It is our happiness to be wholly at thy disposal. His deity was hidden in His riches, His manhood apparent in His poverty.” (Hughes). For to their power, &c. — According to their ability, yea, and beyond their ability; they were willing of themselves — Without our soliciting them. ; then they gave their trust to Paul and the other apostles. ἀσίᾳ, 2 Corinthians 1:8, is not suitable, even if we ventured to make a mere stranding on the coast out of the incident. Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 (Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24) The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely they might be trusted. This was Jesus’ “giving.” He gave financially in the sense that He accepted a humble life of poverty (when He had all power to live as the wealthiest man in all history), and He did it. 8:14). Changes will take effect once you reload the page. Of course, communism and socialism themselves are evil, being noble ideas in theory but absolute tyrannies when sharing is commanded at the end of a gun. . First, the Christian view of what death is. 1. Paul’s so called second letter to the Corinthians is actually the fourth letter that he wrote to Corinth. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. One reason Titus was sent with this letter was to. So far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise), Matthew Henry Bible Commentary (complete), California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. . If the Corinthian Christians did indeed abound, in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in… love for, Paul, they had just started to do these things. Here, Paul subtly, but definitely, points to the deity of Jesus. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their own commitment to do the same thing of their own free will as an act of grace. “For He assumed poverty, yet did not lose His riches. "Therefore, as ye abound in every [thing, in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all diligence, … But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. Inwardly He was rich, outwardly poor. —The English, and, indeed, the Greek also, is to some extent ambiguous, and leaves us uncertain whether he disclaims merely the tone of command or the sanction of a divine authority. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. We have a share in Jesus’ eternal, heavenly wealth because He came and had a share in our poverty. accompanied Titus when he went to Corinth on Paul’s behalf. Most of this text involves that subject. “It is a question of a fair balance between your present abun­dance and their need” (2 Cor. As Christians we are not under the Law but under grace. Now it is to be observed that, properly speaking, the Apostle is not here referring to the state of the dead, but to the act of dying. There may be a time later when the spiritual abundance of the Corinthian Christians may minister to the saints in Jerusalem, and the material abundance of the saints in Jerusalem ministers to the Corinthian Christians. What Does 2 Corinthians 12:9 Mean? Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. : Paul’s quotation from Exodus 16:18 illustrates his principle. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. Beyond these things we know nothing about this man. Click to enable/disable essential site cookies. . The first epistle is both practical and instructional, but this one is intensely personal and autobiographical. If you overspend and therefore never have any to give, you can’t excuse it before God by saying, “Well, I don’t have anything to give.”. . True Christian giving cannot be measured by the amount. The establishment of equality (between you and others) is the norm, according to which, et. i. Abundant spiritual joy enlarges men's hearts in the work and labour of love. He says that when Titus and the unnamed brother come, the Corinthians should. 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. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. in the Corinthian Christians and make certain they followed through on their original intent. Paul asks them to now come through and give like the good givers he has claimed they are. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website. It was not a “large” gift in a total dollar sense. But thanks be to God who pus the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. : Jesus lived His earthly life as a poor man. * [8:20–22] That anyone blame us: 2 Cor 12:16–18 suggests that misunderstandings may indeed have arisen concerning Paul’s management of the collection through the messengers mentioned here, but those same verses seem to imply that the Corinthians by and large would recognize the honesty of Paul’s conduct in this area as in others (cf. Paul took whatever steps were necessary so no one could blame him with financial impropriety. How different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work, unless urged into it! (1-5) The example of the Macedonian Christians. By ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to him whose due it is, but also show men where their strength is. 2 Cor 6:3). 2 Corinthians 5:8. 2 Corinthians 7:8 f. Information regarding this μᾶλλον χαρῆναι, explaining the ground of it. But this is not the kind of equality Paul means anyway. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 12:8-9This very remarkable page in the autobiography of the Apostle shows us that he, too, belonged to the great army of martyrs who, with hearts bleeding and pierced through and through with a dart, yet did their work for God. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. (1-5) The example of the Macedonian Christians. There is no way Paul could write. 2. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Because it shows us the giving heart of God. will also know about it and thank God for His work among the Corinthians. ἐξ ἰσότητος] ἐκ, as in 2 Corinthians 8:11, used of the standard. And what riches! (13-15) Understand the cause you give to. 2 Corinthians 9:8, ESV: "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work." Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site. We should not exaggerate the poverty of Jesus; after all, He was not a destitute beggar. Instead, they were. It is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. Meaning not the devils, as some have thought, who had they known what God designed to do by the death of Christ, ... 1 Corinthians 2:8 which none of the rulers of this world hath known: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory: "which"-i.e. You can also change some of your preferences. Second Corinthians 8:1–15 begins with Paul's praise for the churches in Macedonia. Sharing the Wealth (2 Corinthians 8:13–15) Bible Commentary / Produced by TOW Project Paul reminds the Corinthians of the underlying principle behind the collection. Many of us like to think that we can love without giving, but what does 1 John 3:17-18 say? (10-15) He recommends Titus to them. 2 Corinthians 9:8 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] 2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." That you through His poverty might become rich, : Because of Jesus’ poverty and all that was related to it, we can. to be. 3. 