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Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8 verses 1–6
Observe here,
I. The apostle takes occasion from the good example of the churches of Macedonia, that is, of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and others in the region of Macedonia, to exhort the Corinthians and the Christians in Achaia to the good work of charity. And,
1.He acquaints them with their great liberality, which he calls the grace of God bestowed on the churches, Co2 8:1. Some think the words should be rendered, the gift of God given in or by the churches. He certainly means the charitable gifts of these churches, which are called the grace or gifts of God, either because they were very large, or rather because their charity to the poor saints did proceed from God as the author, and was accompanied with true love to God, which also was manifested this way. The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good that is in us, or done by us, at any time; and it is great grace and favour from God, and bestowed on us, if we are made useful to others, and are forward to any good work.
2.He commends the charity of the Macedonians, and sets it forth with good advantage. He tells them, (1.) They were but in a low condition, and themselves in distress, yet they contributed to the relief of others. They were in great tribulation and deep poverty, Co2 8:2. It was a time of great affliction with them, as may be seen, Act 18:17. The Christians in these parts met with ill treatment, which had reduced them to deep poverty; yet, as they had abundance of joy in the midst of tribulation, they abounded in their liberality; they gave out of a little, trusting in God to provide for them, and make it up to them. (2.) They gave very largely, with the riches of liberality (Co2 8:2), that is, as liberally as if they had been rich. It was a large contribution they made, all things considered; it was according to, yea beyond, their power (Co2 8:3), as much as could well be expected from them, if not more. Note, Though men may condemn the indiscretion, yet God will accept the pious zeal, of those who in real works of piety and charity do rather beyond their power. (3.) They were very ready and forward to this good work. They were willing of themselves (Co2 8:3), and were so far from needing that Paul should urge and press them with many arguments that they prayed him with much entreaty to receive the gift, Co2 8:4. It seems Paul was backward to undertake this trust, for he would give himself to the word and prayer; or, it may be, he was apprehensive how ready his enemies would be to reproach and blacken him upon all occasions, and might take a handle against him upon account of so large a sum deposited in his hands, to suspect or accuse him of indiscretion and partiality in the distribution, if not of some injustice. Note, How cautious ministers should be, especially in money-matters, not to give occasion to those who seek occasion to speak reproachfully! (4.) Their charity was founded in true piety, and this was the great commendation of it. They performed this good work in a right method: First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then they gave unto us their contributions, by the will of God (Co2 8:5), that is, according as it was the will of God they should do, or to be disposed of as the will of God should be, and for his glory. This, it seems, exceeded the expectation of the apostle; it was more than he hoped for, to see such warm and pious affections shining in these Macedonians, and this good work performed with so much devotion and solemnity. They solemnly, jointly, and unanimously, made a fresh surrender of themselves, and all they had, unto the Lord Jesus Christ. They had done this before, and now they do it again upon this occasion; sanctifying their contributions to God's honour, by first giving themselves to the Lord. Note, [1.] We should give ourselves to God; we cannot bestow ourselves better. [2.] When we give ourselves to the Lord, we then give him all we have, to be called for and disposed of according to his will. [3.] Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving to him what is his own. [4.] What we give or bestow for charitable uses will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord.
II. The apostle tells them that Titus was desired to go and make a collection among them (Co2 8:6), and Titus, he knew, would be an acceptable person to them. He had met with a kind reception among them formerly. They had shown good affection to him, and he had a great love for them. Besides, Titus had already begun this work among them, therefore he was desired to finish it. So that he was, on all accounts, a proper person to be employed; and, when so good a work had already prospered in so good a hand, it would be a pity if it should not proceed and be finished. Note, It is an instance of wisdom to use proper instruments in a work we desire to do well; and the work of charity will often succeed the best when the most proper persons are employed to solicit contributions and dispose of them.
Paul says that they had received the grace of God because they accepted the word of faith devoutly.
"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia." Having encouraged them with these encomiums, he again tries exhortation. For on this account he mingled these praises with his rebuke, that he might not by proceeding from rebuke to exhortation make what he had to say ill received; but having soothed their ears, might by this means pave the way for his exhortation. For he purposeth to discourse of alms-giving; wherefore also he saith beforehand, "I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you;" by their past good works, making them the more ready to this duty also. And he said not at once, 'Therefore give alms,' but observe his wisdom, how he draws from a distance and from on high the preparation for his discourse. For he says, "I make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia." For that they might not be uplifted he calleth what they did "grace;" and whilst relating what others did he worketh greater zeal in them by his encomiums on others. And he mentions together two praises of the Macedonians, or rather three; namely, that they bear trials nobly; and that they know how to pity; and that, though poor, they had displayed profuseness in almsgiving, for their property had been also plundered.
