Unexplained Explanations

Scripture: I encouraged Titus to visit you, and I sent along with him the brother you know so well. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? We conducted ourselves with the same spirit, didn’t we? We took the very same steps, didn’t we? 2 Corinthians 12:18

Observation: Paul continues on with his defense of his character, discussing how he did not take from the church at Corinth, but treated them with love. He continues with this argument by bringing up not just how he behaves rightly toward them, but so does Titus whom he sent to them. In addition, Titus was accompanied by "the brother you know so well."

It is clear the church in Corinth knows who this is, but ... we certainly don't. And there is no other explanation. Paul discusses someone, but doesn't name them, despite the fact he has named many, many others throughout this discussion. It's important this brother was with Titus, or else Titus' name would have been sufficient. However, the brother's identity will be hidden to history.

Application: Given this letter is included in the bible as the inspired word of God, what lesson am I to take from the fact that this "brother" is forever unnamed? Some options on how to consider this fact:

-- This person wasn't important so I should ignore it.
-- It is a good lesson to always travel with a fellow believer, regardless of whom it is.
-- I should research this more as a way of digging deeper into of God's word.
-- This is someone obvious and my lack of knowledge shows I need to learn more.
-- This person was SO important that he did not need naming, and so good and pure that Paul was willing to compare himself to him.

I think the truth is ... all of the above are true, at different times, for different people, in different circumstances, and as we are all moved differently by the Holy Spirit in our understanding of God's word. It is through these mysterious details that the Spirit can work within us. And it is therefore by finding a nugget of truth within these unexplained passages that we can experience God in our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, I celebrate you for your mysteries. You are unknowable in the very best of ways, able to surprise me every day and let me know you care. I prayed earlier today for insight into how you really see me so I can remove the negative narrative of my life. Thank you for a chance to experience true joy today and every day. Amen.