2 Corinthians 8:24

Paul concluded his "letter of commendation" (2 Corinthians 8:16-24) with a warm appeal. He charged his readers to grant these messengers a reception that would demonstrate the Corinthians’ love for Christ, Paul, and the delegates to all the other churches. They were to be openhearted toward them as Paul had urged them to be openhearted toward himself (2 Corinthians 6:11-13). Their warm reception of the messengers would confirm the genuineness of their acceptance of Paul and their positive response to his admonition concerning the offering. Other churches were watching the Corinthians and knew of their history. Therefore this positive welcome of the delegates needed to be public to dispel any doubts in the minds of others.