2 Corinthians 12:18
I 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?
Original Language Analysis
παρεκάλεσα
I desired
G3870
παρεκάλεσα
I desired
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
1 of 20
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναπέστειλα
with him I sent
G4882
συναπέστειλα
with him I sent
Strong's:
G4882
Word #:
4 of 20
to despatch (on an errand) in company with
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφόν·
a brother
G80
ἀδελφόν·
a brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
μή
G3361
μή
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
7 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπλεονέκτησεν
Did
G4122
ἐπλεονέκτησεν
Did
Strong's:
G4122
Word #:
9 of 20
to be covetous, i.e., (by implication) to over-reach
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
in the same
G846
αὐτοῖς
in the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 20
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
πνεύματι
spirit
G4151
πνεύματι
spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
15 of 20
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
περιεπατήσαμεν
walked we
G4043
περιεπατήσαμεν
walked we
Strong's:
G4043
Word #:
16 of 20
to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.Romans 4:12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Historical Context
Titus was Paul's trusted delegate (2 Corinthians 2:13, 7:6-7, 8:6), sent to Corinth multiple times. The Corinthians had direct, recent experience with Titus's ministry and character—fresh evidence of integrity that Paul could appeal to. The unnamed "brother" (8:18, 22 suggests possibly two brothers) provided additional witnesses, fulfilling the biblical principle of multiple testimony (Deuteronomy 19:15).
Questions for Reflection
- How does "same spirit, same steps" define team ministry—not just shared mission but shared character walking in synchronized Christlikeness?
- What does Paul's logical argument (Titus was trustworthy; we walk in same steps; therefore I'm trustworthy) teach about evaluating leaders through their associates?
- Why is it pastorally significant that Paul appeals to the Corinthians' recent experience with Titus rather than ancient history or abstract principles?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
I 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? Paul specifies: Titus (who delivered the "severe letter," 7:6-7, and organized the Jerusalem collection, 8:6, 16-17) and an unnamed brother (possibly Luke or another trusted co-worker). The rhetorical question Did Titus make a gain of you? expects the answer: "Of course not!" The Corinthians knew Titus's character—he hadn't exploited them financially.
Then Paul draws the logical conclusion: walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps? The Greek pneumati (πνεύματι, "spirit") could mean disposition/attitude or the Holy Spirit—probably both. Paul, Titus, and the brother shared the same Spirit-produced character and literally walked in the same behavioral patterns (ichnein, ἴχνεσιν, "footsteps," "tracks"). If Titus was trustworthy, Paul was trustworthy—same spirit, same steps.
This verse models ministry integrity through shared character among co-workers. Paul doesn't have one standard for himself and another for delegates; they all walk in synchronized Christlikeness. Consistent team character validates individual character.