2 Corinthians 8:15

Context

This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:15, is part of Paul's extensive teaching on Christian giving, specifically regarding the collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to complete their promised contribution, drawing inspiration from the generous example of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) and ultimately from the self-sacrificing grace of Jesus Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 8:9). In verses 13-14, Paul introduces the principle of equality: "For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality." Verse 15 then serves as a direct biblical illustration of this principle.

Key Themes

• Equality and Equity: The core message is about balancing resources within the community of believers. Those who have an abundance should share with those in need, ensuring that everyone's basic necessities are met. It's not about making everyone equally wealthy, but about ensuring no one suffers extreme lack while others have surplus.
• Divine Provision and Sufficiency: The verse implicitly teaches trust in God's ability to provide. When resources are shared, God ensures that both givers and receivers experience sufficiency. This echoes the broader biblical truth that God supplies all our needs according to His riches (Philippians 4:19).
• Mutual Support within the Body of Christ: Paul envisions the church as a unified body where members care for one another. This sharing fosters interdependence and strengthens communal bonds, reflecting the unity of believers in Christ.

Linguistic Insights and Old Testament Reference

The phrase "As it is written" signals a direct quotation from the Old Testament. This particular verse is a verbatim quote from Exodus 16:18, which describes the gathering of manna in the wilderness. When the Israelites gathered manna, each person, regardless of how much they physically collected, ended up with exactly an omer (a standard measure) – "He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack." This miraculous provision ensured that everyone had enough, illustrating God's principle of sufficiency and equitable distribution among His people. Paul masterfully applies this historical example of God's physical provision to the spiritual principle of Christian giving and financial stewardship.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Corinthians 8:15 underscores the importance of generous and proportionate giving. It encourages Christians to:

• Give with a Spirit of Equality: Recognize that our abundance is not solely for our own consumption but also for the benefit of others, especially fellow believers in need. This doesn't necessarily mean equal outcomes, but a willingness to share resources to alleviate suffering and meet genuine needs.
• Trust in God's Provision: Understand that when we give, we are not diminishing our own supply but participating in God's economy, where He ensures sufficiency for all. This principle can help overcome fear of lack when giving.
• Promote Community Well-being: Actively participate in initiatives that support the less fortunate within the church and wider community, fostering a culture where no one is left in extreme want. This aligns with Paul's teaching on cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7.

The verse serves as a timeless reminder that God's desire is for His people to live in a way that demonstrates mutual care, ensuring that everyone has what they need, just as He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness.