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Context No. 4266 of 4322 · 2 Corinthians

Context · Reflection

2 Corinthians 8:16-24: in context

16But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord. 18We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known throughout all the assemblies. 19Not only so, but he was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our readiness. 20We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us. 21Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22We have sent with them our brother whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he has in you. 23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ. 24Therefore show the proof of your love to them before the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Paul is organizing a large financial gift from the churches for the poor believers in Jerusalem, and he takes great care over how the money is handled. He sends trusted, proven men to carry it, and he explains why: we are taking pains to do what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men, so that no one should blame us about this generous gift administered by us. He guards against even the appearance of impropriety.

What stands out is Paul's scrupulous integrity and transparency. He is handling a large sum entrusted to him, and he refuses to leave any room for suspicion. He arranges accountability, sends trustworthy witnesses, and takes deliberate steps to do what is honorable before people as well as before God. It is not enough that God knows he is honest; he wants his conduct to be visibly above reproach.

Integrity is not only about being honest before God, who sees the heart, but also about conducting ourselves in a way that is transparent and above reproach before others, avoiding even the appearance of wrongdoing. Paul took pains to be honorable in the sight of both God and people. To handle what is entrusted to us with such visible integrity honors God and protects our witness.

Do I handle what is entrusted to me, especially money and the trust of others, with the visible integrity Paul showed, taking pains to do what is honorable before people as well as before God, avoiding even the appearance of wrongdoing?

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