Along with Titus
Titus was a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul, often serving as a mediator and representative in various churches. His role in the early church was significant, as seen in his involvement in the collection for the Jerusalem church (2 Corinthians 8:6). Titus is also mentioned in Galatians 2:1-3, where he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem, highlighting his importance in the early Christian mission. His Greek heritage (Galatians 2:3) made him a valuable bridge between Jewish and Gentile believers.

we are sending the brother
The identity of "the brother" is not specified, but he is likely a well-known figure in the early church. Some scholars suggest he could be Luke or Barnabas, though this is speculative. The use of "the brother" indicates a close-knit community where such a designation would be understood by the recipients. This reflects the communal and familial nature of the early Christian church, where believers were often referred to as brothers and sisters (Acts 9:30, Romans 16:23).

who is praised by all the churches
This phrase indicates that the brother had a widespread reputation for his faithfulness and effectiveness in ministry. His commendation by "all the churches" suggests a level of trust and respect that transcended local congregations, pointing to a unified recognition of his contributions. This widespread praise aligns with the early church's practice of affirming and supporting those who demonstrated genuine commitment to the gospel (Acts 16:2).

for his work in the gospel
The brother's work in the gospel likely involved evangelism, teaching, and possibly the establishment of new churches. His dedication to spreading the message of Christ would have been a key factor in his commendation. This phrase underscores the centrality of the gospel in the early church's mission, as seen in Paul's own ministry (Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 9:23). The emphasis on "work" highlights the active and labor-intensive nature of gospel ministry, requiring perseverance and dedication.

1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues in the church and providing guidance.

2. The Brother
An unnamed individual who is highly regarded by the churches for his work in spreading the gospel.

3. The Churches
Early Christian communities that recognized and praised the brother for his contributions to the gospel.

4. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece where the church to whom Paul is writing is located.

5. The Gospel
The good news of Jesus Christ, which is the central message of Christian faith and the work to which the brother is dedicated.The Importance of Reputation in Ministry
The brother's commendation by all the churches underscores the value of a good reputation in ministry. Our actions and dedication to the gospel should be such that they earn the respect and trust of fellow believers.

The Role of Teamwork in the Gospel
Paul’s decision to send this brother along with Titus emphasizes the importance of collaboration in ministry. We are called to work together, supporting one another in spreading the gospel.

Recognition and Encouragement
Recognizing and praising the work of others in the church is vital. It encourages continued faithfulness and inspires others to serve diligently.

Trust and Responsibility
Being entrusted with significant tasks in the church, like the brother in this passage, requires a proven track record of faithfulness and integrity. We should strive to be trustworthy in all our endeavors.

The Impact of the Gospel
The brother's work in the gospel had a notable impact, as evidenced by the praise from all the churches. Our commitment to the gospel should be evident in our lives, influencing others positively.(18) The brother, whose praise is in the gospel.--We cannot get beyond probable conjecture in determining who this was. The general current of patristic interpretation (represented, we may add, in the Collect for St. Luke's Day in the Prayer Book of the Church of England, though not in that of the Breviary of the Church of Rome) ran in favour of St. Luke; but this rested on the assumption, for which there is no evidence, and against which there is a strong balance of probabilities, that he was already well known as the writer of a Gospel. (See Introduction to St. Luke, Vol. I., p. 239.) Apart from this, however, it may be urged that there is more evidence in favour of this hypothesis than of any other. If the words be interpreted, as they must, as pointing to a preacher of the gospel, we have indications of St. Luke having done this at Antioch, at Troas, and at Philippi. None of the other companions of St. Paul who have been suggested, such as Tychicus or Trophimus, was likely to have so wide-spread a reputation. None was so likely to be with him at the time at Philippi. And it may be noted further--and this, so far as I know, is a point which has not hitherto been dwelt on--that there was no man so fitted to stir up the Corinthians, by his personal character, to a worthy completion of the good work they had begun. We have seen that in his Gospel he dwells emphatically on all parts of our Lord's teaching that point out the danger of riches and the blessedness of a generous almsgiving (see Introduction to St. Luke, Vol. I., p. 242); how at Philippi his influence was traceable in the liberal supplies sent to St. Paul at Thessalonica (see Note on Acts 16:40, and Philippians 4:15) and at Corinth (see Note on 2Corinthians 11:9). Was not such a man, we may ask, eminently adapted for the mission on which the "brother, whose praise is in the gospel," was now sent? and was not the Apostle likely to choose him above all others for it? For Mark and Gaius, who have also been suggested, there is not a shadow of evidence; and as the latter was of Corinth (Romans 16:23), he was not likely to have been sent thither from Philippi. The tense, "we have sent," is, as before, the epistolary aorist, used of the time at which the letter was being written.

Verse 18. - The brother, whose praise is in the gospel. The phrase means, "whose worth is praised wherever the glad tidings are preached." There can be no reference to any of the four written Gospels, for they were not in the hands of Christians till a later date; nor did the word "gospel" acquire this significance till afterwards. From Acts 20:5, it is somewhat precariously inferred that St. Luke is meant. Others have conjectured Barnabas, Silas (who are out of the question), Erastus, Mark, a brother of Titus, etc. St. Luke is not unlikely to have been selected as a delegate by the Church of Philippi; but further than this we can say nothing. St. Luke was not a Macedonian by birth, and any Macedonian (e.g., Aristarchus, Sopater, Secundus, Epaphroditus) seems to be excluded by 2 Corinthians 9:4. Palsy notes it as curious that the object of St. Paul's journey to Jerusalem, Which is so prominent in this group of Epistles, is only mentioned indirectly and incidentally by St. Luke (Acts 24:17) in the Acts of the Apostles.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Along with
μετ’ (met’)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

[Titus],
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

we are sending
Συνεπέμψαμεν (Synepempsamen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4842: To send together with. From sun and pempo; to despatch in company.

the
τὸν (ton)
Article - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

brother
ἀδελφὸν (adelphon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

who
οὗ (hou)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

is praised
ἔπαινος (epainos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1868: Commendation, praise, approval. From epi and the base of aineo; laudation; concretely, a commendable thing.

by
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

all
πασῶν (pasōn)
Adjective - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

churches
ἐκκλησιῶν (ekklēsiōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation.

[for his work] in
ἐν (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
τῷ (tō)
Article - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gospel.
εὐαγγελίῳ (euangeliō)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.


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NT Letters: 2 Corinthians 8:18 We have sent together with him (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)