2 Corinthians 8:1

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

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};

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

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

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

Commentary

This verse introduces a significant section in Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (chapters 8 and 9) where he encourages them in the matter of Christian giving, specifically for the collection being gathered for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul presents the churches in the region of Macedonia as a prime example of generous giving.

Context

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about their commitment to contribute to a relief fund for the believers in Jerusalem who were suffering hardship (see also Romans 15:26). Having previously agreed to participate, the Corinthians had apparently stalled. To motivate them, Paul holds up the churches of Macedonia (including Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) as a remarkable illustration of sacrificial generosity, especially considering their own financial struggles.

Key Themes

  • Grace as the Source of Giving: The generosity of the Macedonians is explicitly attributed to "the grace of God bestowed on" them. This highlights that true Christian giving is not merely a human act of charity but a direct result of God's work in a believer's heart. It flows from an understanding and experience of God's grace.
  • Generosity Amidst Hardship: As subsequent verses in this chapter reveal, the Macedonian churches were themselves facing "deep poverty" (2 Corinthians 8:2). Their giving was not out of abundance but out of need, making their example particularly powerful.
  • Exemplary Giving: The Macedonian churches serve as a positive model for other believers, demonstrating that a willing spirit and the motivation of grace can overcome financial limitations.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version phrase "we do you to wit" is an archaic expression meaning "we make known to you," "we inform you," or "we want you to know." It simply serves as Paul's way of introducing the subject. The core concept is the "grace of God" (Greek: charis theou), emphasizing that their ability and desire to give originated from divine favor and empowerment, not their own inherent goodness or wealth. This aligns with the broader biblical understanding of grace as God's unmerited favor that enables believers to live and act in ways pleasing to Him.

Reflection

2 Corinthians 8:1 challenges believers today to see giving not as an obligation or a financial transaction, but as a response to the grace of God in their lives. The example of the churches of Macedonia shows that genuine generosity is possible regardless of one's financial status; it is primarily a matter of the heart, driven by the transformative power of God's grace. It encourages us to consider how God's grace motivates our own acts of giving and service.

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Cross-References

  • Colossians 1:29 (6 votes)

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

  • Acts 16:9 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.