A SLICE OF APOSTOLIC LIFE " . . . because I found not Titus my brother . . . " -- Tomorrow:
"Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of His knowledge by us in every place." (2 Cor 2:12-14)
Devotion 11 of 24
I FOUND NOT TITUS
Now Paul shares the source of his inward turmoil, or lack of "rest." On the surface, one might surmise this to be a needless experience – something that does not justify such sensitivity as forbade the Apostle to enter into a door opened to him by Jesus Himself. To say the very least, it is not wise to sit in judgment upon a man whom Jesus judged to be "faithful, putting" him "into the ministry" (1 Tim 1:12). It is far better to learn from this record rather than judging it as though we knew more than Paul.
It is apparent that Paul was expecting Titus to meet him in Troas, bringing a report of the situation at Corinth. Later Paul will refer to Titus being sent to Corinth in order to ensure the completion of some matters there: "Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also" (2 Cor 8:6). Titus had "the same earnest care" as Paul did for the Corinthian brethren (2 Cor 8:16), and thus would bring Paul an accurate report of their condition. Had they responded to his first letter commendably? Did they deal correctly with the offending fornicator (1 Cor 5:1-10)? Had those who denied the resurrection of the dead seen its truth (1 Cor 15:12)? Had they gathered up the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, as they said they would (1 Cor 16:1-2)? Was there improvement in their conduct around the Lord's table (1 Cor 11:29-33)? Were they still suing one another in the courts of the land (1 Cor 6:6-7)? Was there any improvement in their treatment of weaker brethren (1 Cor 8:13)? Had there been a greater clarity among them concerning marriage (1 Cor 7)? Were their assemblies now characterized by edification instead of confusion (1 Cor 11:17-18)? How had they received and treated Titus?
These were all matters concerning which Titus would provide insightful observations. Now, expecting to find Titus in Troas, Paul has no rest because he was not there. Thus, the work in which Paul found the loftiest joy and satisfaction was adversely impacted because of disappointment. Concerned for the church in Corinth, he was forced to remain ignorant of their condition – something that was very troubling to him.
Here was something God would not reveal to him personally. He would have to learn it from one of his brethren. Later, we will find Titus did meet Paul in Macedonia, and gave him the desired report: "For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus" (7:5-6).
We do not know why Titus was not there – whether it was because Paul arrived earlier than expected, or because of some delay on the part of Titus. The point is that the Apostle earnestly wanted to know of the state of the Corinthian believers. This was part of "the care of all the churches" that came upon Paul every day (2 Cor 11:26). In our day, I have found it is tantamount to a miracle to find a person with this kind of concern.
This was a situation similar to that of Elisha the prophet. On one occasion, after miraculously baring a child at the word of Elisha, the child of the Shunammite woman died. She immediately journeyed to the prophet. When she arrived she took hold of Elisha's feet. Thinking she was being presumptuous, Elisha's servant Gehazi "came near to thrust her away." Elisha stopped him saying, "Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the LORD hath hid it from me, and hath not told me" (2 Kgs 4:27).
That is the situation Paul was in. The Lord had not revealed the condition of the Corinthians to him. He had not told the Apostle how they responded to his letter. Even as Elisha was dependent upon someone else providing the desired information, so Paul needed Titus to tell him about the Corinthians. When Titus was not there, the great apostle, being tender of heart, became restless because of it.
There is something to be learned from this circumstance. Those who labor for the Lord must avoid juvenile views of the Kingdom of God. The Lord's direction is sure, but it is not always apparent. There are times when the assistance of the brethren is necessary. There are also times when delays cause agitation within – not because the servant of God seeks his own pleasure, but because of a deep concern for the people of God. This was the same spirit Paul exhibited toward the Thessalonians: "For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labor be in vain" (1 Thess 3:5).
It seems to me that the modern church is sadly lacking in this matter of sensitive spiritual leaders – those who have as heart to know of the progress of the people. Judging from the condition of many of the churches, there is a serious lack of leaders who are concerned about the failure of Christians to appropriate what belongs to them in Christ Jesus.
MY BROTHER
". . . my brother . . . " To Titus Paul wrote, "mine own son after the common faith" (Tit 1:1). To the Corinthians he said of him, "my brother." The one whom he had begotten in the Lord was also his co-laborer in Christ Jesus – a fellow pilgrim en route to glory.
Titus is mentioned nine times in Second Corinthians. This is the first of those references. Later he refers to "the coming of Titus," by which he himself was comforted (7:6). We learn that Titus was rejoicing over the advance of the Corinthians (7:13). Paul had boasted of the Corinthians before Titus (7:14). He had been charged with finalizing the collection that was to be gathered in Corinth for the poor saints in Jerusalem (8:6). God had put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care for the Corinthians that Paul possessed (8:16). Paul said of him, "he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you" (8:23). Of all of the people who may have been available to him, Paul had urged Titus to go to Corinth to learn of their state (12:18).
I say these things to point out that the expression "my brother" was more than a mere formal identity – as in, everyone in Christ is our brother. This was an expression denoting working together in the Lord, laboring in the harvest of the Lord together. He was a brother in labor.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, raise up holy men who will have a consistent and godly concern for the churches – one that is befitting of faithful shepherds.