2 corinthians 8:18 - We have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the Good News is known throughout all the assemblies.

Generated Verse: 2 corinthians 8:18

What does "2 corinthians 8:18" mean?


This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:18, is referring to a co-worker of Paul's, whose name isn't explicitly stated in the verse, who is being sent to Corinth along with Titus. Let's break down the meaning:

"We have sent together with him...": This indicates that Paul, and likely others associated with him (perhaps his team), are sending someone along with Titus to Corinth. The "him" refers to Titus, who is mentioned earlier in the chapter.

"...the brother...": This is a common term Paul uses to refer to fellow Christians, signifying a shared faith and brotherhood.

"...whose praise in the Good News...": This phrase suggests that the brother is well-regarded for his work related to the Gospel (the "Good News" of Jesus Christ). He has a strong reputation within the Christian community.

"...is known throughout all the assemblies.": This emphasizes the breadth of the brother's reputation. His good deeds and service to the Gospel are recognized not just in one church, but across many different Christian congregations ("assemblies").

In essence, Paul is saying:

"We are sending along with Titus a fellow Christian brother who has an excellent reputation for his work in spreading the Gospel. His good work is well-known and appreciated throughout all the churches."

Why is this important?

Credentialing: Paul is essentially providing a reference for this unnamed brother. He wants the Corinthians to trust and receive him well. Highlighting his good reputation strengthens his credibility.
Encouragement: The verse can be seen as encouragement for the Corinthians to participate in the collection Paul is organizing for the Jerusalem church (which is the overall context of 2 Corinthians 8-9). If they see trustworthy and well-respected individuals involved, they are more likely to contribute generously.
Humility: The brother's name is not mentioned, highlighting that his value and reputation come from his service to the Gospel, not from personal ambition or fame.

Who is this "brother"?

The Bible does not explicitly name this brother. Several possibilities have been suggested by scholars, including Luke, Barnabas, and Silas. However, it is not possible to know for certain. The important thing is the brother's proven character and service.