2 Corinthians 8:17

17 for [soothly] he received exhortation; but when he was busier, by his will he went forth to you [with his will he went forth to you].

2 Corinthians 8:17 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:17

For indeed, he accepted the exhortation
The Macedonians besought the apostle with much entreaty to give unto him, ( 2 Corinthians 8:4 2 Corinthians 8:6 ) or which being moved by their example, they gave unto him, namely, that he would go and finish what he had already begun; and accordingly he did not refuse, but readily accepted the exhortation: yea, not only so,

but being more forward;
than was known or could have been expected; which shows that this was put into his heart by God, before it was moved unto him; so that if he had never been asked, or exhorted hereunto, he would have gone of himself:

of his own accord he went unto you;
so great is his care of you; so great his love unto you so willing was he to come again and pay another visit: and especially on this account, where he had before been treated with so much respect and kindness. Titus having been at Corinth already, and being well known there, the apostle forbears saying anything more in his commendation.

2 Corinthians 8:17 In-Context

15 as it is written, He that [hath] gathered much, was not increased, and he that [had] gathered little, had not less.

16 And I do thankings to God, that gave the same busyness for you in the heart of Titus,

17 for [soothly] he received exhortation; but when he was busier, by his will he went forth to you [with his will he went forth to you].

18 And we sent with him a brother, whose praising is in the gospel by all churches.

19 And not only [praised], but also he is ordained of churches the fellow of our pilgrimage into this grace, that is ministered of us to the glory of the Lord, and to our ordained will;