2 Corinthians 8:1

KJV

¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover {G1161}, brethren {G80}, we do {G1107} you {G5213} to wit {G1107} of the grace {G5485} of God {G2316} bestowed {G1325} on {G1722} the churches {G1577} of Macedonia {G3109};

Complete Jewish Bible

Now, brothers, we must tell you about the grace God has given the congregations in Macedonia.

Berean Standard Bible

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.

American Standard Version

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse initiates a significant two-chapter section ([2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8-9 - The Collection for the Saints")) where Paul addresses the Corinthians' commitment to a collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Having previously agreed to participate in this relief effort (implied from [1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - Instructions for the Collection")), the Corinthians had evidently delayed or faltered in their commitment. Paul strategically introduces the Macedonian churches' example as a powerful, motivating illustration of genuine, Spirit-empowered generosity, contrasting it implicitly with any potential reluctance or excuses from the Corinthians. This introduction is designed to inspire emulation rather than to shame, framing giving as a spiritual privilege and a fruit of grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the saints in Jerusalem was a significant initiative within the early church, demonstrating the unity and mutual care between Gentile and Jewish believers. Jerusalem, the birthplace of the church, faced persistent economic hardship, exacerbated by famine and persecution. Paul had been actively organizing this collection among the Gentile churches, viewing it as both a practical act of charity and a theological expression of Gentile gratitude for the spiritual blessings received from Jerusalem ([Romans 15:26-27](/romans/15-26-27 "Romans 15:26-27 - Gentile Debt to Jewish Believers")). Macedonia, a Roman province in northern Greece, included churches like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. These churches, often composed of converts from various social strata, were themselves experiencing "deep poverty" ([2 Corinthians 8:2](/2_corinthians/8-2 "2 Corinthians 8:2 - Macedonian Poverty")), yet their generosity was extraordinary, standing in stark contrast to their economic circumstances.
* **Key Themes:** The verse introduces several key themes that Paul develops throughout chapters 8 and 9. Foremost is the theme of **Grace as the Source of Giving**, emphasizing that Christian liberality is not merely human charity but a divine enablement, an outflow of God's unmerited favor at work in the believer's heart. This is underscored by the phrase "the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia." Another crucial theme is **Exemplary Giving**, as the Macedonian churches are presented as a model for other believers, demonstrating that a willing spirit, not material abundance, is the prerequisite for true generosity. This theme implicitly challenges the Corinthians to rise to a similar standard. Finally, the broader theme of **Unity and Mutual Support within the Body of Christ** is foundational, as the collection symbolizes the interdependence of believers across geographical and cultural divides, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for one another's welfare, as seen in passages like [Galatians 2:10](/galatians/2-10 "Galatians 2:10 - Remembering the Poor").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wit (Greek, _gnōrízō_'):** From a derivative of *ginōskō*, meaning "to make known; subjectively, to know." In the KJV's archaic phrasing "we do you to wit," it simply means "we make known to you" or "we want you to know." Paul is formally introducing the subject matter, signaling its importance and his intention to inform the Corinthians about a significant spiritual reality.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris_'):** From *chairō*, denoting "graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)." Here, "grace of God" refers to God's unmerited favor and divine enablement, which empowered the Macedonian churches to give so generously. It highlights that their generosity was not a natural human impulse but a supernatural work of God within them.
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía_'):** From a compound of *ek* (out) and a derivative of *kaleō* (to call), meaning "a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)." This term emphasizes that the recipients of God's grace and the practitioners of this exemplary giving were not isolated individuals but organized communities of believers, highlighting the corporate nature of God's work and the collective expression of their faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover, brethren,"**: Paul begins with a transitional particle ("Moreover," G1161, *dé*) that connects this new topic to his previous discussions, indicating a continuation of his pastoral instruction. Addressing them as "brethren" (*adelphós*) underscores the familial bond and spiritual unity within the Christian community, setting a tone of affectionate appeal rather than harsh rebuke.
* **"we do you to wit of the grace of God"**: This archaic phrase, "we make known to you," serves as Paul's formal declaration. The core of his message is the "grace of God" (*cháris theou*), which he presents as the ultimate source and explanation for the Macedonians' actions. This emphasizes that their generosity was not a product of human effort or natural inclination but a direct result of divine favor and empowerment working within them.
* **"bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;"**: The "grace of God" was "bestowed" (*dídōmi*, given) upon specific entities: "the churches of Macedonia." This highlights the corporate experience of God's grace and its tangible manifestation within these Christian communities. It sets up the subsequent verses, which will elaborate on the extraordinary nature of this grace as evidenced by their sacrificial giving despite their poverty.

#### 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.

* [Ephesians 2:8-10](/ephesians/2-8-10 "Ephesians 2:8-10 - Saved by Grace for Good Works")
* [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You")
* [1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "1 John 4:19 - We Love Because He First Loved Us")

### 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
* **How does understanding "grace" as the source of giving change my perspective on my own generosity?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper awareness of God's grace in my life, leading to more joyful and sacrificial giving?**
* **What practical steps can I take to allow God's grace to empower my giving, even when I feel I have little to offer?**

### 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](/2_corinthians/8-2 "2 Corinthians 8:2 - Macedonian Poverty")), 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](/2_corinthians/9-5 "2 Corinthians 9:5 - Completing the Collection")). 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](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Example of Giving")). 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](/galatians/1-4 "Galatians 1:4 - Christ Gave Himself for Our Sins")), 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](/titus/3-7 "Titus 3:7 - Heirs of Eternal Life")). 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.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 1:29

Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Acts 16:9

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

1 Thessalonians 4:10

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Acts 11:23

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Romans 15:26

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 9:2

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.