2 Corinthians 12:18
What does 2 Corinthians 12:18 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Corinthians 12:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Corinthians 12:18 means
Paul cites Titus, whom he exhorted and sent with another brother. He asks, “Did Titus take any advantage of you?” The expected answer is no. He further appeals to shared experience: “walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?” Their unity of heart and conduct stands as living proof against the charge of exploitation. The team’s integrity mirrors Paul’s own. Not only were funds not mishandled; the very manner of ministry—its ethos and methods—was consistent and above reproach. Such transparency is pastoral care in action, protecting the flock and commending the gospel to watching eyes.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
KJV
King James Version · 1611I desired Titus, and with him I sent a brother. Did Titus make a gain of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901I exhorted Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? walked we not in the same spirit? walked we not in the same steps?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I gave orders to Titus, and I sent the brother with him. Did Titus make any profit out of you? were we not guided by the same Spirit, in the same ways?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862I entreated Titus, and did send with <FI>him<Fi> the brother; did Titus take advantage of you? in the same spirit did we not walk? --did we not in the same steps?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752I desired Titus: and I sent with him a brother. Did Titus overreach you? Did we not walk with the same spirit? Did we not in the same steps?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890I begged Titus, and sent the brother with [him]: did Titus at all make gain of you? have we not walked in the same spirit? [have we] not in the same steps?
Context
With names and shared history, Paul closes the loop on the accusation of craftiness. The consistent character of Titus and the unnamed brother confirms that Paul’s policy of not burdening the Corinthians was sincere. Having cleared the suspicion, he will, in verse 19, reframe the entire defense as speech offered before God for their building up. This sets the stage for his sober fears in verses 20–21 about what he might find on his coming visit, reminding the church that integrity in leadership aims at holiness in the congregation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:19
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
- 2 Corinthians 2:12
Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,
- 2 Corinthians 7:6
Nevertheless he that comforteth the lowly, even God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
- Acts 20:33
I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
- 2 Corinthians 8:6
Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.
- 1 Peter 2:21
For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:
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