & 19 beg the question: Who is this “brother, whose praise is throughout all the churches”? Bible expositors and others have speculated who Paul is referring to here. Most prominent in their conjecture is Luke, but other speculations include Mark, Silas, Barnabas, Apollos, or an actual brother of Titus. But as some of them have observed, it remains quite an open question - impossible to determine with certainty who it was; nor is it material to know. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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