Paul’s correspondence with the Corinthians reveals that he first wrote them to “quit mixing in company with fornicators.” He had to tell them to remove an unrepentant fornicator from their midst. Yes, Paul wrote them a strong letter, doing so “with many tears.” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13; 2 Corinthians 2:4) Meanwhile, Titus was dispatched to Corinth to assist in the collection taking place there for needy Judean Christians. Possibly, he was also sent to observe the response of the Corinthians to Paul’s letter.—2 Corinthians 8:1-6.

What about the other aspect of Titus’ mission to Corinth—organizing the collection for the holy ones in Judea? Titus had been working on that as well, as can be deduced from information found in 2 Corinthians. That letter was probably written in Macedonia during the fall of 55 C.E., soon after Titus and Paul met. Paul wrote that Titus, who had initiated the collection, was now being sent back with two unnamed helpers in order to complete it. Being earnestly interested in the Corinthians, Titus was very willing to return. As Titus made his way back to Corinth, likely he was carrying Paul’s second inspired letter to the Corinthians.—2 Corinthians 8:6, 17, 18, 22.