2 Corinthians 8:19
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
4 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χειροτονηθεὶς
chosen
G5500
χειροτονηθεὶς
chosen
Strong's:
G5500
Word #:
6 of 28
to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand), i.e., (generally) to select or appoint
ὑφ'
by
G5259
ὑφ'
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
7 of 28
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησιῶν
the churches
G1577
ἐκκλησιῶν
the churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
9 of 28
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
συνέκδημος
to travel
G4898
συνέκδημος
to travel
Strong's:
G4898
Word #:
10 of 28
a co-absentee from home, i.e., fellow-traveller
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
12 of 28
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάριτι
grace
G5485
χάριτι
grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
14 of 28
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
ταύτῃ
G3778
ταύτῃ
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
15 of 28
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακονουμένῃ
is administered
G1247
διακονουμένῃ
is administered
Strong's:
G1247
Word #:
17 of 28
to be an attendant, i.e., wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a christian deacon
ὑφ'
by
G5259
ὑφ'
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
18 of 28
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
20 of 28
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
22 of 28
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
τοῦ
which
G3588
τοῦ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the same Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the same Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
24 of 28
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
δόξαν
the glory
G1391
δόξαν
the glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
25 of 28
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 28
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
The phrase 'chosen of the churches' indicates early Christian congregational authority in selecting leaders and representatives. Unlike later hierarchical episcopacy, first-century church governance often involved congregational participation in leadership selection (Acts 6:1-6, 14:23). This democratic element checked apostolic power and ensured accountability, as seen here where churches appointed the collection delegate, not Paul alone.
Questions for Reflection
- How should Christian financial ministries ensure transparency and multi-party accountability?
- What does it mean practically that giving is 'to the glory of the Lord,' not just helping people?
- How can democratic church governance coexist with pastoral authority?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind—This brother was not only reputable but formally appointed: cheirotonetheeis hypo tōn ekklēsiōn (χειροτονηθεὶς ὑπὸ τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, 'chosen by the churches'). The verb cheirotoneō (χειροτονέω) literally means 'to stretch out the hand,' possibly indicating voting by raised hands—early democratic church governance. He would synekdēmos hēmōn (συνέκδημος ἡμῶν, 'travel companion with us') administering tēn charin tautēn ('this grace-gift').
Paul's purpose statement is crucial: pros doxan tou kyriou (πρὸς δόξαν τοῦ κυρίου, 'toward the glory of the Lord') and prokymian hēmōn (προθυμίαν ἡμῶν, 'our readiness'). The collection glorifies Christ by demonstrating unity and love; it also reveals the churches' willingness to serve. The phrase tēn charin tautēn tēn diakonoumenēn hyph' hēmōn ('this grace being ministered by us') again uses charis for the collection—it's grace received (enabling giving) and grace given (the gift itself). Multi-church appointment, Paul's accompaniment, and focus on Christ's glory created maximum transparency and accountability.