2 Corinthians 8:16
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.
But thanks be to God
This phrase begins with an expression of gratitude, a common theme in Paul's letters. The Greek word for "thanks" is "χάρις" (charis), which can also mean grace or favor. Paul acknowledges that any good work or intention originates from God’s grace. This sets a tone of humility and recognition of divine sovereignty, reminding believers that all good things, including the motivations of the heart, are gifts from God.

who put into the heart
The phrase "put into the heart" suggests a divine intervention or inspiration. The Greek word "ἐνδιδόναι" (endidonai) implies an active placing or implanting. This reflects the belief that God actively works within individuals to guide their desires and actions. In a historical context, this underscores the early Christian understanding of God’s intimate involvement in the lives of believers, shaping their inner motivations to align with His will.

of Titus
Titus was a trusted companion and fellow worker of Paul. His mention here highlights the importance of faithful leadership within the early church. Historically, Titus played a significant role in the organization and encouragement of the early Christian communities. His character and actions were a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, serving as a model for Christian leadership and dedication.

the same devotion
The Greek word for "devotion" is "σπουδή" (spoudē), which can also mean diligence or earnestness. This indicates a fervent commitment and eagerness. Paul is emphasizing that Titus shares the same level of commitment and concern for the Corinthians as he does. This shared devotion is a reflection of the unity and shared purpose that should characterize the body of Christ, as believers work together for the common good.

I have for you
Paul’s personal investment in the Corinthian church is evident here. His use of "I have" underscores a personal and ongoing commitment. This phrase reflects the pastoral heart of Paul, who deeply cared for the spiritual well-being of the communities he served. It serves as an example of the selfless love and dedication that Christian leaders are called to exhibit, mirroring the love of Christ for His church.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians. He is expressing gratitude for Titus's dedication.

2. Titus
A trusted companion of Paul, known for his commitment to the early Christian communities. He is the recipient of God's grace, which instills in him a devotion similar to Paul's.

3. Corinth
The city where the recipients of this letter reside. It was a major center of commerce and culture in ancient Greece, with a diverse population.

4. God
The divine source of inspiration and motivation, who instills devotion in the hearts of believers.

5. The Corinthian Church
The community of believers in Corinth, to whom Paul is writing. They are the beneficiaries of Titus's and Paul's devotion.
Teaching Points
Divine Inspiration
Recognize that true devotion and commitment to God's work are instilled by God Himself. We should seek His guidance and inspiration in our service.

Role Models in Faith
Titus serves as an example of how we can be devoted to the church and its mission. We should strive to emulate such dedication in our own lives.

Gratitude for Fellow Believers
Like Paul, we should express gratitude for those who work alongside us in ministry, acknowledging their contributions and the divine motivation behind them.

Unity in Purpose
The shared devotion between Paul and Titus highlights the importance of unity in the church's mission. We should work together harmoniously, driven by a common purpose.

Encouragement and Support
Encourage and support fellow believers in their ministries, recognizing that God places devotion in their hearts for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions
1. How can we discern when God is placing a specific devotion or calling in our hearts, similar to what He did with Titus?

2. In what ways can we express gratitude for the dedication of others in our church community, as Paul did for Titus?

3. How does understanding the role of divine inspiration in our devotion change the way we approach our service to God?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to foster unity and shared purpose within our church, following the example of Paul and Titus?

5. How can we encourage and support others in their ministry efforts, ensuring they feel appreciated and motivated by God's calling?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Philippians 2:13
This verse speaks about God working in believers to will and act according to His good purpose, similar to how God instilled devotion in Titus.

Romans 12:11
Encourages believers to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, which aligns with the devotion seen in Titus.

1 Corinthians 16:10-11
Discusses Timothy's work and dedication, paralleling Titus's commitment to the church.

Acts 15:40
Highlights the partnership between Paul and other leaders like Silas, similar to his relationship with Titus.
Expected Proof of Professed LoveC. H. Spurgeon.2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Prudential Management; Care to Avoid BlameC. Lipscomb 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Thanksgiving to God for Ministerial CareMatthew Henry.2 Corinthians 8:16-24
The Collection for the Poor Christians in JerusalemF. W. Robertson, M. A.2 Corinthians 8:16-24
The Double Standard of DutyHomiletic Monthly2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Twelve Causes of DishonestyH. W. Beecher.2 Corinthians 8:16-24
People
Corinthians, Paul, Titus
Places
Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia
Topics
Behalf, Care, Concern, Deep, Diligence, Diligent, Earnest, Earnestness, Gives, Heart, Inspires, Interest, Praise, Puts, Putteth, Putting, Thanks, Titus, Zeal
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Corinthians 8:16

