2 Corinthians 8:20

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us:
2 Corinthians 8:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Corinthians 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Avoiding this, that no man should blame us, etc..] There is an allusion in these words to mariners, who, when sensible of danger, steer their course another way, in order to shun a rock and secure themselves. So the apostles being aware of the censorious spirits of some persons, and to prevent all suspicion of their converting any part of what they had collected to their own private use, sent Titus with it, a man of known probity and integrity; and he not by himself only, but another brother with him, one who had obtained a good report as a minister of the Gospel in all the churches: and, besides, was appointed not by the apostles, but by the churches themselves, to this service. This shows…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Avoiding--taking precautions against this. in this abundance--in the case of this abundance.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Avoiding this - That is, I intend to prevent any blame from being cast upon me in regard to the management of these funds. For this purpose Paul had refused to have the entire management of the funds (see 1 Corinthians 12:3-4), and had secured the appointment of one who had the entire confidence of all the churches. That no man should blame us - That no one should have any occasion to say that I had appropriated it to my own use or contrary to the will of the donors. Paul felt how dangerous it was for ministers to have much to do with money matters. He had a very deep impression of the necessity of keeping his own character free from suspicion on this subject. He knew how easy it might be…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“that: Co2 11:12; Mat 10:16; Rom 14:16; Co1 16:3; Eph 5:15; Th1 5:22 2 Corinthians 8:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification