The Book of
2 Corinthians 8
24 verses≈ 4 min3 peopleBSB
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In this chapter
Where we are
- 1–2:13ComfortWhy Paul changed his plans
- 2:14–5:10Treasure in clayThe glory of the new covenant
- 5:11–7Be reconciledOpen your hearts; joy restored
- 8–9Generous givingThe gift for the saintsChapter 8
- 10–13Strong in weaknessPaul's defence of his ministry
Generosity Commended
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So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it. But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others.
Question
Quick question
The churches of Macedonia were poor and under heavy pressure, yet they pleaded to share in the gift for Jerusalem.
What did the Macedonians give first, before anything else?
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire. Now finish the work, so that you may complete it with the same eager desire, according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. This way there will be equality. As it is written:
“He who gathered much had no excess,
and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”
0:23
Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain
your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need
2 Corinthians 8:14
A fair balance
Whiteboard
Paul isn’t asking the Corinthians to swap places with the poor. He asks for a fair balance among God’s people. Today Corinth has plenty and Jerusalem is in need; another day it may be the other way round. It is the manna again: God gave enough, and those who gathered little still had all they needed.
Pray
Rich, yet poor
Before Paul says another word about giving, he points to Jesus: “though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Thank Him for what He gave up for you, and for all you now have in Him. Ask Him to make your heart glad and open, like His.
Titus Commended
Stylised map · locations approximate
On the map
The gift’s journey
Paul is in Macedonia, where the churches, probably including Philippi and Thessalonica, have already given out of poverty. Now Titus heads south to Corinth to help finish the gift there. The churches of Macedonia and Achaia were gathering it for the poor believers in Jerusalem, hundreds of miles away across the sea, and men the churches chose would travel with it.
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you. For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.
In this chapter
Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel. More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the gracious offering we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.
We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.
2 Corinthians 8:21
And we are sending along with them our brother who has proven his earnestness to us many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.
Reflect
Grace that shares
The Macedonians gave out of joy, not pressure, and Paul says plainly, “I am not giving a command.” The gift is “acceptable according to what one has.” Think first of the grace of the Lord Jesus toward you. Then think of one believer in need you know. What could you gladly share with them this week: a meal, your time, practical help, a gift?
You’ve experienced
2 Corinthians 8
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A verse to carry with you
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
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