2 Corinthians 8
This chapter discusses the principles of Christian giving, emphasizing generosity motivated by sincerity and love rather than obligation. Paul uses the example of the Macedonian churches to inspire the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment to help fellow believers in Jerusalem. This chapter illustrates the balance between giving willingly and the practical aspects of managing such aid, highlighting the integrity and accountability required in handling church funds.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV)
Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
The churches in Macedonia, despite undergoing severe hardships and being in extreme poverty, displayed an outstanding example of generosity. Their joyful willingness to give, underpinned by God's grace, resulted in a wealth of liberality that went beyond their financial capacity.
2 Corinthians 8:3-4 (NKJV)
For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
The Macedonians gave not just according to their means but beyond, demonstrating a selfless desire to contribute. They eagerly implored Paul to accept their contributions, showing their deep commitment to supporting other believers—an expression of fellowship and solidarity.
2 Corinthians 8:5 (NKJV)
And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
The key to the Macedonians' generosity was that they first dedicated themselves entirely to the Lord, which then naturally extended to their brothers and sisters in faith. Their giving was aligned with God’s will, reflecting their spiritual commitment and priorities.
2 Corinthians 8:6 (NKJV)
So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace among you as well.
Paul encouraged Titus to return to Corinth to continue fostering this grace of giving that he had previously initiated. This verse highlights the importance of completing commitments in charitable efforts, ensuring that the initial enthusiasm translates into fulfilled promises.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV)
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 commends the Corinthians for their strengths—faith, speech, knowledge, diligence, and love—and urges them to excel also in the grace of giving. This call to generosity is presented not just as a duty but as a vital aspect of their spiritual growth and expression of love.
2 Corinthians 8:8-9 (NKJV)
I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. 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 challenge is not an apostolic command but a test of their genuine love, compared to the earnestness of others like the Macedonians. He reminds them of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice—choosing poverty to enrich others spiritually—setting the highest standard for selfless giving.
2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (NKJV)
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; but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it, so there may be a performance also out of what you have.
Paul advises the Corinthians that it benefits them to finish what they started with eagerness the previous year. Their initial readiness should be matched by their action, ensuring that their good intentions result in tangible support for their fellow believers.
2 Corinthians 8:12 (NKJV)
For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
This verse emphasizes that the acceptability of a gift lies in the giver’s willingness, not in the size or amount of the gift. God values the attitude of the heart over the material value of the contribution, highlighting that generosity is measured by sincerity rather than capacity.
2 Corinthians 8:13-14 (NKJV)
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened; but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack—that there may be equality.
Paul stresses the goal of equality in giving: the Corinthians' current surplus should help offset the needs of others, so in turn, when they are in need, others' surplus can help them. This principle promotes a balanced and mutual support system among believers, ensuring no one faces undue hardship while others have excess.
2 Corinthians 8:15 (NKJV)
As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”
Paul concludes with a reference to the manna gathered by the Israelites in the wilderness, where everyone had enough according to their needs. This Old Testament example reinforces the ideal of equitable distribution among the community, reflecting God’s care and provision for all.
2 Corinthians 8:16-17 (NKJV)
But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord.
Paul expresses gratitude for Titus's proactive and sincere commitment to the Corinthians. Titus not only responded positively to Paul's encouragement but also took the initiative to go to Corinth on his own, demonstrating a genuine concern for their welfare and the success of the ministry.
2 Corinthians 8:18-19 (NKJV)
And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show our readiness to help.
Alongside Titus, Paul sends another respected brother, known and praised across the churches for his gospel work. This brother, also appointed by the churches to accompany Paul in handling the collection, ensures transparency and accountability in the distribution of the aid, highlighting their collective dedication to glorifying God and supporting the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:20-21 (NKJV)
Avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us—providing honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.
Paul is cautious about the management of the substantial funds collected for the saints. He aims to handle the gift in a manner that is beyond reproach, ensuring that their actions are honorable both in God's eyes and in human judgment, thereby avoiding any possibility of criticism or misinterpretation of their motives or integrity.
2 Corinthians 8:22 (NKJV)
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 we have in you.
Another brother, known for his diligence and previously proven in various tasks, is also sent to assist with the collection. His increased diligence reflects the great trust Paul places in the Corinthians' commitment to the cause, underscoring the importance of reliable and enthusiastic participation in the ministry.
2 Corinthians 8:23-24 (NKJV)
If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or our brethren are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
Paul concludes the chapter by reaffirming the credentials of Titus and the other brethren as not only his associates but as emissaries of the churches and representatives of Christ's glory. He encourages the Corinthians to demonstrate their love and validate Paul's praise of them through their warm reception and cooperation with his team, showcasing the unity and mutual support among the churches.