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class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />avoiding this, lest anyone should blame us in this abundance being administered by us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/2_corinthians/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/2_corinthians/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/2_corinthians/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />taking precaution that no one should discredit us in our administration of this generous gift;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />taking precaution lest anyone discredits us in our ministering of this generous gift,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/2_corinthians/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />We are taking precaution so that no one will [find anything with which to] discredit us in our administration of this generous gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We are taking this precaution so that no one will criticize us about this large sum that we are administering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />We are taking this precaution so no one can criticize us about this large sum administered by us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/2_corinthians/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/2_corinthians/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We don't want anyone to find fault with the way we handle your generous gift. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/2_corinthians/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/2_corinthians/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We don't want anyone to find fault with the way we are administering this generous gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We are being careful not to stir up any complaints about the way we handle this generous gift. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/2_corinthians/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />We are trying to avoid any criticism of the way we are administering this great undertaking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/2_corinthians/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />We are avoiding this, that no one should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/2_corinthians/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/2_corinthians/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />avoiding this, lest anyone may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />avoiding this, lest anyone should blame us in this abundance being administered by us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/2_corinthians/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Prepared for this, lest any blame us in this abundance served by us:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Avoiding this, lest any man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/2_corinthians/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So let us avoid this, lest anyone disparage us over the abundance that is ministered by us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/2_corinthians/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />This we desire to avoid, that anyone blame us about this lavish gift administered by us,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/2_corinthians/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/2_corinthians/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But we are careful in this, lest any one should blame us in connection with this generous help which is administered by us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/2_corinthians/8.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But we fear in this lest anyone impute to us a flaw in this abundance that is ministered by us.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/2_corinthians/8.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />being careful for this?that no one shall blame us in this abundance, which is ministered by us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />and avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this benefaction administered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/2_corinthians/8.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Avoiding this, that no man should lay any blame to us in this abundance which is administered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/2_corinthians/8.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />this I did, to prevent any suspicion that might be rais'd from my having the management of so great a sum:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/2_corinthians/8.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/2_corinthians/8.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />avoiding this, that no one should blame us in <i>the matter of</i> this bounty which is ministered by us;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/2_corinthians/8.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><i>hereby</i> taking care that no one might blame us in <i>the disposal of</i> this large sum which is administered by us:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ddheG4hMg28?start=1485" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/2_corinthians/8.htm">Titus Commended</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">19</span>More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the offering—the gracious gift we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/4724.htm" title="4724: stellomenoi (V-PPM-NMP) -- Probably strengthened from the base of histemi; properly, to set fast, i.e. to repress.">We hope to avoid</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">any</a> <a href="/greek/3469.htm" title="3469: mōmēsētai (V-ASM-3S) -- To blame, find fault with, slander. From momos; to carp at, i.e. Censure.">criticism</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">of</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hyph’ (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">the way</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/1247.htm" title="1247: diakonoumenē (V-PPM/P-DFS) -- From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.">administer</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: tautē (DPro-DFS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tē (Art-DFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/100.htm" title="100: hadrotēti (N-DFS) -- Lavishness, lavish generosity, abundance, bounty. From hadros; plumpness, i.e. liberality.">generous gift.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">21</span>For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm">2 Corinthians 8:21</a></span><br />For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17</a></span><br />Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a></span><br />Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a></span><br />Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-22.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:22</a></span><br />Abstain from every form of evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-3.htm">1 Corinthians 16:3-4</a></span><br />Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem. / And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Acts 24:16</a></span><br />In this hope, I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/3-4.htm">Proverbs 3:4</a></span><br />Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-1.