2 Corinthians 8:19

Chosen. Greek cheirotoned (see on Acts 14:23). Although the word means, literally, “to stretch out the hand,” and thus “to elect,” its usage leaves uncertain the manner in which this companion of Titus was appointed.

Travel. That is, to Jerusalem, in company with Paul and others, to deliver to the brethren there the funds thus collected in Macedonia and in Greece.

Grace. As in verses 4-7, the word here refers to the charitable enterprise of assisting the poor at Jerusalem, which was an expression of the grace of God (verse 1).

To the glory. The proposed collection for the saints at Jerusalem would lead men to glorify God. Those at Jerusalem would praise Him that the gospel had led the Gentiles to take so practical an interest in their needy condition, and the Gentiles would find joy in ministering to the needs of their fellow Christians.

Your ready mind. Textual evidence attests (cf. p. 10) the reading “our readiness of mind,” or “our zeal.” In addition to the good that would come to the poor saints at Jerusalem and to the Gentile churches in thus making provision for their needs, the project would also demonstrate to Jewish Christians in Judea that in his labors for the Gentiles Paul had not forgotten them. The project would bind the hearts of Jew and Gentile together and tend to unite them in one fellowship. This would help to break down “the middle wall of partition” (Ephesians 2:14) that separated them.