2 Corinthians 8:22
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
with them
G846
αὐτοῖς
with them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 22
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
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὃν
whom
G3739
ὃν
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐδοκιμάσαμεν
proved
G1381
ἐδοκιμάσαμεν
proved
Strong's:
G1381
Word #:
8 of 22
to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve
πολλῇ
many things
G4183
πολλῇ
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
10 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
πολλῇ
many things
G4183
πολλῇ
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
16 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
σπουδαιότερον
G4706
πολλῇ
many things
G4183
πολλῇ
many things
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
19 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
τῇ
which
G3588
τῇ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
The three-delegate system reflects both Jewish legal requirements (two or three witnesses, Deuteronomy 19:15) and Roman administrative practice (multiple officials preventing corruption). Paul adapted cultural wisdom for church governance: no single person controlled funds, decisions required consensus, and diverse motivations prevented collusion. This created a checks-and-balances system protecting both the collection and Paul's reputation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does publicly expressed confidence motivate people to rise to expectations?
- What role does proven character ('oftentimes proved diligent') play in ministry assignments?
- Why did Paul use three delegates instead of one very trustworthy person?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you—Paul introduces a third delegate: ton adelphon hēmōn (τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν, 'our brother') whom Paul has repeatedly tested (edokimasamen... pollakis, ἐδοκιμάσαμεν... πολλάκις, 'we tested... many times'). The perfect participle emphasizes completed testing with ongoing results: he's spoudaion onta (σπουδαῖον ὄντα, 'being diligent/earnest'). Now he's spoudaioteron (σπουδαιότερον, 'more diligent') due to pepoithēsei pollē (πεποιθήσει πολλῇ, 'great confidence') in the Corinthians.
This third brother (also unnamed) brings tested character and fresh enthusiasm. Paul's description—pollakis... en pollois ('often... in many things')—indicates extensive ministry experience. The confidence (pepoithēsis, πεποίθησις) in Corinth motivates increased diligence: he believes they'll respond well, energizing his service. This teaches important ministry dynamics: confidence begets diligence, expectation motivates effort. Paul publicly expresses confidence in Corinth (despite recent conflicts) to inspire them to meet those expectations. Three delegates—each tested, each motivated differently (Titus by personal concern, the second by church appointment, the third by confidence in Corinth)—ensured both competence and accountability.