What Is the Year of Jubilee in Scripture?
The Year of Jubilee (sometimes called Jubilee Year, Jubilee, or Yubilei) was a special, God-ordained year in the Jewish calendar that came every 50th year.
God commanded the Israelites to count seven cycles of seven years (7 x 7 = 49), and the year following—the 50th—was to be set apart as the Jubilee.
A Year of Rest, Release, and Restoration
During the Jubilee year, the people were commanded not to sow or reap. This meant they had to rest for two consecutive years:
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The 49th year, which was a Sabbath year (every seventh year was a sabbatical year),
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And the 50th year, which was the Year of Jubilee.
So how would they survive for two years without farming?
God promised to bless them abundantly in the 48th year, providing enough food to sustain them throughout both years of rest:
Leviticus 25:8–13 (NIV)
“Count off seven Sabbath years—seven times seven years—so that the seven Sabbath years amount to a period of forty-nine years. Then have the trumpet sounded everywhere… Consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you; each of you is to return to your family property and to your own clan.”
Key Features of the Jubilee Year
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Rest from Labor
No sowing, no harvesting, no pruning. The land itself was to rest—symbolizing trust in God’s provision. -
Cancellation of Debts
Debts were forgiven, and no one was to exploit another based on the remaining years until the next Jubilee. -
Freedom for Slaves
All Hebrew slaves were to be released and allowed to return to their families. -
Restoration of Property
Any land that had been sold due to poverty or hardship was to be returned to its original family owner.
Jubilee as a Picture of Christ
The Jubilee was a prophetic foreshadowing of the work of Christ on the cross. Jesus came to fulfill the spiritual meaning of Jubilee:
Luke 4:18–19
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me… He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus is our eternal Jubilee. Through Him:
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We are freed from slavery to sin
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Our spiritual debts are forgiven
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We are restored into fellowship with God, our rightful inheritance
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We are released from bondage to sickness, demons, and fear
Practical Lessons for Believers Today
Even though we may not celebrate the Jubilee in a literal, agricultural sense today, it still holds spiritual and practical lessons for every believer.
1. The Importance of Rest
We live in a busy, demanding world. Yet God values intentional rest—not just for the body, but for the soul.
Set aside extended periods of time, not just weekly Sabbaths, but longer seasons dedicated to seeking God. If you’re employed or self-employed, plan for spiritual retreats or breaks where you can be refreshed in God’s presence.
2. The Power of Forgiveness
Jubilee teaches us to release others from their debts—not just financial, but emotional and relational ones.
Jesus said, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37)
You never know when you might need the same grace extended to you.
3. Be a Generous and Just Employer
If you’re an employer, consider your workers’ well-being. Give them time off when needed—not as punishment or deduction, but as an act of grace. God notices how you treat others, and honoring rest and release in the lives of others is part of living the Jubilee principle.
What Jubilee Is Not
The term “Jubilee” has sometimes been misused today to refer to wedding anniversaries or birthday celebrations. While those may be joyful occasions, they are not the biblical Jubilee. The true meaning of Jubilee is rooted in God’s redemptive plan—a time of rest, restoration, and release for His people.
Have you entered your spiritual Jubilee in Christ?
Jesus is the only one who can give true freedom, cancel the debt of sin, and restore what was lost.
Today can be the day you receive your spiritual freedom, your new beginning.
2 Corinthians 6:2
“Now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”
Understanding 1 Corinthians 15:24–26
“The Last Enemy to Be Destroyed is Death”
1 Corinthians 15:24–26
“Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death.”
Christ’s Victory in Stages
This passage is part of Paul’s powerful teaching on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15. His message is rooted in what theologians call “inaugurated eschatology”—the idea that Christ’s victory has already begun (in His death and resurrection), but will only be fully completed at His second coming.
Paul uses the language of kingship and conquest, drawing from Old Testament themes (especially Psalm 110:1) to show that Jesus is now reigning in heaven:
Psalm 110:1
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.’”
