2 Corinthians 1:8

1:8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, ¹  regarding the affliction that happened to us in the province of Asia, ²  that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of living.

2 Corinthians 8:23

8:23 If there is any question ³  about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; if there is any question about our brothers, they are messengers ⁴  of the churches, a glory to Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:3

9:3 But I am sending ⁵  these brothers so that our boasting about you may not be empty in this case, so that you may be ready ⁶  just as I kept telling them.

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¹ tn Grk “brothers,” but the Greek word may be used for “brothers and sisters” or “fellow Christians” as here (cf. BDAG 18 s.v. ἀδελφός 1., where considerable nonbiblical evidence for the plural ἀδελφοί [adelfoi] meaning “brothers and sisters” is cited).

² tn Grk “Asia”; in the NT this always refers to the Roman province of Asia, made up of about one-third of the west and southwest end of modern Asia Minor. Asia lay to the west of the region of Phrygia and Galatia. The words “the province of” are supplied to indicate to the modern reader that this does not refer to the continent of Asia.

³ tn Grk “If concerning Titus” (εἴτε ὑπὲρ Τίτου, eite Juper Titou); the Greek sentence opens with an ellipsis which must be supplied: If [there is any question] about Titus.”

⁴ tn Grk “apostles.”

⁵ tn This verb has been translated as an epistolary aorist.

⁶ tn That is, ready with the collection for the saints.