Delegation and Preparation for the Relief Collection
2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5
2Cor.8.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Χαρις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- δε: CONJ
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- διδοντι: VERB,pres,act,part,dat,sg,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- σπουδην: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- καρδια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- Τιτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:17 (structural): Immediate continuation: explains Titus’ eagerness and initiative in serving the Corinthians, paralleling the statement that God put that same care into his heart.
- 2 Corinthians 8:23 (structural): Returns to Titus’ role and reputation—Paul calls him a partner and commends the messengers—confirming the trustworthy, God-given care mentioned in v.16.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (thematic): Earlier account of Titus’ visit: God comforted Paul through Titus and revealed Titus’ genuine concern for the Corinthians—same theme of God producing heartfelt care in a minister.
- Philippians 2:20-21 (thematic): Paul praises Timothy for having the same mind and genuine concern for the believers—a parallel idea of God‑given, like‑minded care for the church.
Alternative generated candidates
- But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
- But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest concern into the heart of Titus for you.
2Cor.8.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οτι: CONJ
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- μεν: PART
- παρακλησιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- εδεξατο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- σπουδαιοτερος: ADJ,comp,nom,sg,m
- δε: CONJ
- υπαρχων: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,sg,m
- αυθαιρετος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- εξηλθεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (structural): Same episode and close context: Paul speaks of Titus's visit which brought comfort and confirmed the Corinthians' repentance—both verses describe Titus's willing coming to them and the encouraging effect of his visit.
- 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 (thematic): Paul praises Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus for devoting themselves to service and for refreshing his spirit—parallel theme of individuals who voluntarily undertake ministry journeys and refresh Paul.
- Acts 11:29-30 (thematic): The disciples decide, each according to ability, to send relief to the brethren—a communal, voluntary response to an exhortation, echoing the idea of willingly accepting an appeal and acting.
- 2 Corinthians 9:7 (thematic): Paul emphasizes that gifts must be given willingly, not under compulsion—connects conceptually with 8:17's emphasis on acting 'of his own accord' rather than from compulsion.
- Acts 16:9-10 (thematic): Paul and companions immediately set out in response to a divine call to go into Macedonia—another example of prompt, voluntary movement in response to a summons, similar to the eagerness described in 8:17.
Alternative generated candidates
- For he not only accepted our appeal, but, being himself very earnest, he went to you of his own accord.
- For he not only accepted the charge, but being more earnest, he went of his own accord, and with zeal he set out to you.
2Cor.8.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- συνεπεμψαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- μετ᾽αυτου: PREP+PRON,gen,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ου: PART,neg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- επαινος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ευαγγελιω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- δια: PREP
- πασων: ADJ,gen,pl,f
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εκκλησιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:22 (verbal): Same context and near-identical wording in the same chapter—Paul mentions sending “another brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches,” repeating the description of a commended envoy.
- Philippians 2:25-30 (thematic): Paul explains sending Epaphroditus to the Philippians, calls him a brother and fellow worker, and commends his faithful service and risk—parallel in sending and praising a trusted messenger on behalf of the churches.
- Romans 16:1-2 (thematic): Paul commends Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, and asks the Roman believers to receive her; parallels the practice of recommending and honoring individuals sent between churches.
- Acts 15:22 (structural): The Jerusalem council appoints and sends Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch—an example of church leaders sending authorized envoys to other congregations, analogous to Paul’s sent brother.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (thematic): Paul urges the Thessalonians to esteem and recognize those who labor among them—echoes the honor and commendation given to a brother “praised in the gospel” for his ministry.
Alternative generated candidates
- With him we are sending the brother whose praise in the gospel has gone out through all the churches.
- We have sent with him the brother whose praise in the gospel has spread through all the churches;
2Cor.8.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- χειροτονηθεις: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,m,sg
- υπο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εκκλησιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- συνεκδημος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- συν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- χαριτι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ταυτη: PRO,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διακονουμενη: VERB,pres,pass,part,dat,f,sg
- υφ᾽ημων: PREP
- προς: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- προθυμιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:22 (verbal): Same pericope—speaks of the brother sent with Paul who is commended/approved by the churches; parallels the language about being chosen/esteemed by the churches to accompany the collection.
