2 Corinthians 8:23
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
Original Language Analysis
ὑπὲρ
any do enquire of
G5228
ὑπὲρ
any do enquire of
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
2 of 16
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
concerning
G1519
εἰς
concerning
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
11 of 16
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἀπόστολοι
be enquired of they are the messengers
G652
ἀπόστολοι
be enquired of they are the messengers
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
13 of 16
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
ἐκκλησιῶν
of the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησιῶν
of the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
14 of 16
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
Cross References
Philippians 2:25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.Philemon 1:17If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.2 Corinthians 8:6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
Historical Context
The dual credentialing—Paul's personal commendation (Titus) and church corporate appointment (the brothers)—balanced apostolic authority with congregational governance. Neither apostolic fiat nor democratic vote alone sufficed; both functioned together. The phrase 'apostles of the churches' shows flexible use of apostolic language: churches could 'send' representatives with delegated authority, not just Christ-appointed Apostles like Paul.
Questions for Reflection
- How do different types of authorization (personal commendation, church appointment) work together?
- What does it mean practically that faithful Christian workers are 'the glory of Christ'?
- How should churches balance pastoral authority and congregational participation in leadership?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ—Paul provides credentials: eite hyper Titou (εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου, 'if about Titus'), he's Paul's koinōnos kai eis hymas synergos (κοινωνός καὶ εἰς ὑμᾶς συνεργός, 'partner and fellow-worker for you'). Koinōnos (κοινωνός, 'partner/sharer') indicates shared ministry and mutual accountability. Synergos (συνεργός, 'co-worker') emphasizes joint labor specifically directed eis hymas ('toward you')—for Corinthian benefit.
Eite adelphoi hēmōn ('if our brothers'), the two unnamed delegates are apostoloi ekklēsiōn (ἀπόστολοι ἐκκλησιῶν, 'apostles/messengers of churches')—note this non-technical use of apostolos meaning 'sent ones,' not THE Apostles. The climactic phrase: doxa Christou (δόξα Χριστοῦ, 'glory of Christ')—these delegates embody and advance Christ's reputation. Paul brackets his credentials (Titus) with church credentials (the brothers), creating comprehensive authorization. The phrase 'glory of Christ' elevates the mundane collection to sacred mission: receiving these delegates means receiving Christ's own representatives, making the collection Christ's work, not merely Paul's project.