Private companies and public bodies recognise the importance of ‘reputation management’, sometimes paying PR companies large sums to ensure that bad news stories are suppressed, and good news promoted. Here, Paul vouches for the good reputation of his colleagues and of the church to whom he writes.

What are the best qualities of the church you belong to? Do you tell others of its strength? Despite all its shortcomings, Paul is proud of the church he founded in Corinth and wants Titus and his companions to be impressed by their generosity (v 24).

Paul had previously asked the Corinthians to start a collection for the church in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:4) and now is sending Titus, whom the Corinthians already know, and two others to collect the offering. As he expects the church to be liberal (v 20), it is important to choose such people wisely, so that money is not only handled well, but is seen to be handled well. 

Paul is enthusiastic in recommending the messengers he is sending to Corinth. Titus’ companions are ‘the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel’ (v 18) and ‘our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous’ (v 22). What would people say about you?

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.’¹

We could gain the impression that Paul travelled alone, but this was rarely so.² In addition to Timothy,³ we have met Titus and now we have reference to two unnamed but acclaimed ‘brothers’ (vs 18,22) whom Paul is sending on ahead with Titus to manage the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. The apostolic mission is a collective effort, carried through by gifted, enthusiastic (v 17) and zealous (v 22) servants of God. There are still such ‘representatives of the churches’ (v 23) today, for whom we give thanks. We always need more. It is clear that Paul is deflecting any possible suspicion about how the fund will be used (v 20). Quite right. If it seems risky to carry a large sum of money all the way to Jerusalem, as it must have been, we do have precedent. Every year, Jews of the dispersion were charged a Temple tax that had to be delivered in like manner. Paul’s fund, however, is a gift, not a tax.

Financial propriety is a Christian discipline. Paul terms it ‘to do what is right’ in God’s eyes as well as those of other people (v 21). The principle could be extended to other legitimate areas of accountability, not only to the community but to the governing authorities. We return to the idea of transparency. The overall concern is to maintain the integrity of the churches and so to bring honour to Christ.

The topic of money is often a prickly one to deal with. These chapters show us some principles to guide us in our personal stewardship and pose a challenge. The more we give, the more we may make others rich. The more we have, the more opportunity we have to do good. ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’⁴

It is said that John Wesley taught, ‘Earn all you can, give all you can, save all you can.’ What do you make of this principle?

¹ Luke 6:38  ² Eg Acts 20:4  ³ 2 Cor 1:1  ⁴ Acts 20:35