We want to avoid any criticismPaul emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency in handling financial matters. In the early church, there was a strong emphasis on accountability to prevent any accusations of mismanagement or dishonesty. This reflects the biblical principle found in
Proverbs 22:1, which values a good name over riches. The apostle's concern for avoiding criticism aligns with the broader scriptural mandate for leaders to be above reproach (
1 Timothy 3:2).
of the way we administer
The administration of funds in the early church was a significant responsibility, often involving multiple people to ensure fairness and accountability. This practice is seen inActs 6:1-6, where the apostles appointed deacons to manage the distribution of food to widows. The Greek word for "administer" here implies careful stewardship and management, highlighting the need for diligence and integrity in handling church resources.
this generous gift.
The "generous gift" refers to the collection being taken up for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This act of giving is a tangible expression of the unity and love within the body of Christ, as seen inRomans 15:26-27. The generosity of the Macedonian churches, mentioned earlier in2 Corinthians 8:1-5, serves as an example of sacrificial giving. This collection also fulfills the prophecy of Gentiles bringing gifts to Jerusalem, as seen inIsaiah 60:5-7, symbolizing the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul- The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, emphasizing integrity and transparency in handling the collection for the Jerusalem church.
2.
Titus- A trusted companion of Paul, involved in the administration of the collection, demonstrating accountability.
3.
The Corinthian Church- The recipients of the letter, encouraged to participate in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.
4.
The Jerusalem Church- The intended beneficiaries of the collection, experiencing poverty and in need of support.
5.
The Collection- A financial gift being gathered from various churches to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem.
Teaching Points
Integrity in StewardshipPaul emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in handling financial matters. As Christians, we are called to manage resources with integrity, ensuring that our actions are above reproach.
Unity and Support within the Body of ChristThe collection for the Jerusalem church illustrates the interconnectedness of believers. We are encouraged to support one another, recognizing that we are part of a larger family in Christ.
Avoiding Criticism through AccountabilityBy involving trusted individuals like Titus, Paul demonstrates the value of accountability. In our own lives, we should seek to involve others in our decision-making processes to maintain integrity and avoid criticism.
Generosity as a Reflection of God's GraceThe act of giving is not just a financial transaction but a reflection of God's grace working in us. Our generosity should be motivated by love and a desire to glorify God.
Planning and Order in GivingPaul’s instructions highlight the importance of planning and order in our giving. We should be intentional and thoughtful in how we allocate our resources for God's work.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:20?
2.How does 2 Corinthians 8:20 emphasize the importance of financial accountability in ministry?
3.What steps can we take to avoid "criticism" in handling church finances today?
4.How does 2 Corinthians 8:20 connect with Proverbs 11:1 on honest dealings?
5.Why is transparency crucial for maintaining trust within a Christian community?
6.How can we implement safeguards to ensure integrity in our church's financial practices?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 8:20 address the importance of financial integrity in Christian ministry?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 8:20?
9.How does 2 Corinthians 8:20 reflect on the theme of accountability in the church?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8?
11.How can we verify, historically or archaeologically, that the collection Paul mentions in 2 Corinthians 8 was actually delivered to, and used by, the intended recipients in Jerusalem?
12.What is the Gift of Healing?
13.How will God's salvation and judgment transform the world?
14.What is a benevolence fund?What Does 2 Corinthians 8:20 Mean
We want to avoidPaul opens with a deliberate resolve. He and his companions are not waiting for problems to surface; they are actively choosing a course that steers clear of potential pitfalls.
•Romans 12:17 urges, “Provide things honest in the sight of all men”, echoing this proactive stance.
•1 Thessalonians 5:22 adds, “Abstain from every form of evil,” highlighting that preventive integrity is part of the Christian walk.
The lesson is simple: righteousness plans ahead, refusing to leave righteousness to chance.
any criticismThe phrase points to a zero-tolerance policy toward reproach. Paul knows that even a hint of impropriety can tarnish both the ministry and the gospel it proclaims.
•1 Timothy 3:2 says an overseer “must be above reproach,” andPhilippians 2:15 calls believers to be “blameless and pure… shining like stars.”
