2 Corinthians 8:23
Either for Titus, who is my companion and fellow labourer towards you, or our brethren, the apostles of the churches, the glory of Christ.
Open 2 Corinthians 8:23 in the Motif Searcher, word by word across all five texts →Show on the spiral →The verse in its languages
- Vulgate (Clementine)
- sive pro Tito, qui est socius meus, et in vos adjutor, sive fratres nostri, Apostoli ecclesiarum, gloria Christi.
- Greek New Testament (SBLGNT)
- εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου, κοινωνὸς ἐμὸς καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός· εἴτε ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν, ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν, δόξα Χριστοῦ.
Haydock's commentary
On verses 22 to 23
With much confidence in you, either for Titus, &c. Some expound it of the confidence which this the third brother had in the Corinthians, but it seems rather to be understood of the confidence which St. Paul himself had in them, that they would shew great respect both to Titus, and to the other brethren whom he sent. He concludes, (ver. 24.) by exhorting them to these charitable contributions, which he calls the manifestation of their charity, in the sight of the Churches. Literally, in the face of the Churches, in your public meetings. (Witham)
Most commentators understand here Apollo, but without any certainty. (Bible de Vence)
From Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859, in the transcription made by Todd Easton and kept online by John Paul Wohlschied at johnblood.gitlab.io/haydock.
The Fathers on this verse
St John Chrysostom Homilies on Second Corinthians, Homily V
How then do these (words) hang upon those before them? Let us recall to mind what those were, and so we shall perceive this. What then were those before? What he said at the beginning. “I would not have you,” saith he, “ignorant concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power.” ( 2 Cor. i. 8 .) Now having shown the manner of his deliverance, and inserted the intermediate matter, he is of necessity led to teach them again that in yet another way he had been afflicted. How, and in what way? In not finding Titus. ( vii. 6; viii. 6, 16, 22, 23, xii. 18 .) Fearful indeed, and enough to prostrate the soul, is it even to endure trials; but when there is none to comfort and that can help to bear the burden, the tempest becometh greater. …
St John Chrysostom Homilies on Second Corinthians, Homily XVIII
And who is this brother? Some indeed say, Luke, because of the history which he wrote, but some, Barnabas; for he calls the unwritten preaching also Gospel. And for what cause does he not mention their names; whilst he both makes Titus known (vid. also ver. 23 .) by name, and praises him for his cooperation in the Gospel, (seeing that he was so useful that by reason of his absence even Paul could do nothing great and noble; for, “because I found not Titus my brother, I had no relief for my spirit,”, c. ii. 13 .) and for his love towards them, (for, saith he, “his inward affection is more abundant towards you;”, c. vii. …
St John Chrysostom Homilies on Second Corinthians, Homily XVIII
Ver. 23 . “Whether any inquire about Titus; he is my partner and my fellow-worker to youward.” What is, “Whether about Titus?” ‘If,’ says he, ‘it be necessary to say any thing, this I have to say,’ “that he is my partner and fellow-worker to youward.” For he either means this; or, ‘if ye will do anything for Titus, ye will do it unto no ordinary person, for he is “my partner.”’ And whilst appearing to be praising him, he magnifies them, showing them to be so disposed towards himself as that it were sufficient ground of honor amongst them that any one should appear to be his “partner.” But, nevertheless, he was not content with this, but he also added another thing, saying, “fellow-worker to youward.” Not merely “fellow-worker,” ‘but in matters concerning you, in your progress, in your growth, in our friendship, in our zeal for you;’ which last would avail most especially to endear him un …