2 Corinthians 8:18
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;
Original Language Analysis
μετ'
with
G3326
μετ'
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 16
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
the brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
the brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
οὗ
whose
G3739
οὗ
whose
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
throughout
G1223
διὰ
throughout
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 16
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:18I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?1 Corinthians 7:17But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
Historical Context
Travel in the first-century Roman Empire was dangerous, especially when transporting money. Bandits targeted travelers, and suspicion of financial impropriety could destroy ministries. Paul's careful selection of multiple well-known delegates—Titus plus this anonymous brother, plus another in v. 22—showed wisdom and integrity. The 'all the churches' phrase indicates extensive communication networks connecting early Christian congregations across the Mediterranean world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does widespread reputation ('praise... throughout all the churches') validate Christian leaders?
- Why does Paul emphasize multiple delegates rather than handling the collection himself?
- What accountability systems protect Christian financial ministry in your context?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches—Paul introduces a second delegate, unnamed but well-known: ton adelphon (τὸν ἀδελφόν, 'the brother') whose epainos en tō euangeliō (ἔπαινος ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, 'praise in the gospel') extends dia pasōn tōn ekklēsiōn ('through all the churches'). The phrase en tō euangeliō could mean 'in gospel preaching' or 'concerning gospel matters'—this brother has earned universal commendation for gospel work.
Who was this anonymous brother? Speculation includes Luke (the 'beloved physician'), Apollos, Barnabas, or another trusted leader. Paul's anonymity might have protected the delegate from robbery (since he carried collection money) or might simply assume the Corinthians would recognize him. The emphasis on inter-church reputation matters: Paul sends delegates whose character is vouched for by multiple congregations, not just by Paul personally. This accountability system prevented fraud and demonstrated the collection's transparency. Multi-church recognition also validated ministry—genuine gospel workers earned widespread respect, unlike self-promoting false apostles.