December 1 Click on verses for Full Scripture

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Today's Pathway: II Corinthians 8:14-24 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

We concluded yesterday by looking at verse 14. Paul wrote that he expected there to be "equality" when churches or believers gave of their funds to assist their brothers and sisters in Christ. Now, in verse 15 Paul quotes Exodus 16:18. In that passage God was instructing the Jews concerning the gathering of the manna that He would send them in the wilderness. Those who gathered more than they needed found their manna spoiled the next day. Those who did not or could not gather enough had their needs met either by their fellow Jews or supernaturally by God Himself. Paul is using this situation to illustrate his principles of giving. Thomas Constable explains:

"Some of the Israelites gathered more manna and some gathered less for various reasons. Nevertheless they all had their needs met. God saw to that, though the Old Testament does not explain exactly how He did it. Now the Corinthians needed to see to it that what God had provided them in abundance reached those who did not have enough. As they did this, they would become God's agents in maintaining sufficiency for all. God has always wanted all His people to have enough and to share with their brethren who have less when they have more."

Paul spends the remainder of chapter 8 dealing with the actual collection of the offering. Up until now he has been speaking about the givers; now he speaks about those who will be carrying the funds. He first mentions that Titus will be going to Corinth to collect the offering. In verses 16-17 he commends him because God has given Titus the same concern for the Corinthians that Paul has. He also points out that Titus was very willing to undertake this responsibility and took the initiative in getting it done. Therefore, the Corinthians should trust Titus to handle their gift properly. Next, in verses 18-19 he mentions that Titus will have someone traveling with him. This person is not named, but he is apparently well known throughout the churches as a preacher of the Gospel. The churches also thought highly enough of him that they selected him to travel with Paul as he carried out this ministry of gathering the collection (Acts 11:30). According to verse 22, a third man was coming who also had served diligently with Paul in the past, and in whom Paul has great confidence. In verse 23 Paul writes that if anyone asks about who Titus or the other two men are, that they are to be told that Titus is a co-worker with Paul and the other two are messengers who have been sent out, not just by Paul, but by the churches, and who are faithfully bringing glory to the Lord. Therefore, the Corinthians should take care of these men when they arrive, and be willing and confident to send their relief contribution with them (verse 24).

Why does Paul spend so much time on the actual collecting of the funds? Because he doesn't want there to be any questions about who is getting the money and where the money is going. In verses 20-21 he writes that he wants to avoid having anyone question his personal integrity, and wants to guard against any criticism of how the funds are being handled. By not gathering the money himself, and by sending three well known men of integrity to collect the offering, he is making sure that neither God nor men can accuse him of being dishonest. Paul knew that it was necessary to take certain precautions lest others have an opportunity to accuse him of financial impropriety. A man's ministry rides on his personal integrity, and Paul does whatever he can to protect his testimony. This is a good lesson for us all.