2Co 8:19-21 “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.”
Paul has instructed the church at Corinth concerning Titus’ deep concern for their welfare. He has told them that Titus is coming to them and he will have a companion who is recognized as an able minister among the churches. However, Paul does not name Titus’ companion. Perhaps Paul wished it to be a surprise for the brethren at Corinth, or maybe they already knew who it was.
Regardless of the reason, the focus was not on who this individual was. Instead, it was on his conduct concerning the calling in his life. Paul further encourages the saints at Corinth to receive this brother because it was the desire of the churches of Macedonia that this brother be a part of Paul’s company. They felt he would be a benefit in proclaiming the grace of God which Paul and his companions were sharing throughout Macedonia.
Again, their concern was not with enhancing this brother’s reputation or in how he might further enhance Paul’s reputation. They desired him to attend on this journey so that the glory of the Lord would abound. This brother was also a further witness to the desire of the Corinthian’s eagerness to assist in the ministry. He was also a witness to the truth of Paul’s intention to administer the grace of God with liberality.
Paul was apparently very concerned that no one should be able to accuse him or his companions of seeking self-aggrandizement. As ministers of the gospel, we need to be sure we are always going trusting in God. We should be willing to administer this grace to a congregation of five as we would be to fifty or five hundred. No man should ever be able to truthfully say of us that we have used the gospel as an occasion to the flesh.
Like Paul, we should always be striving to walk uprightly. While we always want to walk uprightly before God, we should also seek to walk uprightly before men. Should any accuse us of misusing the grace of God, we should live in such a way that this would always be a false accusation. We should always welcome the company and encouragement of brethren of a good report.
May God bless us to have the company of honest men guided by the Holy Spirit so that our labors together might abound unto the glory of the same Lord!
