2 Corinthians 8:22-24 (WEL) We are sending our brother with them, whom we have tested many times in many things. Even now, our brother is very earnest because of his great confidence he has in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper for you. As for our brethren, they are the messengers of the congregations, a glory of Christ. 24 So prove it to them and the congregations, namely the proof of your love and our boasting on your behalf.
V22 We are sending our brother with them, whom we have tested many times in many things. Even now, our brother is very earnest because of his great confidence he has in you.
This brother is unknown. There are many guesses, but Scripture does not reveal who this is. Some conjecture that this is Luke, and that Luke and Titus are brothers.
Tested carries the idea of having difficulties and hardships yet remains faithful and true. There are two different Greek words for testing. One means testing to see if qualified as one needs in law or medical professions. The other is to find out if someone is faithful.
The Greek word G1381 δοκιμάζω dokimazō, which means (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains (Louw & Nida)) “to try to learn the genuineness of something by examination and testing, often through actual use – to test, to examine, to try to determine the genuineness of, testing.” See 1 Timothy 3:10.
The Greek word G3985 πειράζω peirazō, which means (Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament Based on Semantic Domains (Louw & Nida)) “to try to learn the nature or character of someone or something by submitting such to thorough and extensive testing – to test, to examine, to put to the test, examination, testing.” See Revelation 2:10.
This brother has confidence in the Corinthian believers, too, because he knows how they handled Paul’s exhortation to carry out church discipline.
V23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper for you. As for our brethren, they are the messengers of the congregations, a glory of Christ.
They have the same salvation, same Lord, same goals, and same mission, which they are laboring for the glory of God. Compare Ephesians 4:4-7. Faithful servants of Jesus Christ are glorifying Him. We glorify Jesus Christ when we are faithful servants. Compare Matthew 24:45, 1 Corinthians 4:2, and Daniel 6:4.
V24 So prove it to them and the congregations, namely, the proof of your love and our boasting on your behalf.
Love is not just a word; it is action. How we treat someone in public and in private will reveal our love or failure of love. Paul asks, “Do you love the brethren in Judea? You say so, now prove it by helping them.”
We learn:
- About faithfulness.
- About serving Jesus.
- About love in action.
Questions:
- Are you faithful?
- Whom do you serve?