For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.
Parallel translations
- WEB For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord.
- BSB For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.
- NKJV For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.
- NASB For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord.
- NLT Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Titus welcomed Paul's encouragement and, out of his own deep eagerness, set off to Corinth willingly. He served not from obligation but from genuine love.
Overview
Paul highlights Titus's voluntary zeal: he needed little urging, going of his own accord because he truly cared for the Corinthians. This models Christian ministry that springs from inward devotion rather than external pressure, and assures the church that the collection is being handled by trustworthy, willing servants.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- 2 Cor 8:6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
- Heb 13:22And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.
- 2 Cor 8:10And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
- 2 Cor 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 8:17 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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