What motivates Titus to accept the call in 2 Corinthians 8:17? Setting the Scene Paul is organizing a relief offering for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He wants the Corinthian church to complete their part in this ministry of generosity. To help oversee the collection, he turns to someone the Corinthians already know and trust—Titus. Text Spotlight: 2 Corinthians 8:17 “For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.” Two facts shine through: •He “welcomed” Paul’s appeal—Titus gladly received the assignment. •He comes “of his own volition”—his motivation is internal, not coerced. Key Motivators at Work •Personal earnestness – In 2 Corinthians 8:16 Paul says, “But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.” – God Himself implanted a sincere concern for the Corinthians in Titus’s heart. •Love for the Corinthians – 2 Corinthians 7:15 notes Titus’s “affection for you is all the greater,” showing a warm relationship born out of previous ministry among them. – Love naturally moves him to act—“love … bears all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). •Shared vision with Paul – Titus and Paul are yoked together in gospel labor (Galatians 2:3). – Supporting Paul’s appeal aligns with their common mission. •Zeal for God’s glory – Paul frames the collection as “this act of grace” (2 Corinthians 8:6). Titus wants to magnify the grace of God by helping believers give generously. – 1 Peter 4:10–11 calls believers to serve “so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” •Inner compulsion produced by grace – “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). Titus’s eagerness is evidence of Christ’s love working within. – Philippians 2:13: “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.” The same divine energy stirs Titus. Broader Biblical Connections •Previous faithfulness – 2 Corinthians 12:18: “Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not follow the same course?” Titus’s consistent integrity makes him ready for new tasks. •Example of the Macedonians – Just verses earlier (2 Corinthians 8:3–4) the Macedonian churches gave “entirely on their own,” mirroring Titus’s voluntary spirit. •Pattern of joyful service – Psalm 100:2: “Serve the LORD with gladness.” Titus embodies this timeless call. Takeaways for Today •True ministry springs from the heart God has touched. •Genuine love for people fuels readiness to go, give, and serve. •Shared mission relationships amplify obedience. •When grace grips us, eagerness replaces reluctance. |
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