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John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:21

Verse 21 21.Providing things honest I am of opinion, that there were not wanting, even among the Corinthians, some who would have proceeded so far as to revile, if occasion had been allowed them. Hence he wished them to know the state of matters, that he might shut the mouths of all everywhere. Accordingly he declares, that he is not merely concerned to have a good conscience in the sight of God, but also to have a good character among men. At the same time, there can be no doubt, that he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

These two chapters (8 and 9) form an independent section of the Epistle. The plural alone ("we") is used throughout; participial and unfinished constructions abound; the style is a little embarrassed; and various words, such as "grace," "blessing," "righteousness," "simplicity," occur in somewhat unusual shades of meaning. All this arises: 1 . From St. Paul's natural delicacy in alluding to pecuniary subjects. 2 . From a desire to conciliate the Corinthians, while at the same... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:19

Chosen . The word (literally, chosen by show of hands ) implies a popular vote. This brother Was not only widely known and valued, but also specially selected for this task. To travel with us. "As our fellow traveller." The word occurs in Acts 19:29 . With this grace. The better reading is "in:" "in this matter of kindness." To the glory of the same Lord. The word "same" should be omitted. And declaration of your ready mind . The best reading is "our," and the clause should be... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:20

Avoiding this. The object in sending Titus and the brother was to cut away the possibility of blame and suspicion. The word "avoiding" ( stellomenoi ) literally means "furling sail," and then "taking precautions." It may, however, mean "making this arrangement" (see 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ). Too much stress has been laid on St. Paul's "use of nautical terms" ( Acts 20:20 ; Galatians 2:12 , etc.). They belong, in fact, to the very phraseology of the Greek language. That no man should... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:21

Honest things. The word "honest" means "honourable" ( Romans 12:17 ; Proverbs 3:4 , LXX .). Not only in the sight of the Lord. Such precautions would be unnecessary if others were not concerned, for God knows our honesty ( 2 Corinthians 5:11 ). But also before men. Although the text "avoid all appearance of evil" should be rendered "avoid every species of evil," the mistranslation conveys a wise lesson. "In a field of melons," says the Chinese proverb. "do not stoop to tie your... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:19

And not that only - Not only is he esteemed on account of other services which he has rendered by his preaching and writings; but he has had a new mark of the confidence of the churches in being appointed to convey the collection to Jerusalem.Chosen of the churches - Chosen by the churches. Many concurred in the choice, showing that they had entire confidence in him. Paul had been unwilling to have charge of this contribution alone (1 Corinthians 16:3-4; compare 2 Corinthians 8:20), and he had... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:20

Avoiding this - That is, I intend to prevent any blame from being cast upon me in regard to the management of these funds. For this purpose Paul had refused to have the entire management of the funds (see 1 Corinthians 12:3-4), and had secured the appointment of one who had the entire confidence of all the churches.That no man should blame us - That no one should have any occasion to say that I had appropriated it to my own use or contrary to the will of the donors. Paul felt how dangerous it... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things - The expression used here occurs in Romans 12:17; see the note on that place. In that place, however, it refers to the manner in which we are to treat those who injure us; here it refers to the right way of using property; and it seems to have been a kind of maxim by which Paul regulated his life, a “vade mecum” that was applicable to everything. The sentiment is, that we are to see to it beforehand that all our conduct shall be comely or honest. The word rendered... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 8:16-22

2 Corinthians 8:16-22. But thanks be to God But while I speak of this collection which I am desirous of promoting, I would express my gratitude to God, who put the same earnest care Which I have; into the heart of Titus for you Namely, to promote this work among you. For he accepted the exhortation Complied with my desire to promote and perfect this work; being forward To undertake it; of his own accord Yea, before he was spoken to. And we I and Timothy; have sent with him the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

Arrangements for the collection (8:16-9:5)Titus is just as keen as Paul to see this collection completed successfully (16-17). He is travelling to Corinth with two other well known Christians. One of them has been chosen by several churches as their representative to join Paul and the other representatives who will later take the money to Jerusalem. The other is a proven friend of Paul’s who has the interests of the Corinthians at heart. The reason for sending three people is to ensure that no... read more

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