What is the context?
Paul introduces the people being sent to help with the collection. He thanks God for Titus’s devotion to the Corinthians and also describes Titus as eager to go of his own accord. God’s work in Titus and Titus’s willing response appear together in the account.
One companion is respected among the churches for his work in the gospel and has been chosen by them to travel with the gift. Another has repeatedly proved diligent and now has great confidence in the Corinthians. Paul leaves both men unnamed.
These arrangements serve a clear purpose: protecting the administration of a generous gift from criticism. Paul wants their conduct to be right before God and visibly honorable to other people. Trusted companions and the churches’ involvement give practical form to that concern.
Titus is Paul’s partner and fellow worker; the other brothers represent the churches. Paul asks the Corinthians to welcome this team with a response that shows their love and confirms his confidence in them. 1 Corinthians 16:3–4 likewise gives the Corinthians a role in approving people to carry their gift.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly understand this as responsible handling of a church collection, with trusted representatives and conduct others can examine. The USCCB notes on verses 16–24 emphasize the workers’ character and authority as church messengers; Wesley’s notes on verses 19 and 23–24 likewise describe their appointment and service. The passage gives the two brothers’ qualifications without supplying their names.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.