Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 8:20
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding the administration of the Jerusalem collection while coordinating with a brother chosen by the other congregations. He speaks at the moment of logistical preparation to ensure the offering's integrity.
The words — στελλόμενοι (stellomenoi) literally means "arranging" or "avoiding," and μωμήσηται (mōmēsētai) means "may blame" or "criticize." The Greek syntax frames the administration as a deliberate effort to prevent anyone from finding fault.
The thread — This concern for blameless conduct appears in Romans 14:16, Ephesians 5:15, and 1 Thessalonians 5:22, where believers are instructed to walk wisely and abstain from evil. The thread shows that ethical handling of spiritual matters must withstand both divine and human scrutiny.
Why it lands — The verse requires those managing church resources to prioritize transparent, blameless practices over mere good intentions. Readers must examine their own handling of entrusted matters to ensure it withstands external criticism and internal conscience.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
Cross-references
- Ephesians 5:15 Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from every form of evil.
- Romans 14:16 Do not allow what you consider good, then, to be spoken of as evil.
- Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
- 1 Corinthians 16:3 Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
- 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.