2 Corinthians8

Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their exceptional generosity, who, despite deep poverty and affliction, willingly gave beyond their means for the saints. He then encourages the Corinthians to complete their own collection, reminding them of Christ's example of self-impoverishment for their enrichment. Paul emphasizes that giving should be from a willing heart, aiming for equality, and sends Titus and two other trusted brethren to ensure the transparent administration of their offering.
Listen to this chapter
0:00 0:00

The Generosity of the Macedonians

1
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia; ​
2
how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. ​
3
For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
4
beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints: ​
5
and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. ​
6
Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also. ​

Exhortation to Abound in Giving

7
But as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also. ​
8
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. ​

The Example of Christ's Poverty

9
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich. ​
10
And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will. ​
11
But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.
12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not. ​
13
For I say not this that others may be eased and ye distressed;
14
but by equality: your abundance being a supply at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become a supply for your want; that there may be equality: ​
15
as it is written, He that gathered much had nothing over; and he that gathered little had no lack. ​

Accountability and the Messengers

16
But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. ​
17
For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.
18
And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches; ​
19
and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in the matter of this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and to show our readiness:
20
avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us: ​
21
for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. ​
22
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he hath in you.
23
Whether any inquire about Titus, he is my partner and my fellow-worker to you-ward; or our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, they are the glory of Christ. ​
24
Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf. ​

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 8

Verse 1

Paul introduces the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) as an example of sacrificial giving. The 'grace of God' refers here not to salvation, but to the divine enablement for liberality.

Verse 2

This verse presents a profound spiritual paradox: material poverty combined with deep spiritual joy resulted in abundant generosity. This proves that giving is a matter of spiritual commitment, not surplus wealth.

Verse 4

The Macedonians did not have to be coerced; they eagerly pleaded with Paul to be allowed to participate in the 'fellowship of the ministering' (the offering for the poor saints in Jerusalem).

Verse 5

Paul explains that their monetary giving was a natural outflow of their prior, complete dedication. They first committed themselves fully to the Lord and to Paul's ministry before contributing financially.

Verse 6

Paul uses the zeal of the Macedonians to motivate the Corinthians, urging them to complete the collection (the 'grace') which Titus had previously initiated during his earlier visit.

Verse 7

Paul challenges the Corinthians, who excel in many charismatic and intellectual gifts (faith, knowledge, utterance), to ensure they also excel in the practical virtue of generous giving.

Verse 8

Paul clarifies that he is not issuing a command but using the exemplary conduct of others (the Macedonians) as a test to determine the genuineness and sincerity of the Corinthians’ expressed love.

Verse 9

This is the theological foundation for Christian giving. Christ, who was eternally rich (divine glory), intentionally 'became poor' (incarnation and humiliation) so that believers might be made spiritually rich through redemption.

Verse 10

Paul offers advice, reminding the Corinthians that they were the first to initiate the collection a year prior, demonstrating their readiness to act before others.

Verse 12

The principle of proportionality: God accepts the willingness of the heart and judges the gift based on what a person possesses, not on an absolute standard or what they do not have.

Verse 14

The goal of the collection is equality, meaning balance and reciprocity. The current abundance of the Corinthians should meet the present need of the Judean saints, anticipating a future time when the roles might be reversed.

Verse 15

Paul quotes Exodus 16:18, referring to the gathering of manna. Just as God provided manna proportionally so that no one had too much or too little, so too should resources be shared within the community of faith.

Verse 16

Paul transitions to the administration of the gift. He praises God for giving Titus a sincere and earnest desire to care for the Corinthians and complete the collection.

Verse 18

Paul sends an unnamed brother with Titus, described as highly respected throughout the churches for his work in the gospel. This anonymity protects the individual while emphasizing his proven reputation.

Verse 20

Paul insists on rigorous accountability and transparency in handling the large sum of money. He takes steps to avoid any potential accusation that he or his team might be mismanaging the funds.

Verse 21

Paul emphasizes the necessity of acting honorably ('honest things') not only before God but also publicly 'in the sight of men,' establishing a standard of ethical integrity for financial ministry.

Verse 23

Paul provides letters of recommendation for his delegates. Titus is affirmed as Paul’s 'partner and fellowhelper,' while the others are designated as 'messengers of the churches' (apostles/delegates), serving as representatives of the glory of Christ.

Verse 24

The Corinthians are urged to demonstrate their commitment to these delegates, thereby providing visible proof of their love and justifying Paul's public boasting about their readiness to give.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate
Settings

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options