2 Corinthians 8:20-21 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

In these verses the apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them to collect their charity; and as it were, gives them letters credential, that, if they were enquired after (2 Cor. 8:23), if any should be inquisitive or suspicious concerning them, it might be known who they were and how safely they might be trusted. I. He commends Titus, 1. For his earnest care and great concern of heart for them, and desire in all things to promote their welfare. This is mentioned with thankfulness to... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

8:16-24 Thanks be to God who has put into the heart of Titus the same earnestness for you as there is in mine. His earnestness is proved by the fact that he not only welcomed my invitation, but that also, with characteristic earnestness, he is going to you of his own choice. Along with him we send the brother whose praise in the gospel is in all the Churches. Not only does he enjoy universal praise, but he has also been elected by the Churches to be our fellow-traveller in this act of charity... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:20

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us ,.... There is an allusion in these words to mariners, who, when sensible of danger, steer their course another way, in order to shun a rock and secure themselves. So the apostles being aware of the censorious spirits of some persons, and to prevent all suspicion of their converting any part of what they had collected to their own private use, sent Titus with it, a man of known probity and integrity; and he not by himself only, but another brother... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things ,.... Or premeditating, forecasting, or considering before hand in the mind, things that are good, that are of good report among men, as well as accounted good by God; for it becomes professors of religion, and especially ministers of the Gospel, to be careful not only to exercise a good conscience towards God; but so to behave, that they may obtain and preserve the good opinion of men; for when they have once lost their credit and reputation among men, their... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:20

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us - Taking this prudent caution to have witnesses of our conduct, and such as were chosen by the Churches themselves, that we might not be suspected of having either embezzled or misapplied their bounty, See the note on 1 Corinthians 16:4 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:21

Providing for honest things - Taking care to act so as not only to be clear in the sight of God, but also to be clear in the sight of all men; avoiding even the appearance of evil. I wish the reader to refer to the excellent note on 1 Corinthians 16:4 ; (note), which I have extracted from Dr. Paley. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:20

Verse 20 20.Avoiding this, (694) that no one Lest any one should think, that the Churches had an unfavorable opinion of Paul, as if it had been from distrusting his integrity that they had associated partners with him, as persons that are suspected are wont to have guards set over them, he declares that he had been the adviser of this measure, with the view of providing against calumnies. Here some one will ask, “Would any one have been so impudent, as to venture to defame with even the... read more

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