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a></span><br />A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-7.htm">1 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />Furthermore, he must have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the snare of the devil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a></span><br />In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-32.htm">1 Corinthians 10:32</a></span><br />Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Romans 14:16</a></span><br />Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-16.htm">1 Peter 3:16</a></span><br />keeping a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-3.htm">1 Samuel 12:3-5</a></span><br />Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.” / “You have not cheated us or oppressed us,” they replied, “nor have you taken anything from the hand of man.” / Samuel said to them, “The LORD is a witness against you, and His anointed is a witness today, that you have not found anything in my hand.” “He is a witness,” they replied.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:</p><p class="hdg">that.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">2 Corinthians 11:12</a></b></br> But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></b></br> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Romans 14:16</a></b></br> Let not then your good be evil spoken of:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/8-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Administer</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Administered</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">Administering</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-14.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-23.htm">Avoiding</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-3.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/11-17.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-2.htm">Contributions</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">Discredit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Generous</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/acts/22-28.htm">Large</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Precaution</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-9.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/5-1.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-15.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Abundance</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-1.htm">Administer</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Administered</a> <a href="/1_kings/3-11.htm">Administering</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Administration</a> <a href="/galatians/6-12.htm">Avoid</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-20.htm">Avoiding</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-4.htm">Blame</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-7.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-13.htm">Contributions</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-13.htm">Discredit</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-5.htm">Generous</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-5.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/philippians/1-13.htm">Guard</a> <a href="/galatians/6-11.htm">Large</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-3.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/galatians/2-17.htm">Mean</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Ministered</a> <a href="/philippians/3-1.htm">Precaution</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-3.htm">Respect</a> <a href="/galatians/2-18.htm">Thrown</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-12.htm">Want</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-8.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">2 Corinthians 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-1.htm">He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-7.htm">by commendation of their former forwardness;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">by the example of Christ;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-16.htm">commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/2_corinthians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/2_corinthians/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>We want to avoid any criticism</b><br>Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in handling financial matters. In the early church, there was a strong emphasis on accountability to prevent any accusations of mismanagement or dishonesty. This reflects the biblical principle found in <a href="/proverbs/22.htm">Proverbs 22:1</a>, which values a good name over riches. The apostle's concern for avoiding criticism aligns with the broader scriptural mandate for leaders to be above reproach (<a href="/1_timothy/3-2.htm">1 Timothy 3:2</a>).<p><b>of the way we administer</b><br>The administration of funds in the early church was a significant responsibility, often involving multiple people to ensure fairness and accountability. This practice is seen in <a href="/acts/6.htm">Acts 6:1-6</a>, where the apostles appointed deacons to manage the distribution of food to widows. The Greek word for "administer" here implies careful stewardship and management, highlighting the need for diligence and integrity in handling church resources.<p><b>this generous gift.</b><br>The "generous gift" refers to the collection being taken up for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This act of giving is a tangible expression of the unity and love within the body of Christ, as seen in <a href="/romans/15-26.htm">Romans 15:26-27</a>. The generosity of the Macedonian churches, mentioned earlier in <a href="/2_corinthians/8.htm">2 Corinthians 8:1-5</a>, serves as an example of sacrificial giving. This collection also fulfills the prophecy of Gentiles bringing gifts to Jerusalem, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/60-5.htm">Isaiah 60:5-7</a>, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>- The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, emphasizing integrity and transparency in handling the collection for the Jerusalem church.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/titus.htm">Titus</a></b><br>- A trusted companion of Paul, involved in the administration of the collection, demonstrating accountability.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_corinthian_church.htm">The Corinthian Church</a></b><br>- The recipients of the letter, encouraged to participate in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jerusalem_church.htm">The Jerusalem Church</a></b><br>- The intended beneficiaries of the collection, experiencing poverty and in need of support.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_collection.htm">The Collection</a></b><br>- A financial gift being gathered from various churches to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/i/integrity_in_stewardship.htm">Integrity in Stewardship</a></b><br>Paul emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in handling financial matters. As Christians, we are called to manage resources with integrity, ensuring that our actions are above reproach.