2 Corinthians 8

In this chapter, Paul turns to the topic of generosity, specifically discussing the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. This chapter serves as an exposition on Christian giving, using the example of the Macedonian churches as a model of sacrificial giving despite their own hardships. Paul emphasizes the grace of giving as an act of worship and fellowship, encouraging the Corinthians to fulfill their earlier commitment to help their fellow believers.

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
2 that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

Paul introduces the exemplary behavior of the Macedonian churches, who, despite facing severe trials and poverty, demonstrated extraordinary generosity. He highlights this as a manifestation of God's grace, showing how their joyful attitude and sacrificial giving were not hindered by their circumstances.

2 Corinthians 8:3-4 (NKJV)
3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,
4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

The Macedonians gave not only within their means but beyond, displaying a voluntary and eager spirit in contributing. Their urgency to participate in the relief efforts exemplifies a deep commitment to the well-being of other believers, viewing it as a privilege to share in this ministry.

2 Corinthians 8:5 (NKJV)
5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

Paul notes that the Macedonians' giving was preceded by a total dedication of themselves to God and then to Paul’s leadership, indicating that their financial giving was an outflow of a deeper spiritual surrender. This foundational commitment to God guided their actions, aligning their contributions with God’s will.

2 Corinthians 8:6-7 (NKJV)
6 So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also.

Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their previous promise to help, tasking Titus with ensuring the completion of their contribution. He challenges them to excel in the grace of giving just as they do in other spiritual gifts and expressions of faith, linking generosity directly with spiritual maturity.

2 Corinthians 8:8-9 (NKJV)
8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

Paul clarifies that his call for generosity is not an apostolic command but rather a way to reveal the genuineness of their love, using the earnestness of others as a benchmark. He then draws on the example of Christ, whose sacrificial giving of Himself from heavenly riches to earthly poverty enabled believers to gain spiritual riches, setting the ultimate standard for selfless giving.

2 Corinthians 8:10-12 (NKJV)
10 And in this I give advice: it is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;
11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion out of what you have.
12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

Paul advises the Corinthians to finish what they had started, emphasizing that the benefit of their eager willingness to help will be fully realized only through completion of the act. He reassures them that their offering is valued based on their ability to give, not beyond it, highlighting the importance of the intention behind the gift.

2 Corinthians 8:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;
14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality.
15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”

Paul seeks a balance in giving, where the abundance of some compensates for the needs of others, suggesting a form of early Christian mutual aid. This principle of equality and reciprocity ensures that no church community is overly burdened while others have unmet needs. He references the manna collection in Exodus to illustrate how God’s provision was distributed equitably among the Israelites.

2 Corinthians 8:16-18 (NKJV)
16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.
18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.

Paul expresses gratitude for Titus's dedication to the Corinthians, noting his proactive approach to helping them in their commitment to giving. He also mentions another respected brother, likely a fellow worker known for his gospel ministry, sent along with Titus to assist and ensure the integrity and success of the collection effort. This cooperation underscores the collective responsibility and shared mission in the early Christian communities.

2 Corinthians 8:19-21 (NKJV)
19 And not only that, but he was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of God and to show our readiness to help;
20 avoiding this, that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us:
21 providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

Paul highlights the transparency and accountability in handling the collection for Jerusalem. The individual traveling with him was selected by the churches themselves, ensuring a group consensus and trust in the administration of the funds. Paul emphasizes the diligence with which they handle this responsibility, aiming to maintain integrity both in God's eyes and before people, thus avoiding any criticism or suspicion of mishandling the contributions.

2 Corinthians 8:22-24 (NKJV)
22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now much more diligent because of the great confidence in you.
23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

Paul further discusses the credentials of the companions traveling with Titus, mentioning another brother known for his diligence and reliability. This reassures the Corinthians of the careful handling of their gifts. He reiterates the roles of Titus and the other brethren as key figures in the ministry, urging the Corinthians to demonstrate their love and validate Paul’s praise of them through generous participation in the collection. This appeal aims not just to ensure compliance but to foster a spirit of mutual respect and unity within the broader Christian community, showcasing the collective effort in service to God’s mission.