Phase 1: Redemption Through the Cross
Jesus’ first coming was to redeem humanity from sin and spiritual death (John 3:16–17). Through His death on the cross and resurrection, He defeated Satan, sin, and the grave spiritually.
Colossians 2:15
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”
All who place their faith in Christ receive eternal life, even though their bodies still face physical death. This is why we say the redemption is already, but not yet fully. We are saved now, but we still wait for the full transformation of our bodies.
Phase 2: Christ’s Reign and Second Coming
Jesus is now seated at the right hand of God, ruling until all enemies are defeated (Hebrews 10:12–13). But death, as the final enemy, still exists. His second coming will bring full justice, final judgment, and total restoration.
Hebrews 9:28
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
At His return, Christ will:
- Judge the nations (Matthew 25:31–46)
- Bind and defeat Satan and demonic powers (Revelation 19:20; 20:10)
- Establish a 1,000-year kingdom of peace on earth (Revelation 20:4)
Isaiah 65:20
“No more shall there be in it an infant who lives but a few days… for the young man shall die a hundred years old…”
This millennial kingdom will partially restore the earth from the curse. Peace, justice, long life, and harmony will flourish.
Phase 3: The Final Defeat of Death
After the 1,000 years, Satan will be released briefly, defeated again, and then thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7–10). Then comes the final enemy: death itself.
Revelation 20:14
“Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.”
This is the moment Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 15:26: “The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” From that point on, there will be no more physical death, ever again.
Eternity: A New Heaven and Earth
Following death’s defeat, God will reveal a new heaven and a new earth where He will dwell with humanity forever:
Revelation 21:1–4
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth… He will wipe away every tear… and death shall be no more…”
Jesus will hand the kingdom over to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24), having fulfilled His redemptive mission. Worship will no longer be centered on saving or shepherding, but on dwelling eternally with God in perfection.
Why This Matters for Us Today
This entire process—from Christ’s first coming to His final return—shows God’s deep love and plan for humanity. Though we still face suffering and death now, we have the assurance of total victory in Christ.
Romans 8:18
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
Jesus will return soon. Are you ready? If not, today is the time to repent, believe in Him, and receive eternal life.
John 11:25
“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
What God has prepared for His people is beyond imagination:
1 Corinthians 2:9
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.”
Don’t wait. Give your life to Jesus today.
May the Lord bless you and give you peace.
“Deep Calls to Deep”
Psalm 42:7
“Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.”
Greetings in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Let’s reflect together on the profound truths found in God’s Word.
The Principle of Spiritual Consequences
The Bible teaches that every human action has spiritual consequences. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping (Galatians 6:7, “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”). If one lives in sin—such as theft or murder—there will be a corresponding spiritual consequence. This principle is emphasized in Revelation 13:10:
“If anyone is to be taken captive, to captivity he goes; if anyone is to be slain with the sword, with the sword must he be slain. Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.”
This passage calls for patient endurance in the face of evil consequences, reminding believers that justice and divine order will prevail.
The Deep Calls to the Deep: Experiencing God’s Profound Presence
Psalm 42:7 speaks of “deep calling to deep.” The “deep” here signifies the innermost, hidden depths of the sea, a powerful image of profound spiritual realities. The psalmist personifies the depths as calling to each other, illustrating how God’s deepest presence draws out the human spirit’s deepest longing.
To truly experience God, we must be willing to go beyond superficial faith into the depths of intimate relationship with Him. This is a call to spiritual depth and maturity.
Each “level” or “depth” of spiritual experience has its own “voice,” just as different creatures communicate differently. The dog’s bark cannot communicate with an eagle; similarly, our shallow spiritual understanding cannot grasp God’s deep mysteries unless we “learn the language” of the Spirit.
