2 Corinthians 8:23

2Co 8:23-24. Whether any inquire, &c. — As if he had said, If any be not yet satisfied, but desire to know more of those persons, and inquire concerning Titus, he is my partner — In my cares and labours; and fellow- helper concerning you — Always ready to act in concert with me in any attempt to correct what is amiss among you, and to promote your improvement in real Christianity. Or the meaning may be, He is my fellow- labourer with respect to you, having assisted me in planting the gospel among you. If it be inquired concerning our other brethren, whom I have mentioned above, and who accompany Titus, they are the messengers of the churches — Persons sent by the churches to go with me to Jerusalem; and the glory of Christ — Signal instruments of advancing his glory. “The apostle’s example in doing justice to the characters of his younger fellow- labourers, is highly worthy of the imitation of the more aged ministers of the gospel. They ought to introduce their younger brethren to the esteem and confidence of the people, by giving the praise which is due to them. For, as Doddridge observes, they will most effectually strengthen their own hands and edify the church, by being instrumental in setting forward others, who, on account of their faithfulness and diligence in the ministry, will in time merit the illustrious appellation of being the glory of Christ.” — Macknight. Wherefore show before the churches — Present by their messengers; the proof of your love to me and the saints — That is, an evidence that it is sincere; and of our boasting on your behalf — That it was not without foundation.

Joseph Benson's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1811–1818) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

8:23 they bring honor to Christ: Paul’s last phrase is even more expressive in Greek (literally they are the glory of Christ)—they are examples of Christians who reflect the Lord’s splendor (3:1-18).

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

2Co 8:23. Ὑπὲρ, [pro] in behalf of, for) This gives the motive of the confidence.[52]—Τίτου, κοινωνὸς, in behalf of Titus, a partner) These words are in apposition; comp. [ch. 2Co 11:28] Luk 22:20 [διαθηκὴ ἐν τῷ αἳματί μου, τὸ ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν ἐκχυνόμενον], note.—ἀδελφοὶ, brethren) It might have been said for, or in behalf of our brethren, but the word κοινωνὸς, partner, coming in between as the nominative case, brethren is also put in the nominative, and the verb are is supplied, i.e., whether they are and are regarded as our brethren for the sake of whom we are confident you will be liberal].—ἀπόστολοι) deputies, messengers; persons who on the public account execute a pious office. Again supply are.

[52] i.e. We feel confident you will be liberal for the sake of Titus.—ED.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

2Co_8:23 f. Summary closing recommendation of all the three delegate.

εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου] sc. λέγω or γράφω. Be it that I speak on behalf of Titus, he is my associate and (especially) in regard to you my fellow-worker, and my intercession is thus made with good reaso.

εἴτε ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν] be it that they are brothers of ours, namely, for whom I speak, they are delegates of churches,[283] an honour to Christ, people, whose personal character and working redound to Christs honour. The words to be supplied with εἴτε in both cases would occur of themselves to the reader of the incomplete passage. Comp. Fritzsche, ad Rom. III. p. 47 f. Observe, however, that ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν is predicative, and therewith qualitative; hence the absence of the article appears to be strictly regular,[284] denoting the category to which the subjects meant in this second half of the verse belong, and therefore neither unsuitable (Rückert) nor yet erroneous (Buttmann, neut. Gr. p. 76 [E. T. 87]; comp. Hofmann).

ἡμῶν] as in 2Co_8:22. The distinguishing of the two others from Titus, who holds a higher position, by the qualitative ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν, shows that ἀδελφοί are not official associates. Such a one Titus was; the two others, however, were only distinguished church-membersas it were, lay-brothers commissioned ad hoc, the one by the churches, the other by Paul.

[283] In so far as they did not come as private persons, but as agents in the business of the church, as which they were appointed partly by destination of the apostle (namely, the second of the brethren), partly by the choice of the Macedonian churches (the first of the brethren, ver. 18 f.).

[284] This absence of the article has led Hofmann wrongly to take all the nominatives in ver. 23 as subjects, but ὑπὲρ Τίτου as a parenthesis (which holds true of Titus), and then οὖν in ver. 24 as the οὖν of the apodosis. A groundless artificial construction, in which the awkward and unprecedented parenthesis (Paul would have said something like Τίτον δὲ λέγω, and that after συνεργός, comp. 1Co_10:29; Joh_6:71) would be simply superfluous in the highest degree, since, if κοινωνὸς κ.τ.λ. is the subject, the person thereby indicated would be self-evident. Just as uncalled for here after the short alleged protasis would be the epanaleptic οὖν of the apodosis. Comp. on Rom_2:17-24.