•2 Corinthians 6:3 reinforces the thought: “We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.”
Reputation matters, not for ego but for the credibility of Christ’s message.
of the wayPaul is not merely concerned with the destination—he is concerned with the route taken.
•1 Corinthians 14:40 instructs, “Everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner.”
•Proverbs 3:6 reminds us that when we acknowledge God “in all your ways,” He directs the path, not just the outcome.
God-honoring ends require God-honoring means.
we administerThe verb stresses ongoing, hands-on stewardship. Handling money for God’s people is not casual work; it is a trust.
•1 Corinthians 4:2 declares, “Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”
•Luke 16:10 notes, “Whoever is faithful in very little will also be faithful in much.”
Accountability is not a burden; it is a sacred duty that protects both giver and receiver.
this generous giftThe “gift” is the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (see2 Corinthians 8:4). Paul calls it generous because it reflects God’s own generosity.
•James 1:17 states, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
•2 Corinthians 9:15 exclaims, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”
Giving, when handled properly, becomes a living testimony of God’s grace in action.
summary2 Corinthians 8:20 shows Paul’s heart for spotless integrity. By planning ahead, rejecting even the possibility of reproach, insisting on transparent methods, embracing faithful stewardship, and honoring the generosity of God’s people, he models how every believer should handle the resources God entrusts to them.
(20)
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us.--He gives this as the reason why he wished men thus appointed to travel with him. He desired to guard against the suspicion of those who were too ready to suspect. His companions were to bear witness that the sums which he took up with him from the several churches were what had actually been collected. They were to be, practically, auditors of his accounts. (See Note on
Acts 20:4.) He dwells again, later on in the Epistle (
2Corinthians 12:18-19), on the same measure of precaution.
This abundance.--The word, which primarily signifies "succulence," or juiciness, as used of plants and fruits, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testament. It has rather the look of belonging to St. Luke's medical vocabulary, and is, indeed, used by Hippocrates (De Gen, p. 28) of the full habit of body of a youth attaining puberty.
Verse 20. -
Avoiding this. The object in sending Titus and the brother was to cut away the possibility of blame and suspicion. The word "avoiding" (
stellomenoi) literally means "furling sail," and then "taking precautions." It may, however, mean "making this arrangement" (see
2 Thessalonians 3:6). Too much stress has been laid on St. Paul's "use of nautical terms" (
Acts 20:20;
Galatians 2:12, etc.). They belong, in fact, to the very phraseology of the Greek language.
That no man should blame us (see
2 Corinthians 6:3). St. Paul here sets a valuable and necessary example to all Christians who are entrusted with the management of charitable funds. It is their duty to take every step which may place them above the possibility of of suspicion. Their management of the sums entrusted to them should be obviously and transparently business-like and honourable. St. Paul taught this behaviour both by example and by precept (
Romans 12:17;
Philippians 4:8). There is such a thing as a foolish and reprehensible indifference to public opinion (
1 Peter 2:12). Yet with all his noble carefulness, St. Paul did not escape this very slander (
2 Corinthians 12:18).
In this abundance. The word, which occurs here only, means literally "succulence," but in the LXX. the adjective means "rich" (
1 Kings 1:9). It here implies that the sum which had been collected by St. Paul's exertion was a large one.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
We [hope to] avoidστελλόμενοι(stellomenoi)Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4724:Probably strengthened from the base of histemi; properly, to set fast, i.e. to repress.anyτις(tis)Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100:Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.criticismμωμήσηται(mōmēsētai)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3469:To blame, find fault with, slander. From momos; to carp at, i.e. Censure.ofἐν(en)Preposition
Strong's 1722:In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.[the way]ὑφ’(hyph’)Preposition
Strong's 5259:A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).weἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.administerδιακονουμένῃ(diakonoumenē)Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1247:From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.thisταύτῃ(tautē)Demonstrative Pronoun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.generous [ gift ].ἁδρότητι(hadrotēti)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 100:Lavishness, lavish generosity, abundance, bounty. From hadros; plumpness, i.e. liberality.
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:20 We are avoiding this that any man (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
