2 Corinthians 8:17

17 because indeed the exhortation he accepted, and being more diligent, of his own accord he went forth unto 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 according as it hath been written, `He who [did gather] much, had nothing over; and he who [did gather] little, had no lack.'

16 And thanks to God, who is putting the same diligence for you in the heart of Titus,

17 because indeed the exhortation he accepted, and being more diligent, of his own accord he went forth unto you,

18 and we sent with him the brother, whose praise in the good news [is] through all the assemblies,

19 and not only so, but who was also appointed by vote by the assemblies, our fellow-traveller, with this favour that is ministered by us, unto the glory of the same Lord, and your willing mind;