- 1 Corinthians 16:3-4 (verbal): Paul instructs that approved men be sent with letters to carry the collection to Jerusalem—parallels the practice of delegate(s) chosen by the churches to accompany and deliver the gift.
- Acts 11:29-30 (thematic): Local churches decide to send relief to the brethren in Judea and send delegates (Barnabas and Saul); parallels the communal collection and appointment of messengers to carry aid.
- Romans 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul’s planned trip to Jerusalem to minister and to carry the contribution from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor in Jerusalem—parallels the purpose of the collection and its being carried to benefit fellow believers, for the glory of the Lord.
Alternative generated candidates
- And not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in carrying this gift, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord and to show our readiness.
- and not only that, but he was appointed by the churches to travel with us in regard to this generous service to the saints, which we administer, to honor the Lord and to show our readiness.
2Cor.8.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- στελλομενοι: VERB,pres,mp,ptc,nom,pl,m
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- μη: PART
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- μωμησηται: VERB,pres,mp,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αδροτητι: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ταυτη: PRO,dat,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- διακονουμενη: VERB,pres,mp,ptc,dat,sg,f
- υφ᾽ημων: PREP
Parallels
- 2 Cor 8:21 (structural): Immediate continuation — explicitly states the aim to do what is right ‘in the sight of the Lord and also in the sight of men,’ echoing the concern to avoid criticism in administering the collection.
- 2 Cor 8:19 (structural): Contextual parallel within the same passage — explains the selection of a respected brother to accompany them so that the collection will be beyond reproach.
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul’s statement about taking pains to have a clear conscience before God and men parallels the same concern to avoid blame in ministry conduct.
- 1 Cor 4:2-5 (thematic): Speaks of stewardship and being found faithful (and God’s ultimate judgment), relating to responsible administration of the church’s resources and concern about human judgment.
Alternative generated candidates
- We take pains to avoid any criticism in the administration of this trust, so that no one may find fault with us.
- We take pains to avoid any criticism in the handling of this generous gift, so that no one may blame us about the way we administer it.
2Cor.8.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- προνοουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- γαρ: PART
- καλα: ADV
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- ενωπιον: PREP
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- ενωπιον: PREP
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 24:16 (verbal): Paul states a nearly identical principle—he strives to maintain a clear conscience before God and man, reflecting the same concern for honorable conduct in both spheres.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10 (verbal): Paul appeals to the Thessalonians as witnesses and God as witness of his blameless behavior, echoing the dual accountability to both God and human observers.
- Matthew 5:16 (thematic): Jesus urges believers to let their good works be seen by people so that God is glorified, linking public conduct with divine honor and human witness.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Paul contrasts seeking the approval of men with seeking the approval of God, raising the same issue of how one’s actions relate to both audiences.
- Titus 2:7 (structural): Paul instructs Titus to be a model of good works in all things, emphasizing visible, honorable conduct that commends the faith to others—similar concern for reputation before people and God.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we aim at what is honorable, not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of men.
- For we aim to do what is honorable not only before the Lord but also before men.
2Cor.8.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- συνεπεμψαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- δε: CONJ
- αυτοις: PRO,dat,pl,3
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- ον: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- εδοκιμασαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- πολλοις: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- πολλακις: ADV
- σπουδαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- οντα: PART,pres,act,acc,sg,m
- νυνι: ADV
- δε: CONJ
- πολυ: ADV
- σπουδαιοτερον: ADJ,comp,acc,sg,m
- πεποιθησει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- πολλη: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Cor 8:18-21 (structural): Immediate context: Paul explains sending trustworthy men (including Titus) to avoid any charge of dishonesty and to prove their earnestness — same theme of a 'proved' and 'diligent' brother sent with the relief.
- 2 Cor 8:23 (structural): Follows verse 22 and names Titus and 'the brother' as partners in the service and as examples of Paul’s confidence in their integrity toward the Corinthians.