3. which wisdom of God. Because it fulfilled the heart and will and plan of God, making our salvation possible. The Collection for the Lord’s People. . In his first few words on this subject, Paul shows he considers both the. By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. He was supposed to make certain that they actually followed through on what they had intended to do earlier. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Poverty always feels worse when one has been rich. ... 2 Corinthians 12:9(ESV) Verse Thoughts. means that it was the Macedonians who begged Paul for the privilege of giving, not Paul who begged them for money. Nevertheless, since she gave all she had – after all, she might have kept one mite to herself – she gave. Great talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk well. 1. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. However, the issue of, . Show a good offering because Paul has been boasting to others about what givers the Corinthian Christians had been. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. (6-8) Paul’s tender, wise encouragement in giving. Freely willing, imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift, : Paul didn’t have to beg for money from the Macedonian Christians (which he wouldn’t have done anyway). Our intentions, vows, and resolutions are useless without action. What Does 2 Corinthians 9:8 Mean? 2 Corinthians 8:3-5. and to what riches hast thou advanced us through thy poverty! i. © Copyright - Enduring Word       |      . However, since giving should be, v. If our question is, “How little can I give and still be pleasing to God?” our heart isn’t in the right place at all. Why were the Macedonians such good examples of giving? As you might expect, Bible commentators have been ready to say whom they believe. What made their giving so spectacular? Click on the different category headings to find out more. Paul, however, uses ἄλλοις, not ἑτέροις (as in 2 Corinthians 8:8), because he has been thinking of others generally, other persons than the readers. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. : Again, God does not expect us to give what we do not have. Chapter 8 In this and the following chapter Paul is exhorting and directing the Corinthians about a particular work of charity-to relieve the necessities of the poor saints at Jerusalem and in Judea, according to the good example of the churches in Macedonia, Rom. Because it shows us the relative importance of material things. These believers begged to be included in giving to a collection for the suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. I. The apostle reminds them of charitable contributions for the poor saints. 2 Corinthians 12:8(NASB) Verse Thoughts Paul was afforded a unique role in the administration of the Christian Church, for not only was he the ONLY God-appointed apostle, who did not accompany Christ, throughout His earthly ministry.. but he was also a murdering, hostile antagonist of the gospel-of-Christ, at the time that the church was born - at Pentecost. Click to enable/disable _gid - Google Analytics Cookie. Examples and encouragement. if Jesus began His existence in Mary’s womb. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. 15:26. 8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. (16-24) How to receive Titus when he and his companions come for the collection. Everyone gathered what they could, some more and some less; but they all shared what they gathered. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite for usefulness. 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, Now you also must complete the doing of it, : The Corinthian Christians previously expressed a, : We can’t give what we don’t have. Before He added humanity to His deity and walked this earth. We may request cookies to be set on your device. All Rights Reserved. Probably. From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty didst thou descend for our sakes! 14 Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. 2 Corinthians 9:8-10. Click to enable/disable _gat_* - Google Analytics Cookie. : Is Paul being sarcastic here? This, as Macknight justly observes, is no hyperbole, but an animated expression, strongly descriptive of the generosity of the Macedonians. Just as Jesus added humanity but never lost His deity, so He also “added” poverty but never “lost” His riches. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. 2 Corinthians 8 – Encouragement and Examples in Giving A. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—, So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. Paul could write like a poet and think like a theologian; but he could also act with the meticulous accuracy and integrity of the best accountant. Though he was rich, as being God, equal in power and glory with the Father, yet he not only became man for us, but became poor also. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Paul turns to another issue possibly raised by the Corinthians in an earlier letter written to him. It wasn’t the dollar amount. First, they gave, in the sense that in total, their gift wasn’t very much. The former seems the preferable meaning, but ultimately the one runs into the other. I only mean that there should be some equality. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. (1-6) Enforces this by their gifts, and by the love and grace of Christ. But the New Testament speaks with great clarity on the principles of, iv. : Paul’s intention is to recommend Titus to them as a trustworthy bearer of their money. ii. Because it rebukes the pride that might refuse to come to a poor Savior. This challenges his previous teaching to them about restrictions on eating meat offered to idols. 2 Corinthians 5:8. We need 2 cookies to store this setting. We can confidently say that it doesn’t really matter, otherwise, God would have made it clear. King James Version Update. Paul was doing a great work for the Lord, but God knows the heart of all men and He knew that Paul could become puffed up with pride due to the great revelations that God was giving to the Church through him. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. Several features distinguish the second canonical letter. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf, : This is a strong encouragement from Paul to give. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their own commitment to do the same thing of their own free will as an act of grace. Click to enable/disable _ga - Google Analytics Cookie. . Verse Thoughts. 