PRAISED FOR HIS GOSPEL MINISTRY
In the apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, he informed them that he was sending three brothers to help with the collection of a gift to help the hurting Christians in Jerusalem. He named Titus as one of the trio who had volunteered to visit them for this purpose because of his heart and concern for them. He didn’t indicate the names of the other two men, but he did offer this significant endorsement for the second one, saying he “is praised throughout the churches for his gospel ministry.”
Early tradition held that this second brother known for his gospel ministry was none other than Paul’s friend, Dr. Luke. Certainly this is the most probable identity of the second brother. For Luke would be praised throughout the churches for writing the Gospel according to Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Yet Paul leaves him unnamed, probably because the Corinthians knew Titus, but had yet to meet the other two brothers.
The name of the second brother sent from Paul to Corinth remains uncertain today, but one thing is clear––he was known for his gospel ministry. And isn’t that the best of all things to be known for? For it’s better to be known for proclaiming the name of Jesus, than for your own name to be known. It’s better to be praised for preaching the gospel than any other commendation in this world.
Paul could offer no higher praise for his unnamed brother than this: He was praised for his gospel ministry.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are thankful that You know us by name. But we would ask that You strengthen us, that we might be more known for our gospel ministry. We can never repay Your great love for us. But we can declare Your praises and preach Your gospel everywhere we go. Empower us by Your Spirit that we might fulfill the Great Commission given to us by Your Son. For it’s in His name we pray. In the name of Jesus, amen.