- Phil 2:19-23 (verbal): Paul describes sending Timothy (and his proven character) to the Philippians; uses similar language about proven faithfulness and sending a trusted companion to care for the church.
- Acts 15:22 (thematic): Jerusalem council sends Judas (Barsabbas) and Silas as trusted delegates to deliver a decision — parallels the practice of commissioning reliable brothers to represent the church and convey important matters.
- 1 Thess 3:2 (thematic): Paul and Timothy send a trusted emissary to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonian believers — parallels the motive and function of sending proven brothers to care for churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- With them we are sending the brother also, whom we have often tested and who is beloved by all the churches.
- And with them we have sent the brother who has often proved faithful and who is a comfort to me personally.
2Cor.8.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ειτε: CONJ
- υπερ: PREP
- Τιτου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- κοινωνος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- εμος: ADJ,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- συνεργος·ειτε: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- αποστολοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εκκλησιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- Galatians 2:1-3 (thematic): Titus appears with Paul in Galatians as a companion in ministry; parallels 2 Cor 8:23's identification of Titus as Paul's partner and fellow-worker.
- 1 Corinthians 3:9 (verbal): Paul calls himself and others 'God's fellow-workers' (συνεργοί), echoing the term συνεργος used of Titus in 2 Cor 8:23.
- Philippians 4:3 (verbal): Paul addresses a colleague as 'my fellow-worker' (συνεργός), a similar designation for close ministry associates as in 2 Cor 8:23.
- Acts 15:22 (thematic): The Jerusalem council’s choice and sending of delegates (Judas and Silas) parallels 2 Cor 8:23's reference to 'our brothers, the messengers of the churches'—church-appointed envoys.
- 2 Corinthians 8:19 (structural): Immediate context in the same chapter: earlier verses describe the brother chosen by the churches and the role of messengers, directly connected to v.23's mention of the churches' envoys and the honor they bring to Christ.
Alternative generated candidates
- If anyone has any complaint against Titus, I am the one who will defend him. For he is my partner and fellow worker for you; as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
- Give to such people due respect in the Lord, and hold them in affectionate esteem because of their work.
2Cor.8.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- ουν: CONJ
- ενδειξιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- αγαπης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- καυχησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εις: PREP
- αυτους: PRON,acc,pl,m
- ενδεικνυμενοι: PART,pres,mp,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- προσωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εκκλησιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (verbal): Immediate context describing the Macedonian churches' generous example of giving—this background is what Paul says has been made known and shown as proof of the Corinthians' love.
- 2 Corinthians 9:11-13 (thematic): Paul links sacrificial giving to thanksgiving, praise, and the testimony of churches; echoes the idea that generosity brings public recognition and glory among the churches.
- Romans 15:26-27 (thematic): Paul speaks of Gentile churches' contribution to the Jerusalem saints and frames it as a service/obligation shared among churches, similar to the inter‑church testimony of love and support.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:8 (allusion): Speaks of the Thessalonians' faith being known everywhere—parallels the motif of a church's reputation/testimony being publicly recognized among other churches.
Alternative generated candidates
- So show them, in every respect, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
- Show them the proof of your love, and let there be harmony among you.
2Cor.9.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Περι: PREP
- μεν: PART
- γαρ: PART
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- διακονιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αγιους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- περισσον: ADJ,nom,sg,neut
- μοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- γραφειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (structural): Immediate context: the same section on the collection/‘ministry’ for the saints—Paul recounts the Macedonian example and the purpose for his appeal.
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (thematic): Practical instructions for a church collection for the saints in Jerusalem—parallels Paul’s concern with organizing and securing gifts for believers in need.
- Romans 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul describes carrying a contribution to Jerusalem for the poor among the saints, reflecting the same missionary/relief purpose behind the Corinthians’ collection.
- Galatians 2:10 (thematic): The apostles’ injunction to ‘remember the poor’ provides the motive and apostolic precedent for collecting aid for the saints.
