Insights

Apparently these slanderous phonies had been telling the Corinthians that although Paul didn't openly take money from them, he took it in a roundabout way. He was after the money he claimed was for the offering to Jerusalem and would keep it, they said.

Yeah, right, Paul responded. Fooled you! Come on, now, I haven't even TOUCHED the money! I sent Titus and the "brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospels" (8:18).

From the questions Paul asked, we can see that Titus followed Paul's example and supported himself while he was there, too. Because travel was slow and difficult in those days, people often stayed for a long visit when they finally arrived. Titus and the mystery brother wouldn't have come in on Friday and left on Monday. They probably stayed several weeks, not only to rest but also to give Titus time to evaluate the church so he could give an insightful report to Paul. So he worked to support himself, rather than have the Corinthians feed and house him and his friend. It appeared also that the Corinthians didn’t raise any question of their integrity at the time.

Praise God for the wisdom Paul used in handling the money so carefully. He had witnesses for every step of the way.

So What?

It's always wise to protect yourself by having witnesses to whatever is done. Whether it's handling someone else's money or taking care of the nursery or toddler room, make sure everything's done openly. In youth gatherings of both sexes, always have adult chaperons. You want your Christian witness to be "holy and blameless" (Ephesians 5:27).

You should be living a life of such integrity that any accusations against you will surprise people!