Meyer — Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament — English translation by Peter Christie, edited by Frederick Crombie (T&T Clark, 1880) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

2Co 8:23 . εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου κ . τ . λ .: whether you ask about Titus ( cf. on 2Co 1:8 for this use of ὑπέρ ), he is my colleague and my fellow worker to you ward (for him St. Paul will be personally responsible), or our brethren , they are the envoys of Churches, i.e. , they were duly χειροτονηθέντες (2Co 8:19 ). The term ἀπόστολος is generally used by St. Paul as a technical term; but occasionally, as here, and at Phi 2:25 (of Epaphroditus) and (possibly) at Rom 16:7 , he uses it in its primitive etymological meaning of “envoy” or “emissary” ( cf. 1Ki 14:6 ). These men are further described as δόξα Χριστοῦ , the glory of Christ , perhaps because their work is so specially ad majorem Dei gloriam (see 2Co 8:19 and 2Co 9:13 ).

The Expositor's Greek Testament, edited by W. Robertson Nicoll (1897–1910) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

By whom the glory of Christ is set forth.

Titus’s two companions.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

fellow helper concerning you--Greek, "fellow worker towards you."

our brethren--the two mentioned in Co2 8:18, Co2 8:22.

messengers--rather, as the Greek, "apostles": in the less strict sense (Act 14:14).

of the churches--sent by the churches, as we are by the Lord (Phi 2:25). There was in the synagogue an ecclesiastical officer, called "the angel of the Church," whence the title seems derived (compare Rev 2:1).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 23. Whether any do inquire of Titus] Should it be asked, Who is this TITUS? I answer, he is my companion, and my fellow labourer in reference to you; 2Co 2:13; 2Co 7:6; 2Co 7:7. Should any inquire, Who are these brethren, Luke and Apollos? I answer, They are αποστολοι, apostles of the Churches, and intensely bent on promoting the glory of Christ.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

In calling them the Apostles of the Churches, he might be understood in two senses — either as meaning that they had been set apart by God as Apostles to the Churches, or that they had been appointed by the Churches to undertake that office. The second of these is the more suitable. They are called also the glory of Christ, for this reason, that as he alone is the glory of believers, so he ought also to be glorified by them in return. Hence, all that excel in piety and holiness are the glory of Christ, because they have nothing but by Christ’s gift.

John Calvin's Commentaries (1540-1563) — public domain. Text from the Calvin Translation Society English edition (1840s-50s) via the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (ccel.org). Calvin's coverage is partial (roughly two-thirds of the Bible); uncommented books and verses are honest gaps, never fabricated. The 19th-century editor's footnotes and remarks are omitted so the notes are faithfully Calvin's own voice.

(23) Whether any do enquire of Titus.—There is no verb in the Greek, and its insertion is not required for the English. Our common phrase, As to Titus . . . as to our brethren, exactly expresses St. Paul’s meaning. In the “messengers” of the churches we find in the Greek the word “Apostles” used, as in Php_2:25, and possibly Rom_16:7, in a lower sense (the Greek has no article), for “delegates of the churches,” as the Twelve and Paul and Barnabas were delegates of Christ. The other epithet—“the glory of Christ”—is an unusual one. To say that they were working only to that glory, though true, seems hardly adequate, and we gain a deeper thought by connecting it with the language of 2Co_3:18. “These messengers,” he says, “are like Christ in character: they reflect His glory. You may see that glory in them.”

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

23. he is my partner] Literally, sharer. See notes on the words communion and fellowship in the first Epistle. ‘The sharer of my labours and cares.

and fellow-helper concerning you] Better, and as regards you, my fellow-worker.

the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ] The word ‘and’ is not in the original, and detracts from the force of the sentence. The word here translated ‘messengers’ is Apostles in the original. But here, as in Php_2:25, it does not signify the official rank in the Church of the persons referred to, but simply the fact that they were sent. For ‘the glory of Christ’ see 2Co_8:19 and 1Co_11:7. A man is the glory of Christ when he manifests Christ’s glory, which is done either by displaying His power, or the holiness which comes from Him. Cf. Joh_1:14; Joh_2:11; Joh_11:40; Gal_1:24, and Act_21:19-20; also ch. 2Co_3:18. Both the brethren would seem from this passage to have been ‘chosen of the Churches.’

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Wherefore show ye to them, and before the churches,.... This is the conclusion of the apostle, upon summing up the characters of these messengers; and his exhortation is, that since they were persons of so much note and worth, as they ought to be received with great marks of respect and affection, so they would take care evidently to make it appear to them who were sent by the churches, and before the churches, or before them who represented the churches; or so as that it might be known by the churches from whence they came, when they returned with their report; or be evident to the churches in Judea, when their liberality should be brought to them:

the proof of your love; to Christ and his poor members, how hearty and sincere it was:

and of our boasting on your behalf; how willing and forward they were to this good work, and how liberal they would be.

Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 9

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Ver. 23. Messengers] Gr. apostles, emandati, ambassadors of special and high employment.

The glory of Christ] So the Church is called "the glory," Isa 4:5; God’s glory, Isa 46:13; a crown of glory, and a royal diadem in the hand of Jehovah, Isa 62:3; the throne of God, Exo 17:16; {margin}; the throne of glory, Jer 14:21; the ornament of God, yea, the beauty of his ornament, set in majesty, Eze 7:20. There is not so much of the glory of God (saith one) in all his works of creation and providence, as in one gracious action that a Christian performs.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Whether any do inquire of Titus - It is to be observed that the words “any do inquire” are not in the original; nor is it clear that these are the most proper words to be introduced here. The Greek may mean either, “if any do inquire about Titus,” or it may mean “if anything is to be said about Titus.” The sense of the passage may either be, that some of the faction at Corinth might be disposed to inquire about the authority of Titus to engage in this work, or that Paul having said so much in commendation of the persons who went with Titus, it seemed proper also to say something in his favor also. The idea is, “If any inquiry is made from any quarter about him, or if it is necessary from any cause to say any thing about him, I would say he is my partner,” etc.

He is my partner ... - He partakes with me in preaching the gospel, and in establishing and organizing churches; compare Tit 1:5. To the Corinthians this fact would be a sufficient commendation of Titus.

Or our brethren be inquired of - That is, the brethren who accompanied Titus. If any inquiry was made about their character, or if it was necessary to say anything in regard to them.

They are the messengers of the churches - They have the entire confidence of the churches, having been selected and appointed by them to a work of labor and responsibility; compare Phi 2:25. The words here rendered “messengers of the churches,” are in the original “apostles of the churches,” (ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν apostoloi ekklēsiōn). The word “apostles” here is used evidently in its proper sense, to denote one who is sent out to transact any business for others, or as an agent or legate. These persons were not apostles in the technical sense, and this is an instance where the word is applied in the New Testament to those who had no claim to the apostolic office. It is also applied in a similar way to Apollos and Barnabas, though neither, strictly speaking, were apostles.

And the glory of Christ - That is, they have a character so well known and established for piety; they are so eminent Christians and do such honor to the Christian name and calling, that they may be called the glory of Christ. It is an honor to Christ that he has called such persons into his church, and that he has so richly endowed them. Every Christian should so live as that it would appear to all the world that it was an honor and glory to the Redeemer that he had such followers; an honor to his gospel that it had converted such and brought them into his kingdom. It is sufficient honor, moreover, to any man to say that he is “the glory of Christ.” Such a character should be, and will be, as it was here, a recommendation sufficient for any to secure them the confidence of others.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

This verse contains the apostle’s credential letters, given to Titus, and the other two persons, sent about the business of making this collection in the church of Corinth. Many, in matters where the drawing of their purses is solicited and concerned, are very scrupulous and inquisitive, seeking all advantages to excuse themselves; one while pleading their own poverty, another while objecting against the state, or want, or quality of those for whom they are solicited; again, questioning whether their charity shall ever come to those persons for whom it is desired, objecting against the persons intrusted with the conveyance or distribution of it. The apostle having, therefore, before obviated some objections, he here obviateth the last mentioned, letting them know, that the persons intrusted with this service were unexceptionable persons. He calleth Titus his

partner and fellow-helper concerning them, that is, in the business of the gospel, and promoting the salvation of their souls. For the others, he tells them they were such as

the churches had thought fit to make their

messengers; so had the credit of the churches, whose messengers they were, who would not have intrusted them if they had not judged them faithful. He calleth either the churches, or them,

the glory of Christ. If the words be to be understood of the messengers. (which seemeth the fairest application of them), the meaning is, that they were instruments of the glory of Christ: or persons who, by their grace, did bring much glory to Christ. Every one that excelleth in the habits or exercise of grace, is the glory of Christ, because without Christ he can do nothing of that nature: I live; yet not I but Christ liveth in me, Gal 2:20. The acts and exercises of grace are indeed our acts, but the power by which we do them is from Christ: we glory in Christ, and by our holy conversations glorify Christ; and Christ glorieth in every pious and holy person, as God did concerning Job, Job 1:8; 2:3.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

23. Inquire of Titus—In regard to Titus. To all questioning the standing of Titus, Paul gives his own certification. Titus is last mentioned, but the only one named. The others were but messengers, he partner and fellow helper. How faithfully he laboured and discharged the responsible duties committed to him by the apostle, is evident from Paul’s epistle to him at Crete.

Our brethren—The other two, Luke and Erastus; or rather, as without the Greek article, in general, brethren of ours.

Messengers— Greek, apostles; the word being used, however, in its broader sense of messengers; a class by whom the intercourse between the different Churches of the Christian republic was maintained.

Glory of Christ— Persons whose life is devoted to the honour of Jesus.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Whether any do inquire of Titus; literally, whether about Titus, or, as to Titus; i.e. "if I speak about Titus." (For the phrase, comp. 2Co_1:6, 2Co_1:8; 2Th_2:1) Titus, long afterwards, was delegated on a similar mission to Crete. (Tit_1:1-5 Tit_2:15) My partner and fellow helper concerning you; rather, my associate (Phm_1:17) and, as regards you, my fellow worker. Messengers; literally, apostles. The word is used in its original and untechnical sense of delegates. (Rom_16:7) The glory of Christ. Men whose work and worth redound to Christ"s honour. (Gal_1:24)

The appreciation of fellow labourers.

Anxious as Paul was that a generous contribution should be sent to Judaea for the relief and assistance of the poor Christians in that province, he was equally anxious that the mode in which this contribution was transmitted should be open and above all suspicion of carelessness or misappropriation. Hence he secured that Titus and two others should be appointed as trustees, so to speak, of the fund, to take charge of it and to carry it to the destined quarter. Of these three Christian men Paul speaks in terms of notable commendation. He terms them

I HIS OWN ASSOCIATES. The expressions used with this intent are three in number.

1. They are partners, engaged in the same work, under the same Master, and with the expectation of a similar reward, with himself.

2. They are fellow workers, each having his own faculty, his own implement, for labour, but all cooperating to the one end.

3. They are brethren; i.e. bound together by a personal tie, a spiritual kindred, in the Christian family and household of faith. These expressions involve a deep and lasting attachment, such as should unite those who are engaged in one and the same service rendered to the one great Master.

II MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES. The expression in the original is very strong. They are apostles; i.e. sent forth by the congregation as their representatives and plenipotentiaries. This gives a special dignity to the office and work of accredited servants of the body of Christ, and therefore of Christ himself.

III THE GLORY OF CHRIST. There is something mystical, something difficult to expound, in this epithet. It certainly implies that these faithful men were exalted to a position of very high honour, and were looked upon as related very closely to the Lord himself. Certainly it was to the glory of the Redeemer that a new principle of benevolence was introduced into human society, impelling the Gentile of Europe to display a practical interest in the welfare of the Jew of Palestine. Here was exhibited a moral glory radiating from Christ himself, before which the world might well bow down in wonder, admiration, and reverence. T.

What true Christian workers are.

I THEY ARE THE GLORY OF CHRIST.

1. They are the monuments of the triumph of Christ. They are "saved" to some purpose. Many assert that they are "saved," but they cannot discover, neither can any one else, unto what they are saved. They seem to be saved unto nothingness, and in this sense to have experienced a singularly complete redemption. But the active, devoted Christian proves the reality of his faith by works following. Christ has not only triumphed over the judgment and heart, but over all powers, which are now willingly dedicated to his service.

2. They resemble Christ. Christ was pre-eminently a worker. He "went about doing good;" they seek to do so. He practised self-denial and endured suffering that others might be benefited; they strive to imitate him.

3. They exalt Christ. They desire that his kingdom may be extended over the earth. Whilst they labour for others, they do this out of their love for him. He is first, all else second. The exaltation of Christ is their supreme wish. Their mission is to speak well of his Name wherever they go.

4. Christ delights in them. They are the fruitful trees which he loves. He cursed the barren tree, but these he blesses. They are the faithful servants of the absent Lord. He loves not idlers who filch the name of "servant;" but those who are servants indeed his soul rejoices in. He glories in these, for they show forth his praise.

II THEY SHOULD SEEK FULLY TO REALIZE THEIR HIGH CALLING.

1. The dignity of Christian work is not always perceived as fully as itshould be. It is infinitely superior to all other work.

2. Nor its privilege. Were this adequately realized, what alacrity therewould be in entering upon Christian service! As it is, alas! almost force has to be employed in some cases.

