Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor of Hanover Lutheran Church, Cape Girardeau, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.
Paul sends Titus back to Corinth with two unnamed brothers to faithfully collect the mercy offering for Jerusalem. In his earnest care for the church, Paul commends the workers and the Corinthians to faithfully collect this offering all for the glory of Christ. He reminds us of our need to do all things with good order and integrity so that His gifts may faithfully be given to those in need. “O LORD, help us to live holy lives in Your church and Your world so that You may be glorified through us. In Christ, Amen”
Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two LCMS pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.
Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.
2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Commendation of Titus
16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going[a] to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending[b] the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers[c] of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
Footnotes
- 2 Corinthians 8:17 Or he went
- 2 Corinthians 8:18 Or we sent; also verse 22
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 Greek apostles
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
