We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.
Parallel translations
- WEB We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.
- KJV Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
- BSB We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
- NKJV avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—
- NASB taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift;
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
Paul deliberately involves others so that no one can accuse him of mishandling the large sum entrusted to him. He guards against even the suspicion of fraud.
Overview
Handling a generous collection, Paul takes pains to avoid any blame. By involving multiple respected delegates, he ensures the funds are managed transparently. This concern for blamelessness in money matters is a model for the church's stewardship in every age.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 6
- 1 Th 5:22Abstain from every form of evil.
- Eph 5:15Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;
- Rom 14:16Then don’t let your good be slandered,
- Matt 10:16“Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- 1 Cor 16:3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.
- 2 Cor 11:12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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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 8:20 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
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.