16 I thank God for giving Titus the same devoted concern for you that I have. 17 He was most considerate of how we felt, but his eagerness to go to you and help out with this relief offering is his own idea. 18 We're sending a companion along with him, someone very popular in the churches for his preaching of the Message. 19 But there's far more to him than popularity. He's rock-solid trustworthy. The churches handpicked him to go with us as we travel about doing this work of sharing God's gifts to honor God as well as we can, 20 taking every precaution against scandal. 21 We're being as careful in our reputation with the public as in our reputation with God. 22 That's why we're sending another trusted friend along. He's proved his dependability many times over, and carries on as energetically as the day he started. He's heard much about you, and liked what he's heard - so much so that he can't wait to get there. 23 I don't need to say anything further about Titus. We've been close associates in this work of serving you for a long time. The brothers who travel with him are delegates from churches, a real credit to Christ. 24 Show them what you're made of, the love I've been talking up in the churches. Let them see it for themselves!
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
(Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24)
The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions. It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite for usefulness. They brought glory to Christ as instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others have of us, should be an argument with us to do well.