- Acts 11:29-30 (allusion): An early church precedent: Gentile believers send relief to Judea, illustrating the wider practice of churches supporting ‘the saints’ in need.
Alternative generated candidates
- Now concerning the collection for the saints: I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the service I have been arranging.
- Now I do not write to put you to shame, for I am planning to test the earnestness of you, or rather, to encourage your readiness.
2Cor.9.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- οιδα: VERB,perf,act,ind,1,sg
- γαρ: PART
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- προθυμιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ην: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,sg
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- καυχωμαι: VERB,pres,mid/dep,ind,1,sg
- Μακεδοσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- οτι: CONJ
- Αχαια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- παρεσκευασται: VERB,pf,mid/pass,ind,3,sg
- απο: PREP
- περυσι: ADV
- και: CONJ
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ζηλος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ηρεθισε: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- πλειονας: ADJ,acc,pl,m
Parallels
- 2 Cor 8:1-6 (thematic): Same section on generosity: Paul cites the Macedonian example and the liberality of the churches to encourage Achaia’s readiness—shared theme of poverty, abundance of joy, and generosity.
- 2 Cor 8:10-11 (verbal): Directly parallels the idea that Achaia was prepared previously ('from last year') and urges completion of what was begun—similar wording and practical exhortation about readiness.
- 1 Cor 16:1-4 (structural): Gives instructions for a collection to be made among the churches—parallels the organizational aspect of gathering funds and Paul’s concern that the contribution be ready.
- Rom 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul’s collection for the poor in Jerusalem: mentions cooperation among Gentile churches (Achaia, Macedonia) in providing relief—same network and purpose behind the solicited gift.
- Acts 11:27-30 (thematic): Earliest example of churches collecting relief for fellow believers (relief sent to Judea after famine)—illustrates precedent for interchurch aid and mutual stirring up of generosity.
Alternative generated candidates
- For I know your readiness; I boast about you to the Macedonians, saying that Achaia was ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred up very many.
- For I know your eagerness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
2Cor.9.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- επεμψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- δε: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- καυχημα: NOUN,nom,sg,n
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- υπερ: PREP
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- κενωθη: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- μερει: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- τουτω: DEM,dat,sg,m
- ινα: CONJ
- καθως: CONJ
- ελεγον: VERB,impf,act,ind,3,pl
- παρεσκευασμενοι: PART,perf,pass,nom,pl,m
- ητε: VERB,impf,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 2 Cor 8:22-23 (verbal): Uses the same practice and language of 'sending the brother' and 'messengers of the churches'—a close verbal and situational parallel about envoy(s) sent regarding the collection and Paul’s reputation.
- 2 Cor 7:6-7 (thematic): Paul describes sending Titus and the comfort his arrival brought; thematically parallels the idea of dispatching a trusted representative whose presence/report prevents empty boasting and confirms encouragement.
- 2 Cor 8:10-11 (verbal): Speaks of the Corinthians' previous willingness and urges them to complete their preparedness—connects with 9:3's concern that they be 'prepared as I said,' stressing readiness to give.
- Philippians 2:25 (thematic): Paul's sending of Epaphroditus, called 'my brother' and companion in labor, parallels the practice of sending a trusted brotherly delegate to a church for pastoral and practical purposes.
- 1 Cor 4:17 (structural): Paul's sending of Timothy as his representative to remind the church mirrors 9:3 structurally—using envoys to represent Paul, promote proper conduct, and safeguard his apostolic credibility.
Alternative generated candidates
- But I sent the brothers so that our boasting about you might not prove empty in this matter, so that you might be ready, as I said.
- But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, and that you may be ready, as I said.