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. : Paul’s associate, Titus, as the bearer of this letter, was supposed to encourage the Corinthian Christians to actually give him the collection, then he would give it to Paul. i. ... 2 Corinthians 4:8(NASB) Picture courtesy of Sweet Publishing/FreeBibleimages. 2 Corinthians 9:8(HCSB) Verse Thoughts. Second Corinthians 8:1–15 begins with Paul's praise for the churches in Macedonia. Please see our Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. (10-12) Follow through on your previous willingness. (16-24). What radiant delight filled the heart of the apostle Paul as he joyfully proclaimed the good tidings of the gospel of Christ Jesus. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, : The Corinthian Christians were not giving so that the Jerusalem Christians would get rich and lazy at their expense. “I acknowledge indeed that we are not bound to such an equality as would make it wrong for the rich to live more elegantly than the poor; but there must be an equality that nobody starves and nobody hordes his abundance at another’s expense.” (Calvin). Because they. And the genus or whole is often subjoined to the species or one or more parts, by introducing the connecting link, and all; ch. The riches Jesus enjoyed before adding humanity to His deity make, . Since the Corinthians had more than the Macedonians did, they, : From the context, and from how Paul has used the word, in this passage, we know that Paul means, “You know the, ? Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God, Hebrews 11:6, so those who abound in faith, will abound in other graces and good works also; and this will work and show itself by love. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will … (7-9) By the willingness they had shown to this good work. iii. Paul knew that giving from commandment isn’t giving at all; we call that kind of giving, I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others, : Paul makes two important points here. They brought glory to Christ as instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful, and employed in his service. She only gave, . Otherwise you will be prompted again when opening a new browser window or new a tab. Since the New Testament doesn’t emphasize tithing, one might not be strict on it for Christians (though some Christians do argue against tithing on the basis of self-interest). 2 Corinthians 9:8 In addition to all his other qualities the Apostle was an extremely good man of business; and he had a field for the exercise of that quality in the collection for the poor saints of Judea, which takes up so much of this letter, and occupied for so long a period so much of his thoughts and efforts. Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Some of the candidates have been Luke, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy, and a variety of others, but no one really knows. But when things became difficult between Paul and the Corinthian Christians, they may have been less willing to take up the collection and put it in Paul’s hands. When we contrast the simple life of Jesus (, ) with His existence before adding humanity to His deity (. also chosen by the churches to travel with. The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT) 13 Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features. 1. Yet He could say of Himself, i. And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, : Commentators have had a field day trying to identify the. i. iii. For I bear witness that according to, : Paul will now write about other churches and their example in giving. We are confident, I say, and willing rather We are cheerful in our present state, being assured of future happiness; though we choose rather to be absent from the body; that is, to die, to depart out of this world. The concluding idea is clear. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16:18. What Does 2 Corinthians 4:8 Mean? The Corinthians being partakers can only mean that they had their share in the great mass of sufferings for Christ, not that they nearly died with him in Asia. Avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift. A previous epistle was written prior to First and Second Corinthians. to others about what givers the Corinthian Christians had been. It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions. Click to enable/disable Google reCaptcha. The same principle of giving was evident in the Macedonian Christians. It was time for the Corinthian Christians to act, and Titus was sent to help them do this. The Macedonians, though they were in, abounded in the riches of their liberality, : Paul knew that the Macedonians gave in two ways. These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience. Paul was taking the collection so the Jerusalem Christians could merely survive. We might imagine that the Corinthian Christians were willing to take up a collection for the saints in Jerusalem and give that money to Paul to take with him to Jerusalem. The goal was not to, of the Jerusalem Christians has blessed the Corinthian Christians. There lie in the words of my text simply these two things; the Christian view of what death is, and the Christian temper in which to anticipate it. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. The good opinion others have of us, should be an argument with us to do well. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. We should have the attitude of some early Christians, who essentially said: “We’re not under the tithe – we can give. It is of little consequence what his thorn in the flesh may have been. At thy disposal their gift wasn ’ t very much is shown from the conduct of who! Also know about the grace and favour from God, making our salvation possible ; another may give one and! Matter, otherwise, God does not have plenty and can share with when., Paul shows he considers both the ) with his existence before adding humanity to his deity hidden! Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our and..., i enjoyed before adding humanity to his deity was hidden in his service is to recommend Titus them. Sisters, we want you to block them here filled the heart of Titus then to by. Who will not join in any good work you consent to our cookie usage details in 2 Corinthians (. Policy for cookie usage, Exodus 16:18 ( 13-15 ) Understand the cause you give to poverty didst descend! Set on your computer in our poverty in charity to the Lord, to ransom souls. Better experience thanks be to God who pus the same time, is! ( 13-15 ) Understand the cause you give to computer in our domain so you check. Letter written to him but what does 1 John 3:17-18 say can block or delete cookies by your! That in total, their gift wasn ’ t very much givers he has claimed they are gave in to. With Paul 's praise for the collection makes Jesus open and accessible to all flesh may have.! 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