Longing for God’s Presence: The Heart of the Psalmist
At the beginning of Psalm 42, the psalmist expresses a deep spiritual thirst:
“As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?” (Psalm 42:1-2)
This metaphor reveals an intense longing for God’s presence, akin to physical thirst in a dry land.
David echoes this in Psalm 63:
“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water… Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” (Psalm 63:1, 3)
This shows the vital spiritual truth that only God’s presence fully satisfies the human soul.
The Call to Spiritual Depth and Faithfulness
Jesus calls believers to a life of surrender and commitment:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
This is a call to leave behind anything that hinders true fellowship with God and to pursue Him wholeheartedly. Such surrender opens us to God’s deeper revelation.
Paul encourages spiritual maturity and perseverance:
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28-29)
The deep spiritual life is one of reverent worship and willingness to endure trials, trusting in God’s refining fire.
Application: Pursuing God in the Depths of Your Spirit
- Acknowledge that spiritual growth requires deliberate seeking of God beyond surface-level faith.
- Commit to spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation) that help you “dive deep” into God’s presence.
- Be patient and faithful, knowing that God reveals Himself progressively to those who earnestly seek Him.
- Remember the promise of Jesus’ presence: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Start today. Let the deep within you respond to the deep call of God’s Spirit.
May the Lord richly bless you as you seek Him.
Is the Holy Trinity Biblical?
In Christian tradition, one of the most debated theological concepts is the nature of “God’s Divinity” or the “Doctrine of the Trinity.” Many divisions between Christian denominations today stem from differing interpretations of God’s nature.
Some Christians believe that God is one in essence but exists in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is known as the doctrine of the Trinity. Others believe that God is a singular entity, rejecting the idea of three persons, with some even denying the divinity of Jesus or the personhood of the Holy Spirit. For example, there are groups like Oneness Pentecostals who reject the traditional Trinity and see God as a single entity manifesting in different forms (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Meanwhile, some people do not recognize the Holy Spirit as a distinct person but rather as God’s power or influence. So, what is the truth? And where should we stand?
The Core Issue: Understanding God
The first step in understanding this debate is to look at the nature of God. If we misunderstand God’s essence, we create confusion and division. The core question is: How many gods are there? Interestingly, despite all the different views, everyone agrees that “God is one,” just as Scripture states.
Mark 12:29 (NIV):
“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'”
This foundational truth is central to all Christians, and it echoes the ancient Jewish belief in the oneness of God, known as the Shema, which has been a core part of Jewish faith for thousands of years. Jesus, affirming this, pointed to the unity of God as the key to understanding all other theological questions.
Furthermore, despite the disagreements over the specific nature of God’s being, all these groups affirm the importance of Christ’s redemptive work and the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives.
For example, if one person calls sugarcane a “leaf” while another calls it a “fruit,” it doesn’t change the fact that it is still the same plant. The terminology may differ, but the nature remains unchanged. Likewise, while different terms or roles may be used to describe the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, they all share the same divine essence. God is one, and His nature doesn’t change, no matter how He reveals Himself to us or we perceive him.
God Is One: A Mystery of Three Persons
Ultimately, the truth is that God is one, but He has chosen to reveal Himself in three distinct persons to fulfill His work in our lives. It’s not that God is divided or that there are three separate gods; rather, He exists in three persons for our benefit.
The analogy of water is often used to illustrate this mystery: Water exists in three forms—liquid, steam, and ice—but it is all still water. In the same way, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct, yet they are all the same God, working together in perfect unity.
If humanity had not fallen into sin, there would have been no need for God to reveal Himself in these three roles. He would have remained as He was—one God, the Father. But because of sin, God became incarnate in Jesus Christ to redeem us, and then, through the Holy Spirit, He dwells within us, restoring the relationship we lost with Him in Eden.
Therefore, God is not divided. He is one, and there is no place in Scripture that supports the idea of three separate gods. However, the division on this issue should not lead to unnecessary conflict. For those who believe in the Trinity, as long as they are worshiping the one true God, there is no need to divide over doctrinal differences. The important thing is to worship God in spirit and truth, and to recognize the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in our lives.
