We intend: the verb used here has the idea of “We avoid” or “We guard” against something undesirable. Paul is not concerned about being criticized for having raised large sums of money. He is concerned lest people think that he is taking the money for his own use and profit. Moffatt says “for I want to take precautions against any risk of suspicion in connection with the administration of this charity.” And Phillips has “naturally we want to avoid the slightest breath of criticism in the distribution of their gifts.”

Blame: this verb is found only here and in 6.3, where it is translated by the idea of “finding fault.” However, the noun meaning “blot” or “blemish” is found in 2 Peter 2.13, and its opposite “blameless” or “without blemish” occurs more frequently (see, for example, Eph 1.4 and 1 Thes 3.13). Here it is clearly a matter of Paul’s wishing to avoid any hint of dishonesty or incompetence in handling money that did not belong to him.

The liberal gift translates a word that indicates “abundance.” In the specific context of this chapter, the reference is to the large amount of money collected for the church in Jerusalem. Revised English Bible translates this word as “these large sums.”

Administering: the idea of the management of funds belonging to other people may be difficult to express in some languages. Several modern English versions use the verb “handle.” But in some languages it may be necessary to use two different verbs showing both aspects of this money management. Translators may speak of “collecting and distributing funds.” Since Paul probably did not intend to distribute the funds himself, it may be better to say “overseeing the collection and distribution.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .