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

The Generosity of the Macedonians

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

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Exhortation to Abound in Giving

¶ Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

The Example of Christ's Poverty

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 be rich.

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

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:

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

Accountability and the Messengers

¶ But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting 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

2 Corinthians8

The Generosity of the Macedonians

Exhortation to Abound in Giving

The Example of Christ's Poverty

Accountability and the Messengers

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Options