If any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you: or if our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
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Cornelius a Lapide
AD 1637
Or our brethren. I trust that you will, as is right, receive them worthily, partly because of the brethren sent with Titus , and partly because of Titus himself.
The glory of Christ. The Apostles are the glory of Christ, inasmuch as they spread and make known His glory. "Whether, therefore," says Chrysostom, "You will receive them as brethren, or as the Apostles of the Churches, or as those who promote the glory of Christ, you will have many reasons for showing them kindness." By metonymy, glory is put for the cause and care of Christ"s glory.
Whether any inquire about Titus; he is my partner and my fellow-worker to youward.
What is, Whether about Titus? 'If,' says he, 'it be necessary to say any thing, this I have to say,' that he is my partner and fellow-worker to youward. For he either means this; or, 'if you will do anything for Titus, you will do it unto no ordinary person, for he is my partner.' And while appearing to be praising him, he magnifies them, showing them to be so disposed towards himself as that it were sufficient ground of honor among them that any one should appear to be his partner. But, nevertheless, he was not content with this, but he also added another thing, saying, fellow-worker to youward. Not merely fellow-worker, 'but in matters concerning you, in your progress, in your growth, in our friendship, in our zeal for you;' which last would avail most especially to endear him unto them.
Or our brethren: 'or whether you wish,' he says, 'to hear any thing about the others: they too have great clai...