2Corinthians 8:16-24 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. 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. Wherefore show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf. 

‘Put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.’ To the end that they were blessed by supplying the poor saints at Jerusalem, Paul has sent Titus and another brother who was well known among the congregations (2Cor. 8:16-18).

‘Brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.’ Who this brother was is not known.

‘Travel with us with this grace’ – with this clue it is still impossible to tell who this brother was, as Paul had different companions – Timothy, Silas, Titus, Luke, and others. It is noticeable that Paul did not go around collecting money by himself, nor did he send only one brother to do so (2Cor. 8:16-20). This was a way to keep things honest in the sight of both God and man (2Cor. 8:20-23). Regardless of how honest one is and how much confidence the people have in a man, it is always right to have every part of the work of God carried on in a professional manner and fully above reproach.

‘Messengers’ [Greek: apostoloi; apostolos] a delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16).

‘Our boasting on your behalf’ – the only boasting allowed is “in the Lord” (2Cor. 10:12-18) and we boast only of things which God has done by us. The Greek word kauchesis means boasting (7:14; 8:24; 9:4; 11:10, 17; Rom. 3:27); glorying (7:4; Rom. 15:17); and rejoicing (1Cor. 15:31; 2Cor. 1:12; 1Thess. 2:19; Jas. 4:16).