     5781   affection

2 Corinthians 8:16-17

     5847   enthusiasm

2 Corinthians 8:16-21

     5325   gifts

2 Corinthians 8:16-22

     8370   zeal

Library
Willing and not Doing
'Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will so there may be a performance also.'--2 COR. viii. 11. The Revised Version reads: 'But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.' A collection of money for the almost pauper church at Jerusalem bulked very largely in the Apostle's mind at the date of the writing of the two letters to the Corinthian church. We learn that that church had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Rich yet Poor
'For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.'--2 COR. viii. 9. The Apostle has been speaking about a matter which, to us, seems very small, but to him was very great viz., a gathering of pecuniary help from the Gentile churches for the poor church in Jerusalem. Large issues, in his estimation, attended that exhibition of Christian unity, and, be it great or small, he applies the highest of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Giving and Asking
'Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2. How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4. Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5. And this they did, not as we hoped,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condescension of Christ
And now, dear friends, the argument of the apostle shall be our subject to-day. It divides itself in an extremely simple manner. We have first, the pristine condition of our Saviour--"He was rich." We have next, his condescension--"He became poor." And then we have the effect and result of his poverty--"That we might be made rich." We shall then close by giving you a doctrine, a question, and an exhortation. May God bless all these, and help us to tell them aright. I. First, then, our text tells
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The Faithful Steward
Systematic beneficence is capable of a twofold division. There is a general or universal system, binding indiscriminately and equally on all of every rank and condition; and a particular system adapted alone to the circumstances of each individual. The latter stands related to the former, as the edifice to the foundation on which it rests. This distinction must be kept clearly before mind, if we would have definite views of our obligations relative to this important subject. In the ensuing discussion,
Sereno D. Clark—The Faithful Steward

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Indeed in all Spiritual Delights, which Unmarried Women Enjoy...
27. Indeed in all spiritual delights, which unmarried women enjoy, their holy conversation ought also to be with caution; lest haply, though their life be not evil through haughtiness, their report be evil through negligence. Nor are they to be listened to, whether they be holy men or women, when (upon occasion of their neglect in some matter being blamed, through which it comes to pass that they fall into evil suspicion, from which they know that their life is far removed) they say that it is enough
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Epistle xxxi. To Theodorus, Physician.
To Theodorus, Physician. Gregory to Theodorus, Physician to the Emperor. I myself give thanks to Almighty God, that distance does not separate the hearts of those who truly love each other mutually. For lo, most sweet and glorious son, we are far apart in body, and yet are present with each other in charity. This your works, this your letters testify, this I experienced in you when present, this I recognize in your Glory when absent. May this make you both beloved of men and worthy for ever before
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Therefore Let the Rest of the Faithful, who have Lost virginity...
28. Therefore let the rest of the faithful, who have lost virginity, follow the Lamb, not whithersoever He shall have gone, but so far as ever they shall have been able. But they are able every where, save when He walks in the grace of virginity. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" [2081] imitate Him, Who, whereas "He was rich, was made poor for your sakes." [2082] "Blessed are the meek;" imitate Him, Who said, "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." [2083] "Blessed are they that mourn;" imitate
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Epistle xxviii. To Theodore, Physician.
To Theodore, Physician. Gregory to Theodore, Physician at Constantinople. My most beloved son the deacon Sabinianus [1709] , on his return to me, brought me no letter from your Glory; but he conveyed hither what had been sent for the poor and captives; whence I understood the reason. It was that you would not speak by letters to a man, having by a good deed made your address to Almighty God. For this same deed of yours has a voice of its own, which calls to the secret ears of God, as it is written,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Church of Christ. "It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is ruth."--1 John v. 6. We now proceed to discuss the work of the Holy Spirit wrought in the Church of Christ. Altho the Son of God has had a Church in the earth from the beginning, yet the Scripture distinguishes between its manifestation before and after Christ. As the acorn, planted in the ground, exists, altho it passes through the two periods of germinating and rooting, and of growing upward and forming trunk and
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God...
17. On account then of these either occupations of the servants of God, or bodily infirmities, which cannot be altogether wanting, not only doth the Apostle permit the needs of saints to be supplied by good believers, but also most wholesomely exhorteth. For, setting apart that power, which he saith himself had not used, which yet that the faithful must serve unto, he enjoins, saying, "Let him that is catechised in the word, communicate unto him that doth catechise him, in all good things:" [2531]
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

The Duty of Self-Denial.
"Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."--Psalm cxxxi. 2. Self-denial of some kind or other is involved, as is evident, in the very notion of renewal and holy obedience. To change our hearts is to learn to love things which we do not naturally love--to unlearn the love of this world; but this involves, of course, a thwarting of our natural wishes and tastes. To be righteous and obedient implies self-command; but to
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it Produces in Men's Affections, Resolutions, Labors, Enjoyments and Hopes.
2 Cor. v. 17. 2 Cor. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. AMONG the various subjects, which exercise the thoughts and tongues of men, few are more talked of than Religion. But it is melancholy to think how little it is understood; and how much it is mistaken and misrepresented in the world. The text before us gives us a very instructive view of it: such a view, that I am sure, an experimental knowledge of its sense would
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered?
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
"To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend; His Kingdom still increasing, A Kingdom without end." We have seen that our Lord described in His Parables the general character and nature of "The Kingdom of Heaven." Consequently, if the Church established by the Apostles under the guidance of the Holy Ghost is "The Kingdom of Heaven," it will necessarily be found to agree with the description thus given. Let us therefore now consider how far the history of the Church, in the Acts of the Apostles
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

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