MY FRIEND TITUS
Opening Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being my friend.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:16–24
Titus Sent to Receive the Collection
16 Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. 17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. 18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. 19 What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. 21 For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.
22 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. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and co-worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. 24 Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it.
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica
Reflect
Blessed are the peacemakers…Titus played a significant role in Paul’s close and diverse team. We know that he was Greek and a Gentile (Gal. 2:3). He later settled in Crete and became the senior leader in the church there. But at this stage in his life he acted as messenger, postman, and intermediary for Paul.
It isn’t just the words we say or write, but the tone in which they are delivered that makes so much difference. Maybe Titus was particularly sensitive in interpreting Paul, an intellectual Jew, to the earthy Gentile church in Corinth. Having delivered Paul’s “painful letter” (ch. 7), Titus would deliver 2 Corinthians, a commission he eagerly accepted (17). He would probably read it aloud to the gathered church when he arrived, introducing his two companions who had been charged with overseeing the collection and ensuring that Paul cannot be accused of embezzling funds (20). Paul’s description of Titus as “my partner and fellow worker in your service,” and the distress he felt when separated from him (2:13), points to the high esteem in which he held him.
Sometimes, involving a “Titus”—one who can relate to both parties—makes the restoration of a relationship easier.
Apply
Are you trying to sort out situations by yourself when God has provided someone to help or mediate? Or are you aware of a situation in which you could be a “Titus”?
Closing prayer
Thank You, God, for faithful friends (Prov. 18:24), for Your friendship (John 15:15) and for the privilege of being a friend.
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