He praises the man also by the judgment of those who chose him: not only, he says, is he renowned as one who worthily preaches the Gospel, but he has also been chosen by the churches to accompany us, so that he might be a partaker with us both in trials and in dangers. This is more fitting for Barnabas. "Chosen" for this grace, that is, for the administration of the offerings, so that he might serve with us.
2 Cor. 8:19. to the glory of the Lord Himself and in accordance with your zeal,
That is, so that God may be glorified and you may become more zealous, for when those who receive the alms are approved men, no one can harbor any suspicion regarding them.
2 Cor. 8:20. Taking precaution, lest anyone should blame us in this abundance of gifts entrusted to our ministry,
This is worthy of a holy soul and of Paul's great care and condescension. We, he says, sent these men—not one, but several—"taking precaution," that is, anticipating and fearing lest anyone suspect us of using something from the offerings for our own benefit. And he did not say: lest you suspect, but: "by anyone," so as not to offend them or make them think that he suspects them of holding such an opinion about him. And the very abundance itself, he says, that is, the abundance of offerings, can easily arouse suspicion among evil people if we do not take precautions.
2 Cor. 8:21. For we take care to do what is honorable not only before the Lord, but also before men.
See how Paul's soul was troubled, lest he give the brethren an occasion for stumbling. For he did not say: I am pure, let whoever wants to slander me do so; but as before God, he says, so also before men, "we take care for what is good," that is, we take care to appear blameless, and the weaker they are, the more we must condescend to them, because we also condescend to little children when we nurse them.
2 Cor. 8:22. And we have sent with them our brother, whose diligence we have tested many times in many things, and who is now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you.
He adds yet another, calling him a brother and commending him on the basis of trial and judgment, as a man zealous in many things and having proved himself such many times. To elevate speech in this way is characteristic of praise. But now, he says, he has become even more zealous, as if in the hope that you will offer a more generous alms, which he serves.
2 Cor. 8:23. As for Titus, he is my companion and fellow worker among you,
That is, if one must say something about Titus, I will say that he is "my partner" – he helps me in teaching you and bringing you benefit. Or: if you do something for Titus, you will do it not for an ordinary man, but for my partner.
2 Cor. 8:23. and as for our brothers,
That is, if you wish to hear something about others, they too have great claims on your trust; for they are our brothers.
2 Cor. 8:23. this – the messengers of the churches,
That is, they were sent and chosen by the churches.
2 Cor. 8:23. The glory of Christ.
What is most important of all, he placed at the end. Everything, whatever may be in them, he says, relates to Christ.
2 Cor. 8:24. Therefore show to them before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
Now, he says, show how you love us and how we do not boast of you in vain. And you will show this if you show them love. For what you do for them, you do "before the face of the churches," that is, for the honor of the churches; for they represent the face of the churches that sent them.