2 Corinthians 8:10

In 2 Corinthians 8:10, the Apostle Paul continues his appeal to the Corinthian church concerning their participation in the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This verse serves as a gentle reminder and an encouragement, highlighting their prior commitment and the mutual benefit of completing their initiated act of generosity.

Context

This verse is situated within a broader discussion (2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9) where Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution for the saints in Jerusalem. He has just praised the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who, despite their own poverty, gave beyond their means (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Paul uses their example not to shame the Corinthians, but to stir them to action, reminding them that they themselves had been enthusiastic about this collection a year earlier. This collection was a significant act of solidarity between the Gentile churches and the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ.

Key Themes

• Initiative and Follow-Through: Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians had been the first to "begin before" – demonstrating both the desire ("to be forward") and the practical action ("to do") for this collection a year ago. The verse emphasizes that while starting well is commendable, completing the task is crucial for Christian integrity and testimony.
• Mutual Benefit in Giving: The phrase "this is expedient for you" (KJV) or "it is profitable for you" (ESV) underscores that their giving was not just for the benefit of the recipients, but also for their own spiritual well-being. Completing their pledge would demonstrate their sincerity, strengthen their faith, and bring them spiritual blessing, aligning with principles of it is more blessed to give than to receive.
• Willingness and Eagerness: The Corinthians had initially shown great "forwardness" or eagerness in their commitment to this act of benevolence. Paul is appealing to this original spirit, urging them to rekindle that enthusiasm and translate it into completed action. This willingness is a hallmark of genuine Christian giving, as Paul later stresses that God loves a cheerful giver.

Linguistic Insights

• The word translated "expedient" is from the Greek sympherō (συμφέρει), which means "to be profitable," "to be advantageous," or "to be useful." It implies that completing this act of benevolence would be genuinely beneficial for the Corinthians themselves, not just a burden.
• The phrase "to be forward" (or "to have been the first to desire") is from the Greek proenarchomai (προενάρχομαι), emphasizing that the Corinthians were pioneers in this specific endeavor, being among the first to conceive and commit to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This highlights their initial zeal and initiative in Christian service.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today concerning Christian stewardship and commitment. It reminds us that:

• Intentions Must Lead to Action: It's not enough to have good intentions or to start a good work; God desires us to see it through to completion. This applies to financial commitments, acts of service, and personal spiritual disciplines.
• Giving Benefits the Giver: Genuine generosity is not a one-way street. When we give willingly and sacrificially, it fosters spiritual growth, trust in God, and a deeper understanding of His provision.
• Rekindle Your Zeal: If we have begun a good work or committed to a cause but lost momentum, Paul's words encourage us to remember our initial eagerness and complete what we started, trusting in God's enablement. This aligns with Paul's instructions regarding the collection for the saints, as detailed in 1 Corinthians 16:1-4.