For we are taking great care to do what is rightThis phrase emphasizes the importance of integrity and accountability in Christian conduct. The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Corinthians, underscores the necessity of being diligent in ethical behavior. This reflects the biblical principle found in
Proverbs 3:5-6, which encourages trust in the Lord and acknowledgment of Him in all ways. The early church faced scrutiny from both Jewish and Gentile communities, making it crucial for leaders like Paul to demonstrate moral uprightness. This commitment to righteousness is a reflection of the character of Jesus Christ, who lived a life without sin (
Hebrews 4:15).
not only in the eyes of the Lord
Paul acknowledges that God is the ultimate judge of human actions. This aligns with the teaching in1 Samuel 16:7, where it is stated that the Lord looks at the heart, not just outward appearances. The phrase highlights the Christian belief that one's actions should first and foremost be pleasing to God, who sees beyond human facades. This divine perspective is a reminder of the omniscience of God, who knows all intentions and thoughts (Psalm 139:1-4).
but also in the eyes of men
Here, Paul recognizes the importance of maintaining a good reputation among people. This is consistent with the instruction inRomans 12:17, which advises believers to be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. In the cultural context of the early church, maintaining a positive witness was crucial for the spread of the Gospel. The early Christians were often under suspicion and faced persecution, so demonstrating integrity was vital for their testimony. This dual accountability to God and man reflects the life of Christ, who grew in favor with both God and man (Luke 2:52).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is addressing the church in Corinth, emphasizing integrity and accountability in the collection for the Jerusalem church.
2.
The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of the letter, the Corinthian believers are being encouraged to participate in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.
3.
The Jerusalem ChurchThe church in Jerusalem was experiencing financial hardship, prompting Paul to organize a collection from Gentile churches.
4.
TitusA trusted companion of Paul, Titus was involved in the collection and delivery of the offering, ensuring transparency and trustworthiness.
5.
Macedonian ChurchesMentioned earlier in the chapter, these churches are commended for their generosity despite their own poverty, serving as an example to the Corinthians.
Teaching Points
Integrity in StewardshipAs Christians, we are called to handle resources with integrity, ensuring that our actions are transparent and honorable before God and others.
Dual AccountabilityOur actions should reflect accountability not only to God but also to those around us, maintaining a testimony that honors Christ.
The Importance of ReputationA good reputation among believers and non-believers alike can enhance our witness and open doors for the gospel.
Generosity and TrustLike the Macedonian churches, we should strive to be generous, trusting God to provide, and ensuring that our giving is managed with integrity.
Role of Leadership in AccountabilityLeaders in the church, like Paul and Titus, should model accountability and transparency, setting an example for others to follow.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:21?
2.How can we ensure "honorable" actions in both God's and man's sight today?
3.What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 teach about integrity in financial matters?
4.How does this verse connect with Proverbs 3:4 on finding favor with God?
5.In what ways can we apply this principle in our daily interactions?
6.Why is maintaining a good reputation important for Christians according to this verse?
7.How does 2 Corinthians 8:21 guide ethical behavior in financial matters for Christians today?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in 2 Corinthians 8:21?
9.How does 2 Corinthians 8:21 relate to accountability in church leadership?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8?
11.What does the Bible say about church fundraising?
12.What defines being above reproach?
13.What is the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability?
14.What is the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability?What Does 2 Corinthians 8:21 Mean
For we are taking great carePaul and his co-workers are on their way to deliver a generous offering from the Gentile churches to the struggling believers in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8:1–4). Handling money can tempt suspicion and compromise, so Paul says, “For we are taking great care…”
• The phrase signals intentional, proactive effort—no casual attitude toward stewardship (seeProverbs 4:26, “Make a level path for your feet; let all your ways be steadfast”).
• Care involves clear planning, transparency, and enlisting trustworthy partners (2 Corinthians 8:16–20).
to do what is rightTheir caution has one goal: to act with moral integrity.
• “Right” (or honorable) actions line up with God’s moral will (Micah 6:8).
• Paul urges Titus and two respected brothers to accompany the gift so everything is “administered by us to honor the Lord” (2 Corinthians 8:19).
•Romans 12:17 echoes the same standard: “Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.”
not only in the eyes of the LordUltimate accountability belongs to God.
•Proverbs 15:3 reminds us, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, observing the evil and the good.”
• Hidden motives and secret corners are exposed before Him (Hebrews 4:13).
• By recognizing the Lord’s gaze first, Paul keeps the vertical relationship primary; pleasing Him is the bedrock of integrity.
but also in the eyes of men.Though God’s approval is paramount, Paul refuses to dismiss human perception.
• The church’s witness can be damaged by even unfounded rumors (1 Peter 2:12, “Live such good lives… that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds”).
• Clear procedures—multiple carriers, written endorsements, public accounting—protect the offering and the reputation of Christ’s servants (Acts 6:3).
• Paul embodiesPhilippians 2:15: “that you may be blameless and pure… shining like stars in the world.”
summary2 Corinthians 8:21 teaches that believers must pursue unimpeachable integrity, especially with resources entrusted to them. We guard our conduct carefully, aim for what is morally upright, live conscious of God’s constant oversight, and maintain transparent practices that stand up to human scrutiny. Such integrity honors the Lord, safeguards our testimony, and builds trust within the body of Christ and before a watching world.
(21)
Providing for honest things . . .--Many of the best MSS. give: "For we provide for honest things," as though he gave the general principle on which he was now acting in this particular instance. The rule of life is repeated, a few months afterwards, in
Romans 12:17. The English reader does not recognise the fact, which the Greek reader would see at once, that the words are a quotation from
Proverbs 3:4. where the Greek version has: "Write them upon the table of thine heart, and thou shalt find favour.
Provide things honest in the sight of God and man. The citation is interesting, as showing that even one who was taught by the Spirit, as St. Paul was, could yet find guidance for his daily conduct in a book which seems to many almost to be below the level of the spiritual life. In this case, had the Apostle had only the judgment of God to consider, he could with a pure conscience have taken up the money to Jerusalem by himself. But he had to consider that men were judging him, and might suspect him, and therefore he insisted, as has been said above, on having his accounts audited.
Verse 21. -
Honest things. The word "honest" means "honourable" (
Romans 12:17;
Proverbs 3:4, LXX.). Not only in the sight of the Lord. Such precautions would be unnecessary if others were not concerned, for God knows our honesty (
2 Corinthians 5:11).
But also before men. Although the text "avoid all
appearance of evil" should be rendered "avoid every species of evil," the mistranslation conveys a wise lesson. "In a field of melons," says the Chinese proverb. "do not stoop to tie your shoe;" for that will
look as if you wanted to steal one of the melons.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.we are taking great care to doπρονοοῦμεν(pronooumen)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4306:From pro and noieo; to consider in advance, i.e. Look out for beforehand.what is right,καλὰ(kala)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2570:Properly, beautiful, but chiefly good, i.e. Valuable or virtuous.notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.onlyμόνον(monon)Adverb
Strong's 3440:Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.in the eyesἐνώπιον(enōpion)Preposition
Strong's 1799:Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.of [the] Lord,Κυρίου(Kyriou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.alsoκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.in the eyesἐνώπιον(enōpion)Preposition
Strong's 1799:Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.of men.ἀνθρώπων(anthrōpōn)Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.
Links
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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:21 Having regard for honorable things not only (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor) 