2Cor.9.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- μη: PART
- πως: ADV
- εαν: CONJ
- ελθωσιν: VERB,aor,act,subj,3,pl
- συν: PREP
- εμοι: PRON,dat,sg,1
- Μακεδονες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ευρωσιν: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,pl
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- απαρασκευαστους: ADJ,acc,pl,m
- καταισχυνθωμεν: VERB,aor,pass,subj,1,pl
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ινα: CONJ
- μη: PART
- λεγωμεν: VERB,pres,act,subj,1,pl
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- υποστασει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ταυτη: PRO,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (thematic): Paul gives instructions for congregationally setting aside money so that when he arrives there will be no on-the-spot collection—parallel concern with the Corinthians being prepared for the relief collection so visitors will not find them unready.
- 2 Corinthians 8:11-12 (verbal): Paul urges completion of the promised gift so that readiness of desire is matched by performance (εὐδοκία/προθυμία); parallels 9:4's concern that the Corinthians be prepared and not ashamed when others arrive.
- 2 Corinthians 8:20-21 (thematic): Paul stresses careful, above-reproach administration of the collection to avoid blame—connects to 9:4's worry about being put to shame because of how the collection appears when Macedonians come.
- Matthew 25:1-13 (thematic): Parable of the ten virgins emphasizes the danger and shame of being found unprepared at a decisive moment; thematically parallels Paul’s fear of being found (and feeling) ashamed if the Corinthians are unprepared for the collection.
Alternative generated candidates
- Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame by my boasting.
- Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we would be ashamed — to say nothing of you — in this undertaking.
2Cor.9.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αναγκαιον: ADJ,acc,sg,n
- ουν: CONJ
- ηγησαμην: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,sg
- παρακαλεσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- αδελφους: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- ινα: CONJ
- προελθωσιν: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,pl
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- προκαταρτισωσι: VERB,aor,act,sub,3,pl
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- προεπηγγελμενην: ADJ,perf,pass,acc,sg,f
- ευλογιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ταυτην: PRON,acc,sg,f
- ετοιμην: ADJ,acc,sg,f
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ουτως: ADV
- ως: ADV
- ευλογιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- μη: PART
- ως: ADV
- πλεονεξιαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Cor 9:1-4 (structural): Immediate literary context: Paul explains why he sent the brothers to encourage the Corinthians and to report on the readiness of the gift—directly parallels the action and purpose named in 9:5.
- 2 Cor 8:10-11 (thematic): Same letter theme of completing what was begun and preparing willingness to give—encourages finishing the promised gift (readiness and completion language echoes 9:5).
- 1 Cor 16:1-4 (structural): Paul’s practical instructions for collecting and preparing a contribution from the churches—parallel concern for orderly preparation and delivery of a promised offering.
- Rom 15:25-27 (thematic): Paul’s explanation of carrying a collection to Jerusalem and the mutual obligation between Gentile and Jewish believers—themselves a doctrinal and practical parallel to the gift and its promised blessing in 2 Cor 9:5.
- Acts 11:27-30 (thematic): Early church relief collection for Judean believers sent by the Antiochene church—an earlier narrative precedent for organizing and sending aid that echoes Paul’s collection efforts and the encouragement to prepare and give.
Alternative generated candidates
- So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand the gift you had promised, that it might be ready as a willing gift and not under compulsion.
- So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised gift, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity, not of covetousness.
But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
For he not only accepted the appeal, but, being himself very earnest, he went to you of his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel.
Not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to accompany us in this service to the saints and in the administration of the gift.
We are taking pains to avoid any criticism of the administration of this liberality, so that no one may blame us about the way this bounty is managed.
For we aim at what is honorable, not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of men.
With them we are sending the brother whose praise in the gospel has gone out through all the churches.
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit; and as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches—glorying in Christ.
Show, then, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf to these men before the churches.
It is superfluous for me to write to you about this service to the saints.
I know your readiness, of which I boast to the Macedonians: that Achaia was prepared a year ago; and your zeal has stirred most of them up. But I sent the brothers so that our boasting about you would not be put to shame in this matter, so that we might not appear ineffectual.
I thought it necessary, therefore, to urge the brothers to visit you ahead of time and arrange the gift you had promised, so that it might be ready as a willing gift and not as something reluctantly given. So that when I come I may not find you unprepared—and I would not have to be ashamed of having boasted of you.