Conclusion: Unity in Christ
If you are a Christian, and you have accepted Christ as your Savior, and your fellow believer also accepts Christ but doesn’t hold the same views on the Trinity, it’s okay. It’s not a matter of salvation as long as they worship the one true God, even if they may not fully understand the mystery of the Trinity. Just pray for them and trust that God will reveal the truth in His time.
Let’s focus on growing in love and understanding, avoiding unnecessary divisions that distract from the true message of Christ. As Paul reminds us, “Love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1b). Let’s seek to build each other up, not divide over things that are ultimately secondary in light of our shared faith in Christ.
How to Defeat Satan in Your Life
Many people struggle with the enemy—Satan—and wonder how to overcome his influence. The Bible gives us clear, practical steps we can follow to live in victory. Here are six key principles every believer should understand and apply:
1. Be Truly Saved (Accept Jesus as Lord and Savior)
The first and most important step is to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Without Christ in your life, you have no authority over Satan. The sons of Sceva tried to cast out demons using the name of Jesus without having a real relationship with Him—and they were overpowered by the evil spirit (Acts 19:13-16).
When Jesus lives in you, Satan sees His power and cannot harm you. Salvation gives you spiritual identity and authority.
2. Be a Person of Prayer
Even after receiving salvation, prayer remains essential. Jesus warned His disciples in
Matthew 26:41:
“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
If Jesus, who was sinless, was tempted, how much more will we face temptation? A weak prayer life opens doors to the enemy. Prayer keeps you alert, spiritually strong, and protected. A prayerful person is surrounded by spiritual fire that Satan cannot cross.
3. Avoid Evil and Worldly Influences
Romans 16:19 encourages us to be “wise in what is good, and innocent in what is evil.”
You don’t need to keep up with every trend in music, fashion, or entertainment—especially those that promote sin or worldliness. If you’re disconnected from worldly things and focused on God’s will, Satan has little to use against you. Loving the world makes you an enemy of God (James 4:4). When you reject the things of the world, you reject Satan’s influence.
4. Know and Understand God’s Word
Memorizing Bible verses is good, but it’s more important to understand their true meaning. When Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he used Scripture—but Jesus responded with the correct understanding (Matthew 4:6-7).
Seek to know the truth behind God’s Word. Learn through sound Bible teaching and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. A deep understanding of God’s Word protects you from deception and false teachings.
5. Obey God’s Word
It’s not enough to know the Bible—you must live it out. In
Matthew 7:26-27,” Jesus compared a person who hears His words but doesn’t obey to someone building a house on sand. When storms came, the house collapsed.”
Some struggles people face are caused by disobedience or unrepentant sin. Living a holy life shuts the door to Satan’s attacks. God blesses those who obey His Word.
6. Share the Gospel (Preach the Word)
Witnessing is powerful spiritual warfare. When Jesus sent out His disciples to preach, they returned saying that even demons obeyed them. Jesus responded,
“I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:17-18).
Spreading the gospel weakens Satan’s grip on people’s lives. Every time you lead someone to Christ or speak truth in love, you’re pushing back the enemy.
Final Encouragement
James 4:7 says, “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
If you focus on these six areas—salvation, prayer, holiness, the Word of God, obedience, and evangelism—you will not only resist Satan, but you’ll walk in spiritual victory. The enemy loses power wherever God’s truth reigns.
God bless you as you stand strong in Him.
God Dwells in the Midst of Praise
Question: How does God dwell in the midst of praise?
Answer: The Bible doesn’t specifically say,
” The Lord God dwells in the midst of praise.” Rather, it says, “God is enthroned on the praises of Israel” (Psalm 22:3, NKJV). This phrase speaks to the profound theological truth that God’s presence is made manifest in the praises of His people.