3. Nor its responsibility.

4. Nor how much the work done is affected by the life lived.

III THEY SHOULD BE HIGHLY ESTEEMED. They are the instruments through which God works. They are the means employed by him for the building up of the kingdom of Christ. They are the special representatives of Christ upon earth. They should be

(1) encouraged,

(2) helped,

(3) honoured. H.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

My partner - In my cares and labours. The glory of Christ - Signal instruments of advancing his glory.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

Observe here, What pains the apostle takes to answer all cavils and objections that might hinder the free collection and regular distribution of this charity. Some might pretend, possibly, to say then, (as many amongst us do now,) "We know not into whose hands this charity-money may fall; we know not whether ever they shall be the better for it, for whom it was intended." Therefore, says St. Paul, if any make that objection, that they do not know Titus, and inquire after him, or his trustiness, tell them he is my coadjutor, my partner and fellow-helper in converting you to Christianity; and if the other two be inquired after, they are our brethren, the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ; that is, the instruments of his glory; therefore let these messengers see, and the churches which did depute them, the proof of your love to me and to the saints, and that I did not boast of your liberality in vain.

Note here, The high honour which St. Paul puts upon the ministers of the gospel, in calling them the glory of Christ, that is, the glory of the gospel of Christ, the glory of the Christian profession, the instruments of Christ’s glory, by whom his honour and glory is greatly promoted; persons who by their exemplary gloriousness did bring much honour and glory to Christ. This title I conceive shows both our dignity and duty; our dignity, in that Christ accounts us his glory when we are found faithful to him; as the faithfulness of an ambassador redounds to the glory and honour of the prince that sends him. And it points out our duty, to promote the glory of Christ, to pray and endeavour that he would use us as instruments for the advancement of his glory; that as we glorify him on earth, he may glory in us, and be glorified by us, before his Father in heaven, and we be presented faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy. Amen.

William Burkitt's Expository Notes on the New Testament (1700–1703) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ .

J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

23. Whether any do inquire of Titus. The commendation given of these three brethren is official. Titus had long been a fellow laborer, and had recently visited Corinth. The other two were messengers of the Macedonian churches. Not only of the churches but of the glory of Christ, the Lord's messengers to show forth his glory in a great work of mercy.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

23, 24. Summary, briefly commending all three of the delegates

23. εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου, … εἴτε ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν. Broken construction, the ellipse in each half being different: ‘whether (anyone asks) about Titus … or our brethren (be asked about).’ Comp. Rom 12:7. As to Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker to you-ward (2Co 8:22); or as to our brethren, they are apostles of Churches, a glory to Christ. It is more accurate to retain the usual translation of ἀπόστολος and leave the context to show that here, as in Php 2:25, ἀπόστολος is not used in the same sense as when it is applied to the Twelve and to S. Paul. He and the Twelve were messengers or delegates of Christ, whereas these brethren were only messengers or delegates of Churches, as Epaphroditus was the messenger of the Philippian Church. See Lightfoot, Philippians p. 194, Galatians p. 95. εἴτε is common in the Pauline Epp., esp. in 1 and 2 Cor. See on 2Co 1:6. Elsewhere in the N.T. in 1Pe 2:13-14 only.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

23.] General recommendation of the three.

εἴτε ὑπ. Τίτου] Whether concerning Titus (we may supply λέγω or γράφω, or as in E. V., ‘any enquire:’ or we need not supply any thing), he is my partner and (especially) my fellow-worker towards you: whether our brethren (be in question:—viz. the two mentioned—but generalized by the absence of the article—‘whether [any] brethren of ours’), they are Apostles (in the more general sense of Act 14:14; 1Th 2:6; Php 2:25) of the churches (i.e. ‘are of the churches, what we are of the Lord’—persons sent out with authority), the glory of Christ (i.e. men whose work tends to Christ’s glory).

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

23. εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου … εἴτε ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν. The constr. is broken in dictating. ‘Whether [anyone asks] about Titus, he is my partner and fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren [be asked about], they are apostles of Churches, a glory to Christ.’ Titus is to represent the Apostle; the two brethren are to represent the Macedonian Churches. Cf. 1Co 11:7. He does not say ‘Apostles of Christ’; that was true of himself and the Twelve, who had received their commission direct from our Lord, but it was not true of these two brethren who were merely messengers or delegates of Churches, as Epaphroditus of Philippi; legati, qui publico nomine pium exsequuntur officium (Beng.). See Harnack, Mission and Expansion, i. pp. 319, 327. Nevertheless, to be selected by their Churches was a guarantee for their characters and capacities. In these two verses he brings the commendatory section to a close. For εἴτε … εἴτε see on 1:6; cf. 1Co 3:21, 1Co 13:8. Its use without a verb is classical. Blass, § 78. 2. See Hastings, DB. and DCG. art. ‘Apostle.’

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.