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_support_within_the_body_of_christ.htm">Unity and Support within the Body of Christ</a></b><br>The collection for the Jerusalem church illustrates the interconnectedness of believers. We are encouraged to support one another, recognizing that we are part of a larger family in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_criticism_through_accountability.htm">Avoiding Criticism through Accountability</a></b><br>By involving trusted individuals like Titus, Paul demonstrates the value of accountability. In our own lives, we should seek to involve others in our decision-making processes to maintain integrity and avoid criticism.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/generosity_as_a_reflection_of_god's_grace.htm">Generosity as a Reflection of God's Grace</a></b><br>The act of giving is not just a financial transaction but a reflection of God's grace working in us. Our generosity should be motivated by love and a desire to glorify God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/planning_and_order_in_giving.htm">Planning and Order in Giving</a></b><br>Paul’s instructions highlight the importance of planning and order in our giving. We should be intentional and thoughtful in how we allocate our resources for God's work.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_2_corinthians_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_verify_paul's_collection_delivery.htm">How can we verify, historically or archaeologically, that the collection Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 8 was actually delivered to, and used by, the intended recipients in Jerusalem?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_gift_of_healing.htm">What is the Gift of Healing?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_will_god's_acts_change_the_world.htm">How will God's salvation and judgment transform the world?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_benevolence_fund.htm">What is a benevolence fund?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/2_corinthians/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(20) <span class= "bld">Avoiding this, that no man should blame us.</span>--He gives this as the reason why he wished men thus appointed to travel with him. He desired to guard against the suspicion of those who were too ready to suspect. His companions were to bear witness that the sums which he took up with him from the several churches were what had actually been collected. They were to be, practically, auditors of his accounts. (See Note on <a href="/acts/20-4.htm" title="And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.">Acts 20:4</a>.) He dwells again, later on in the Epistle (<a href="/context/2_corinthians/12-18.htm" title="I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?">2Corinthians 12:18-19</a>), on the same measure of precaution.<p><span class= "bld">This abundance.</span>--The word, which primarily signifies "succulence," or juiciness, as used of plants and fruits, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It has rather the look of belonging to St. Luke's medical vocabulary, and is, indeed, used by Hippocrates (<span class= "ital">De Gen,</span> p. 28) of the full habit of body of a youth attaining puberty.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/2_corinthians/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Avoiding this.</span> The object in sending Titus and the brother was to cut away the possibility of blame and suspicion. The word "avoiding" (<span class="accented">stellomenoi</span>) literally means "furling sail," and then "taking precautions." It may, however, mean "making this arrangement" (see <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-6.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:6</a>). Too much stress has been laid on St. Paul's "use of nautical terms" (<a href="/acts/20-20.htm">Acts 20:20</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Galatians 2:12</a>, etc.). They belong, in fact, to the very phraseology of the Greek language. <span class="cmt_word">That no man should blame us</span> (see <a href="/2_corinthians/6-3.htm">2 Corinthians 6:3</a>). St. Paul here sets a valuable and necessary example to all Christians who are entrusted with the management of charitable funds. It is their duty to take every step which may place them above the possibility of of suspicion. Their management of the sums entrusted to them should be obviously and transparently business-like and honourable. St. Paul taught this behaviour both by example and by precept (<a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17</a>; <a href="/philippians/4-8.htm">Philippians 4:8</a>). There is such a thing as a foolish and reprehensible indifference to public opinion (<a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">1 Peter 2:12</a>). Yet with all his noble carefulness, St. Paul did not escape this very slander (<a href="/2_corinthians/12-18.htm">2 Corinthians 12:18</a>). <span class="cmt_word">In this abundance.</span> The word, which occurs here only, means literally "succulence," but in the LXX. the adjective means "rich" (<a href="/1_kings/1-9.htm">1 Kings 1:9</a>). It here implies that the sum which had been collected by St. Paul's exertion was a large one. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">We [hope to] avoid</span><br /><span class="grk">στελλόμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(stellomenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4724.htm">Strong's 4724: </a> </span><span class="str2">Probably strengthened from the base of histemi; properly, to set fast, i.e. to repress.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">any</span><br /><span class="grk">τις</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">criticism</span><br /><span class="grk">μωμήσηται</span> <span class="translit">(mōmēsētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3469.htm">Strong's 3469: </a> </span><span class="str2">To blame, find fault with, slander. From momos; to carp at, i.e. Censure.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the way]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑφ’</span> <span class="translit">(hyph’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡμῶν</span> <span class="translit">(hēmōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> </span><span class="str2">I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">administer</span><br /><span class="grk">διακονουμένῃ</span> <span class="translit">(diakonoumenē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1247.htm">Strong's 1247: </a> </span><span class="str2">From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">this</span><br /><span class="grk">ταύτῃ</span> <span class="translit">(tautē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> </span><span class="str2">This; he, she, it. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">generous [ gift ].</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁδρότητι</span> <span class="translit">(hadrotēti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_100.htm">Strong's 100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lavishness, lavish generosity, abundance, bounty. From hadros; plumpness, i.e. liberality.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">2 Corinthians 8:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/2_corinthians/8-20.htm">NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:20 We are avoiding this that any man (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="2 Corinthians 8:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 8:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="2 Corinthians 8:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="2 Corinthians 8:21" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>