By “the grace of God” Paul means the possession of every good thing. He is not excluding the role of free will by saying this but teaching that every good work is made possible by the help of God.
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SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 8:1, the Apostle Paul introduces a pivotal discussion on Christian giving by highlighting the remarkable generosity of the churches in Macedonia. He presents their sacrificial giving, which occurred despite their own severe poverty, as a tangible demonstration of "the grace of God" at work within them. This verse serves as an exemplary introduction, setting the stage for Paul's appeal to the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution to the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, emphasizing that true generosity is divinely empowered and flows from an experience of God's unmerited favor.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this opening verse. The use of Emphasis is clear through the archaic but direct phrasing "we do you to wit," which immediately draws the Corinthians' attention to the significant truth Paul is about to reveal. This serves as a strong signal that what follows is of utmost importance. Furthermore, the verse functions as an Exemplum, presenting the Macedonian churches as a positive example to be emulated. By highlighting their experience of "the grace of God," Paul subtly employs Anticipation, setting the stage for the detailed description of their generosity in the subsequent verses and implicitly challenging the Corinthians to reflect on their own response to God's grace. This also involves a degree of Euphemism or gentle persuasion, as Paul chooses to motivate the Corinthians through a positive model rather than direct accusation regarding their own lagging commitment.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse lays a foundational theological principle: genuine Christian giving is not merely an act of human philanthropy but a direct outpouring of God's grace working in the hearts of believers. The Macedonians' generosity, despite their poverty, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of divine grace, demonstrating that God empowers His people to live sacrificially for others. This concept aligns with the broader biblical teaching that all good works flow from God's initiative and enablement, not human merit. It reframes giving from a legalistic obligation to a joyful response to God's unmerited favor, making it a spiritual act of worship and a tangible expression of faith.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
2 Corinthians 8:1 invites us to re-evaluate our understanding of generosity, shifting our focus from the amount given to the source of our giving. The Macedonian churches, though poor, gave abundantly because they had first received and experienced the abundant grace of God. This challenges us to recognize that true liberality flows from a heart transformed by divine favor, not from a surplus of material possessions. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's grace in our own lives, allowing it to motivate our actions, particularly in areas of giving and service. When we understand that our capacity to give, whether financially, with our time, or with our talents, is itself a gift of grace, our giving becomes a joyful and worshipful response to God's generosity towards us. This verse prompts us to ask whether our own acts of generosity genuinely reflect the "grace of God bestowed" upon us, regardless of our circumstances.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "we do you to wit" mean in modern English?
Answer: The King James Version phrase "we do you to wit" is an archaic expression that simply means "we want you to know," "we inform you," or "we make known to you." It's Paul's way of formally introducing the important subject of the Macedonian churches' generosity to the Corinthians, signaling that the information he's about to share is significant and exemplary.
Why does Paul highlight the Macedonian churches' generosity?
Answer: Paul highlights the Macedonian churches' generosity for several key reasons. Firstly, their giving was remarkably sacrificial, occurring "in a great trial of affliction" and out of "deep poverty" (2 Corinthians 8:2), making their example particularly powerful and inspiring. Secondly, it served as a gentle but firm challenge to the Corinthians, who had previously committed to the collection but had apparently stalled. By presenting a positive model, Paul aimed to stir their zeal without shaming them, encouraging them to complete their promised contribution (2 Corinthians 9:5). Lastly, it underscored Paul's central point that true Christian giving is a result of "the grace of God" at work, demonstrating that divine enablement, not human wealth, is the true source of liberality.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 2 Corinthians 8:1 speaks of the grace of God enabling the Macedonian churches to give, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "grace of God" that empowered the Macedonians is perfectly embodied in Christ, who, though "He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). This verse, just a few lines later in the same chapter, reveals the ultimate divine act of grace and sacrificial giving. Jesus' entire life, death, and resurrection are the supreme demonstration of God's unmerited favor and boundless generosity towards humanity. He is the Lamb of God who "gave Himself for our sins" (Galatians 1:4), a gift beyond measure. Thus, the grace bestowed upon the churches of Macedonia, enabling their earthly generosity, is a reflection and outflow of the infinitely greater grace poured out through Christ's self-giving on the cross, which makes us "heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:7). Our ability to give, therefore, is not only empowered by grace but is also a participation in the very nature of Christ, who perfectly exemplified sacrificial love and generosity.