We’re continuing to look at the offering that Paul is collecting for the needy churches of Judea. He’s now informing the Corinthian church, who exactly will be taking this gift to Jerusalem.
This is found in 2 Corinthians 8:16-24. You may want to read that passage before continuing with this post.
In this section of Scripture, we see three men. One of them we know well, the other two are anonymous. But they all possess a high degree of integrity.
I want to look at the way Paul describes them. It should be something that we all strive to be like. They definitely exemplify those who church leaders look for to advance in their calling.
The first of these men is Titus. He was probably the leader of the group. He was saved and trained up under Paul’s ministry. It’s obvious that Paul treated him as a son.
One of the major parts of Titus’ attitude was a willingness to do anything Paul asked of him.
For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative.
2 Corinthians 8:17
As I read through Paul’s Corinthian letters, it seems to me that this church was not an easy one to work with. In many regards, they seemed pretty arrogant about themselves.
“We don’t need your help. We know what we’re doing.”
Yet, in spite of all that, Titus was enthusiastic to go to them as Paul’s representative. This earnest willingness to do whatever it takes is a great asset in any ministry.
Next, we have an unknown brother.
And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.
2 Corinthians 8:18
This is someone who most people praised for his service. This means that his service to the Gospel was an obvious thing. He could always be counted on to help out. It goes on to say that all the churches wanted him in particular to be a part of this “offering detail”.
Finally, there was a third man that was a part of this team. Look at Paul’s description.
In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8:22
He has a big plus; he’s passionate. That’s what the word, zealous means. The church needs people of passion.
We need to get emotional about those things that stir the heart of God. When this man thought about the need in Judea, he was moved with compassion. Then he heard about the fact that there were Greek churches who wanted to help out financially. This moved him to action.
It’s leaders like this who should be examples to us of how to live our best for Christ.
Question: What leaders have affected you the most in your walk with Christ?
© 2020 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 