Psalm 22:3 says, “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
4 Our ancestors trusted in You; they trusted, and You rescued them” (NIV). This verse reveals that God’s holiness and presence are connected with the praises of His people, and it suggests that when God’s people praise Him, He chooses to make His throne among them.
To understand how God is enthroned on the praises of His people, let’s explore another important verse:
Matthew 6:10, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (God Dwells in the Midst of Praise).
This verse reflects the idea that the will of God is continually being carried out in heaven, and the same should be true on earth. Heaven is a place of perfect alignment with God’s will, and on earth, we are invited to participate in fulfilling that will, especially through worship and praise.
One aspect of God’s will in heaven is the continuous offering of praise to God by His heavenly host. Theologically, praise is a vital part of the eternal worship that takes place in the presence of God. Revelation 4:8, for example, shows the heavenly beings praising God: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come” (NIV).
This is why the Bible describes God as dwelling between the cherubim in multiple places: 1 Samuel 4:4, 2 Samuel 6:2, Psalm 80:1, Psalm 99:1, and Isaiah 37:16. The cherubim are angelic beings whose primary role is to glorify God, continually offering praise to Him. This is seen in Ezekiel’s visions, where cherubim are involved in the worship of God, and they are described as surrounding His throne.
In
Ezekiel 10:18-20, we read, “Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the temple and stopped above the cherubim. When the cherubim stood still, the wheels beside them stood still, and when the cherubim rose, the wheels rose with them. Because the Spirit of the living creatures was in them” (NIV). This passage shows that God’s presence is closely tied to the cherubim and their actions of worship and praise.
Theologically, this suggests that God’s throne is established through worship and praise. In
Ezekiel 1:26-28, the prophet has a vision of God’s throne, where God’s glory resides above the cherubim: “And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it” (KJV).
This is crucial because it teaches us that God’s throne is not just a symbol of His power; it is also a place where His glory is praised and magnified.
In the same way, just as God is glorified in heaven and dwells in the midst of the cherubim, He also dwells on the praises of His people on earth.
Psalm 22:3 (NKJV) says, “But You are holy, Enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
This means that when we engage in sincere praise, we are establishing His throne in our midst. God descends to be with His people in a special way when we offer Him true praise.
Theologically, praise is not just an act of gratitude or formality; it is a spiritual practice that invites God’s presence. Praise is the key to drawing near to God
(James 4:8, NIV: “Come near to God and he will come near to you”)
and experiencing His nearness in a tangible way. In
Psalm 100:4, we are invited to “Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise” (NKJV).
This is the act of coming into God’s presence through worship, acknowledging His greatness and inviting His presence to manifest among us.
We don’t praise God merely because He commands it (though He does), but because He is worthy.
Revelation 5:12 affirms this: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (NKJV).
The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is the ultimate reason for our praise—He is worthy because He has redeemed us from sin, and He continues to provide us with life, protection, and grace every day.
God’s sacrifice of His Son is the ultimate demonstration of His worthiness to receive praise. As
Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NKJV).
If God has done so much for us, surely He deserves our praise.
May the Lord help us recognize His worth and continually find reasons to praise Him. As we do, we establish His throne in our lives and experience His powerful presence.
Maranatha!
At What Age Was Jesus Baptized, and Why Does It Matter?
Answer:
According to Luke 3:23, “Now Jesus himself was about thirty years old when he began his ministry…”—which includes His baptism by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. Therefore, Jesus was about 30 years old when He was baptized.
Luke 3:21-22 (NIV) gives us a fuller picture:
“When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.’”
This moment marked the beginning of His public ministry and affirmed His identity as the Son of God.
Why Was Jesus Baptized as an Adult?
Jesus’ baptism wasn’t because He needed cleansing from sin—He was sinless (Hebrews 4:15). Instead, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and to set a clear example for those who would follow Him.
