2 Corinthians 8:20-21
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This verse isn't just about avoiding blame; it highlights the deliberate transparency Paul and his team were establishing. They were so concerned with integrity that they proactively structured their giving process to be above reproach, even before any accusations arose. This shows a profound respect for the donors' trust and a commitment to honoring God with every aspect of their ministry.
We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about collecting offerings for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's not just asking for money; he's building trust and transparency in how this important act of generosity will be handled, ensuring it's done with integrity. This verse immediately follows his explanation of how he's appointed trustworthy brothers to oversee the collection, so that there's no room for suspicion about how these funds are managed.
In the world of giving and receiving, trust is everything. Paul and his team were incredibly intentional about how they managed the gifts meant for the poor in Jerusalem.
Integrity in Stewardship
Paul’s concern here isn't just about the act of giving, but the administration of those gifts. He's talking about transparency and accountability, especially when handling money that isn't their own.
Why the Scrutiny?
It’s not enough to have good intentions; our actions must look good too. Paul was setting up a system to ensure everyone involved felt secure.
Building Trust Through Transparency
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Paul and his team weren't just collecting money; they were managing a sacred trust. The phrase 'we take this course' implies a deliberate, planned approach.
Key Actions:
Understand the original words
hadrotēs · Greek Noun
Refers to a monetary contribution or a material gift intended to help others in need. In a biblical context, such gifts are viewed as an expression of Christian love, fellowship, and stewardship.
kalos · Greek Adjective
This term refers to that which is morally good, upright, and carries the quality of being beautiful or attractive in a virtuous sense. In a biblical context, it denotes actions that are ethically blameless and worthy of respect.
Paul's emphasis on transparency in managing the collection for Jerusalem highlights the deep inter-church solidarity he fostered and the need for impeccable integrity when handling God's resources.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul traveled extensively, strengthening churches and establishing new ones. During this time, he gathered contributions from various Gentile churches for the Jerusalem church.
c. AD 57— this verse
Collection for Jerusalem Church
Paul organized a significant collection from Gentile believers in places like Corinth and Macedonia to aid the financially struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem.
c. AD 57
Paul writes 2 Corinthians
Paul likely wrote this letter from Macedonia, addressing issues in the Corinthian church, including the administration of the collection and defending his apostolic authority.
c. AD 57
Concerns about Financial Integrity
There were rumors and accusations circulating in Corinth that questioned the handling of the funds Paul and his associates were collecting. This verse directly addresses those concerns.
Paul here is addressing a similar concern about his integrity in handling financial matters, echoing his defense before the Ephesian elders where he states he coveted no one's silver or gold.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4This passage details Paul's instructions for collecting the offering, highlighting his careful planning and delegation to ensure the process was transparent and trustworthy.
Philippians 4:15-18Paul acknowledges the Philippians' past generosity and assures them that their gift, sent to him, was a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God, demonstrating his focus on God's approval over human opinion.
Proverbs 11:1This proverb speaks to the importance of integrity in all dealings, especially financial ones, stating that dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord, a principle Paul clearly upholds by ensuring his administration is beyond reproach.
This verse isn't just about avoiding blame; it highlights the deliberate transparency Paul and his team were establishing. They were so concerned with integrity that they proactively structured their giving process to be above reproach, even before any accusations arose. This shows a profound respect for the donors' trust and a commitment to honoring God with every aspect of their ministry.
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about collecting offerings for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's not just asking for money; he's building trust and transparency in how this important act of generosity will be handled, ensuring it's done with integrity. This verse immediately follows his explanation of how he's appointed trustworthy brothers to oversee the collection, so that there's no room for suspicion about how these funds are managed.
Paul is writing to the Corinthians about collecting offerings for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's not just asking for money; he's building trust and transparency in how this important act of generosity will be handled, ensuring it's done with integrity. This verse immediately follows his explanation of how he's appointed trustworthy brothers to oversee the collection, so that there's no room for suspicion about how these funds are managed.
"We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man." — This verse isn't just about avoiding blame; it highlights the deliberate transparency Paul and his team were establishing. They were so concerned with integrity that they proactively structured the…
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Last reviewed October 2026
