And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.
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Cornelius a Lapide
AD 1637
And we have sent with them our brother. Who this is is uncertain. Some, says Anselm, think that it is Apollos; but they suspect only, for S. Paul neither names him nor describes him, but leaves the Corinthians to their personal knowledge of him.
Upon the great confidence which I have in you. Having great confidence and hope that, as is right, they will be received honourably and lovingly by you, and also partly out of love and respect for Titus , who is my companion and fellow-helper. Hence Titus was now at Corinth, having been sent there by S. Paul to collect these alms and to transact other business.
Maldonatus supplies the verb show, and makes the sentence run: "Upon the great confidence that whatever love you show to Titus you will show to me, for he is my partner." But there is no need to supply anything—the sense given above is clear enough without it.
With much confidence in you, either for Titus Some expound it of the confidence which this the third brother had in the Corinthians, but it seems rather to be understood of the confidence which St. Paul himself had in them, that they would show great respect both to Titus, and to the other brethren whom he sent. He concludes, (ver. 24.) by exhorting them to these charitable contributions, which he calls the manifestation of their charity, in the sight of the Churches. Literally, in the face of the Churches, in your public meetings. (Witham)
Most commentators understand here Apollo, but without any certainty. (Bible de Vence) _
Behold, again he adds yet another, and him also with an encomium; both his own judgment, and many other witnesses [to him].
Whom, says he, we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest. And having praised him from his own good works, he extols him also from his love towards them; and what he said of Titus, that being very earnest he went forth of his own accord; this he says of this person also, saying, but now much more earnest; laying up beforehand for them the seeds of [the proof of their] love toward the Corinthians.
And then, after having showed forth their virtue, he exhorts them also on their behalf,