Matthew 3:15 (NIV):
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”
By being baptized as an adult, Jesus demonstrated that baptism should be a conscious decision made by someone who understands its meaning and significance. It symbolizes repentance (Acts 2:38), a personal commitment to Christ, and identification with His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).
What About Infant Baptism?
While infant baptism is practiced in many Christian traditions, the Bible does not record any instance of babies being baptized. In every example in the New Testament, baptism follows personal belief and repentance.
Acts 2:38 (NIV):
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.’”
You’ll also notice that baptism was performed where plenty of water was available, suggesting full immersion rather than sprinkling:
John 3:23 (NIV):
“Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized.”
Therefore, baptism should follow a conscious decision of faith, not be imposed during infancy. While those who practice infant baptism may have sincere intentions, we are called to prioritize the Word of God over tradition (Mark 7:8).
In Summary:
Jesus was baptized at about 30 years old (Luke 3:23).
He set an example for believers to be baptized after personally choosing to follow God (Matthew 3:15).
The New Testament supports believer’s baptism—a choice made by someone who understands repentance and faith in Christ (Acts 2:38).
- There is no biblical record of infant baptism or sprinkling with minimal water.
May the Lord bless you as you seek to walk in truth.
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Who Is the Brother Mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:18?
The Question:
In 2 Corinthians 8:18, the Apostle Paul refers to an unnamed brother:
“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.”
Why doesn’t Paul mention his name, especially when in many other letters he explicitly names his co-workers?
To understand this, let’s examine the broader context and theological implications.
The Jerusalem Collection
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about a financial offering being collected for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (see 2 Corinthians 8–9). This was a significant act of Christian unity between Gentile and Jewish believers and a demonstration of love and solidarity within the early Church (cf. Romans 15:25–27).
To ensure transparency and integrity in handling this gift, Paul sends a delegation. He mentions three people:
- Titus – explicitly named (verses 16–17).
- “The brother praised by all the churches” (verse 18).
- “Our brother,” known for his zeal and reliability (verse 22).
Who Is This Praised Brother?
2 Corinthians 8:18–19
“And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering…”
Over the centuries, scholars have speculated about the identity of this man. Suggestions include:
- Luke – often seen as a faithful companion of Paul and author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts.
- Barnabas – known for his early partnership with Paul and generosity (cf. Acts 4:36–37).
- Apollos, Mark, Aristarchus – all notable gospel workers who sometimes traveled with Paul.
However, none of these suggestions can be confirmed from Scripture. Paul’s deliberate choice to leave the name out may point us to a deeper truth.
Reputation Over Recognition
Paul emphasizes the brother’s reputation, not his identity:
“…praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel.” (v.18)
This suggests that the man was already well-known to the churches for his dedication and preaching. His character and fruit in ministry were his credentials. Paul didn’t need to name him—his reputation preceded him.
This fits a recurring New Testament theme: God values a servant’s faithfulness over their fame (cf. Matthew 6:1–4, Philippians 2:29–30). In the body of Christ, names are secondary to service. The early Church often recognized leaders based on their conduct and impact, not titles or public image.
Similarly, the third unnamed brother (verse 22) is described as:
“…our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters…”
Again, no name—only a commendation of his proven character.
Practical Reflection for Today
Many ministers today focus on promoting their names, titles, or images, yet their actual ministry impact is unclear. But biblical ministry is never about self-promotion. Even Jesus often avoided public recognition (see Mark 1:43–45), letting His works testify of Him (cf. John 10:25).
The unnamed brothers in 2 Corinthians 8 teach us this:
In the Kingdom of God, it is better to be known for your faithfulness than to be famous for your name.
Our lives should reflect Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Conclusion
Paul’s omission of the names in 2 Corinthians 8 is not a mystery to solve, but a lesson to learn. The gospel doesn’t advance through personal branding—it advances through humble, committed service. These unnamed brothers show us what true Christian leadership looks like: recognized not by name, but by godly character and gospel-centered service.
Shalom.
