Partner and Fellow-helper 2 Corinthians 8:23

Paul the apostle shared how he and his companions, “have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you”, and in chapter eight and verse twenty-three of Second Corinthians, Paul tells the Corinthian church members how, “he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you” where we read:

Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

The verse begins, “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: ...” Paul began with the word, “whether” which means “if” “any do inquire of” which means “any person on behalf of or for the sake of” “Titus” whose name means “nurse” and was “a Gentile Christian and Paul's companion in some of his journeys”, “he is my partner” or “Titus is Paul's associate, comrade, companion and sharer” “and fellow-helper” which refers to “a companion in work and co-worker or work-fellow” “concerning you” or “towards and to the church members”. Paul answered questions from the church members about “Titus” as he recognized him as an “associate and fellow-worker” with him.

The verse continues, “... or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” Paul added the words, “or our brethren” which refers to “Paul and his companions' fellow believers who are united to another by the bond of affection” “be inquired of they are the messengers” which is all one Greek word “apostolos” and means “delegate, messenger and one sent forth with orders” “of the churches” which refers to “the company of Christians or of those who are hoping for eternal salvation through Jesus Christ and observe their own religious rites, hold their own religious meetings, and manage their own affairs according to regulations prescribed for the body for order's sake” “and the glory” or “and the opinion, judgment, view, opinion, estimate, splendor and brightness” “of Christ” which refers to “the anointed One, the Messiah and the Son of God”. Paul confirmed that the other fellow believers with him were as “delegates and messengers” as well as the “splendor and brightness” of Jesus.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how there were questions concerning “Titus” and the “brethren” with whom he traveled. The church members in Corinth needed validity concerning these men, and Paul confirmed their positions and work ethics. It is not unusual for church members to be untrusting of those whom they do not know, and questions often arise. However, when someone trusted vouches on their behalf, trust is more easily gained. Jesus Christ has many “partners and fellow-workers” in His kingdom, and when they serve in “the glory of Christ”, they not only will be “trusted” but also used greatly by the Lord.

Next time we finish this chapter as Paul instructs the church members to, “show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then,

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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