MAY 1, 2022
AN EXHORTATION TO LIBERALITY (PART 2)
INTRODUCTION:
1. In the preceding passage the Apostle had used several compelling arguments in order to stir up the Corinthians to the good work of charity.
a) First, he cites their eminence in other gifts and graces. (Verse 7)
b) Second, he points them to the example of Christ Himself. (Verses 8, 9)
c) Third, he reminds them of their earlier purpose, and their good beginning. (Verses 10, 11)
d) Fourth, he would have them to consider how Providence had favored them with the ability to excel in this grace. (Verses 12-15)
2. In these verses, the Apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them to collect their charity. Titus would be returning accompanied by two other brethren.
a) The object of Titus’ first visit was to ascertain the state of the church and specially the effect of Paul’s former epistle.
b) The object of this mission was to bring to an end the collection for the poor which the Corinthians had so long under consideration.
I. THE COMMENDATION OF TITUS TO HEAD UP THIS MISSION. (VERSES 16, 17)
A. TITUS WAS THE RIGHT MAN TO LEAD THE EFFORT BECAUSE HE WAS OF THE SAME MIND AS PAUL IN THIS MATTER. (VERSE 16)
1. Titus had as much zeal in this thing as Paul, and therefore the Apostle thanks God, Who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care for you.
2. Titus shared the same interest in the spiritual welfare of the Corinthians, and had the same concern that they should act consistently, as the Apostle had so warmly solicited in the preceding verses.
B. TITUS WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE BECAUSE OF HIS READINESS TO PERFORM THIS SERVICE. (VERSE 17)
1. Notice, Paul uses the past tense, because the past tense would be suited to the position of the reader. “He went unto you…” Titus was indeed then the carrier of this letter.
2. Titus’ readiness to perform the duty at hand made the exhortation to go unnecessary. Although he obeyed the Apostle’s exhortation, he at the same time, of his own accord went.
3. This good man was forward to accept this responsibility, even though asking for charity is often looked upon as a thankless job. Titus was nevertheless zealous to do that which was needful.
II. THE COMMENDATION OF TWO OTHER BRETHREN WHO WERE SENT WITH TITUS.
(VERSES 18, 19, 22)
A. THE FIRST BROTHER TO BE COMMENDED WAS ONE WHO WAS WELL-KNOWN AMONG THE CHURCHES. (VERSES 18, 19)
1. It is needless to speculate as to who this brother was. Perhaps, as some suggest, it was Luke, or Mark, or Trophimus.
2. Whoever the man was, keep in mind, he was subordinate to Titus in this mission.
3. His reputation preceded him as one whose praise was in the Gospel throughout all the churches. (Vs. 18)
a) This brother distinguished himself by his zeal and labors and promoting of the Gospel.
b) Nothing so commends one to the church as zeal for the Gospel of Christ.
4. In addition to that high commendation, we have the following. (Verse 19)
a) He had been personally chosen by the churches (of Macedonia) to be a traveling companion of Paul in the effort of collecting alms for the poor.
b) Of this effort Paul himself was the administrator. “…which is ministered by us…” The administration of this gift was for the glory of the Lord, and to prove the readiness of the churches in their giving.
c) This brother had been observed by the Apostle, and found to be worthy of this commission.
B. THE SECOND BROTHER TO BE COMMENDED HAD PROVED HIMSELF WORTHY IN THE EYES OF PAUL. (VERSE 22)
1. We have no way of knowing who this man was. We only know that Paul had found him to be diligent (earnest) in many things. It is thus implied that in nothing was he found not to be diligent.
2. Some think this was Apollos, but for what reason we know not. Surely, since Apollos was well-known to the Corinthians, Paul would have given his name, if that were the case.
3. Most likely this man was not known to the Corinthians, nevertheless his diligence was increased the more because of his confidence in how the Corinthians would respond.
III. THE PRUDENCE OF PAUL IN SELECTING AND SENDING THESE MEN ON THIS MISSION. (VERSES 20, 21)
A. BY SENDING THESE TWO CHOSEN BRETHREN WITH TITUS, PAUL WOULD AVOID MISREPRESENTATION OF HIMSELF. (VERSE 20)
1. They would not only a company Titus, but also take part in the distribution.
2. Paul was determined that no one should find anything for which to accuse him in regard to his administration of this large sum of money.
B. IT WAS IMPORTANT TO PAUL TO REMAIN ABOVE SUSPICION, NOT ONLY BEFORE THE LORD, BUT BEFORE THE EYES OF MEN AS WELL. (VERSE 21)
1. Some will say, God knows my heart, so it does not matter what men may think or say.
2. It does matter what men may think and say. Not only are we to “walk honestly toward them that are without,” (I Thess. 4:12; Rom. 13:13; I Pet. 2:12) but we are to avoid even the appearance of evil,
(I Thess. 5:22) and let not our good be evil spoken of. (Rom. 14:16)
3. We cannot absolutely prevent wicked men from speaking evil of us, nor can we prevent them from misrepresenting us in the good that we do. However, like Paul, we can and must take precautions so as not to give them the opportunity.
IV. PAUL CONCLUDES WITH A GENERAL SUMMARY COMMENDATION FOLLOWED BY AN APPEAL TO THE CHURCH. (VERSES 23, 24)
A. FIRST, THE GENERAL SUMMARY COMMENDATION. (VERSE 23)
1. As for Titus, should any inquire, Paul says, “he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you.”
a) Partner. Associate; one who has part with me and a common ministry.
b) Fellow-helper. Fellow-laborer; one who works side-by-side, shoulder to shoulder with me in the work of the ministry, and especially as it concerns you.
2. As to our brethren, should any inquire, Paul says, “they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.”
a) Messengers (apostoloi) sent ones. They were not apostles in the official sense, like Paul, but as Epaphroditus was called an Apostle. (Phil. 2:25)
b) Messengers of the churches. This was an important calling. They were chosen and sent by the churches, just as missionaries are sent ones of the church.
c) Messengers of…the glory of Christ. “As Christ alone is the glory of believers, so is he glorified in them. They by their holiness and witness lead men to see the excellence of Christ, whose image they bear.” (Calvin)
B. AN APPEAL TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH TO RECEIVE THEM, AND OPEN THEIR HEARTS TO THEM. (VERSE 24)
1. The Apostle exhorts the Corinthians to prove to these messengers so worthy of their confidence, their love.
2. He would have them to prove the truth of the favorable testimony which he had borne to their liberality.
3. This they would do “before the churches,” that is, so the churches which had sent these men may see the proof of their love.
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