“2 Corinthians 8:1-6”

Saturday, June 09, 2018

"Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well."

---End of Scripture---

Chapters 8-9 seem to be arranged in a pattern based upon key terms. These terms include:

A. The grace of God (8:1, 4, 6, 7, 9, 16, 19; 9:8, 14, 15)
B. Riches; liberality (8:2, 7, 14; 9:1, 8, 11f)
C. Test (8:2; 9:13)
D. Fellowship (8:4; 9:13)
E. Service (8:4; 9:13)
F. Commendation of the brothers (8:16-24; 9:3-5)
G. Paul’s Boasting (8:24; 9:3)

Although there is no specific mention of the recipients of the gift in chapters 8-9, the obvious indication is that it is to Jerusalem (consider parallel passages in Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:3). The specifics of the need are also unclear. It may have been another famine like the one years earlier in Judea (Acts 11:27-30) or it may have been a continual need for brethren in the area due to economic pressures for their convictions (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37; 5:1-11; 6:1-7). At any rate, God is using the opportunity to provide a solidification between Gentile Christians and Jewish Christians and dismantle cultural biases that were dividing the brotherhood. We see brethren from all over the Roman empire participating in this benevolence while maintaining local congregational autonomy (see Acts 20:4).

While God was using this effort to solidify his people, there needed to be utmost planning, preparation, and security to ensure evil surmising did not arise (2 Corinthians 11:7-8; 12:16-18). Yet, because of misunderstandings on the heretics’ part, Paul’s actions were completely misunderstood (2:17; 4:2; 10:10; 11:8-9; 12:13) and even in this collection, misunderstandings were made (Acts 21:17-34; 24:18).

Here is a short commentary of thoughts on the verses for today's reading:

VERSE 1 - Verses 1-6 are one long run-on sentence in the original language. Paul wanted to be clear with the brethren and make sure that they knew the situation they all were in. His specification of them as "brethren" is noteworthy because in the letter he uses it 3x at important calls to motivation (1:8; 13:11). He challenges these wealthy Corinthians through the example of the poor Macedonians. As the Macedonians gave inconceivably, and that through the grace of God (9:8, 14), so must the Corinthians abound in their giving. Anything less than their best was a failure of the test (1:2). Having emptied their shallow pockets for the cause, the Macedonians were enriched with the grace of God and grew in their discipleship!

VERSE 2 - Lots of people give when in surplus; few give when in dire straits (cf. Luke 21:1-4). Depth of affliction had caused them to better sympathize with the brethren’s struggle in Jerusalem. For the Corinthians, they should have considered that they were causing such affliction because of the issues prevalent within their church and therefore needed to abound all the more. Their affliction is called a great trial/test. Despite great affliction and trial, abundant joy caused the Macedonians to give in abundance. This example provides “the crazy-quilt logic of the gospel: joy + severe affliction + poverty = wealth” (Garland, 367). God does not measure by the amount given, but by the amount retained. Christian joy is independent of outward circumstances (Colossians 1:24). The mention of joy here is a call to remember that, “God loves a cheerful giver.”

VERSES 3-4 - Paul witnessed their generosity. He’d been on the receiving end before (Philippians 4:15-16). "Of their own accord" is from the Greek word authaireo meaning “voluntary.” This verb may go with what follows, “pleaded with us”, or with what proceeds, “beyond their ability.” The Macedonians were begging the apostles with much urging to serve their brethren. As Calvin says, “If the Macedonians lead the way in front of everybody, how disgraceful it is for the Corinthians not at least to follow their example.” (108).

VERSES 5-6 - Paul frankly states here that he had expected little if anything from the Macedonians and they joyously surprised him with liberality unthinkable. Macedonian willingness was complemented by both the grace of God and the will of God. First and foremost, they gave themselves to God; this is living for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:15). As a result of the Macedonian selflessness, Paul thought it wise to send Titus to complete the work he had long since begun with the Corinthians so that they could partake in this favor for the brethren. It should be noted that Titus had also helped them enact the disciplinary process from 1 Corinthians 5.

Please read 2 Corinthians 8:7-15 for tomorrow.

Have a blessed evening!

- Eric Parker

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