Why did Paul send the brethren ahead to Corinth before he came?
Paul sent the brethren ahead to Corinth so the Corinthians would have their collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem ready before he arrived. He did not want his boasting to the Macedonians about their zealousness to be in vain, and he wanted them prepared when he came.
Les explains that Paul sent Titus and other men of integrity ahead to Corinth to collect the offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem, so the Corinthians would be ready. Paul had boasted to the Macedonian churches about the Corinthians' zealousness in giving, and he did not want that boasting to be in vain. Les notes Paul used a little psychology, building them up, and that the brethren were already making collections in the poorest part of mountainous Greece; coming to a wealthy commercial center like Corinth meant more would be available.
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
More Questions
Why does Paul build up the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 9?
Paul uses a little psychology on the Corinthians by building them up before the men arrive to collect the offering.
Why does Paul praise the Corinthians before sending the men to collect the offering?
Paul was using a bit of psychology in 2 Corinthians 9 by building the Corinthians up, reminding them that Titus and the men were already making collections in the poorest, mountainous part of Greece before coming to them.