Don Smith
In this chapter, the subject completely changes towards an issue within the Corinthian church which had yet to be resolved—that of the contribution.
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality (2 Cor. 8:1-2).
Because the Corinthians were apparently not giving as they should have been, Paul is opening up to them a picture of what God had done for the Macedonians. “The grace of God” is a reference to the opportunity God had opened to the churches in Macedonia. Their opportunity was joy in giving as they ought. They had joy even in the affliction they had faced. Remember, Paul’s flesh had no rest in Macedonia, so evidently they were going through some severe physical persecution (7:5). Even in their “deep poverty” they were able to give in such a way that it made them rich towards God.
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints (v. 3-4).
Paul is testifying of first hand knowledge of their ability/“power” to give. Not only did the Macedonians give according to their ability, but they actually went beyond their ability. Moreover, they didn’t need to be coerced into doing this, nor did they need pampered to do so, but “they were willing of themselves” – they genuinely wanted to give in this manner, beyond their means (cf. Mark 12:41-44). They literally begged Paul to take this contribution. Such contribution here is referred to as “the fellowship,” which is also in line with the listing of acts of worship from the beginning – a joint participation (Acts 2:42). The saints that this particular cooperative effort in contribution was going to were the saints in Jerusalem (1 Cor. 16:3).
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God (2 Cor. 8:5).
Since the Macedonians’ giving was “beyond their power,” it was more than what Paul had even hoped for. The reason their giving was more than Paul had hoped is due to the fact they completely dedicated their lives to the service of the Lord, and in turn, to Paul and the other leaders since they were instruments in carrying out the will of God (cf. Luke 9:23; 14:33; Romans 12:1; 1 Cor. 6:19-20).
Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also (2 Cor. 8:6).
This passage indicates that Titus was the courier of the contribution from Corinth. Paul desired Titus to retrieve the rest of the contribution (which they began giving a year ago, v. 10) to “finish” in the Corinthians “the same grace” as the Macedonians’ giving.
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also (v. 7).
The Corinthians had exceeded in the showing of many of the Christian attributes—“every thing” Paul was about to list.
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“In faith” – Their faith came by hearing the word of God (Rom. 10:17), and they expressed that through their obedience of the gospel.
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“Utterance” was given by the Corinthians in their “earnest desire” and “mourning” upon knowing their departure from God’s will (2 Cor. 7:7).
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Their “knowledge” led them to want to return to God.
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“In all diligence” is a reference to them doing that which they desired in returning to God.
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“And in your love to us”—They had shown their “fervent mind toward” Paul in abiding by his correction and teaching (7:7), in accordance with God’s will (1 Cor. 14:37).
“See that ye abound in this grace also”—This statement implies that, though they had exceeded in the preceding Christian attributes, they were still lacking in “this grace”—contributing as the Macedonians, giving their whole selves to the Lord, and following in true sacrificial giving. What an example the Macedonians are for all Christians in the aspect of the contribution in New Testament worship!
I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love (2 Cor. 8:8).
Paul is not commanding them to give beyond their means, as the command was already given to “lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him” (1 Cor. 16:2)—it is sufficient to give in this manner. However, the “occasion of the forwardness” (willingness) of the Macedonians’ abundant giving (their example in such) gave the opportunity for the Corinthians to “prove the sincerity” of their love. They were a rich city, and they could “abound in this grace also.”
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich (v. 9).
Paul, here, is using the most powerful example of giving, that Jesus gave it all and all to Him I owe. Christ gave up the riches of His glory in heaven to bring himself to this lowly state (Eph. 3:16; Phil. 2:6-11). Through His poverty, His death on the cross, and our obedience to the gospel and His righteous commands, we are made rich in those spiritual matters, rich in the glory of the heavenly. The Corinthians knew this “grace” of giving that Christ had effected. Paul is bringing this to the forefront of their mind that they might apply it to their act of contribution.
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have (2 Cor. 8:10-11).
This collection was not a command, but Paul gives his judgment here, and informs them this is a collective ease (“expedient”) for them. A year ago, Paul had word that the Corinthians had began to put together their contribution for this work, and were willing to do as the Macedonians had done—to give abundantly (“abound in this grace”). Since the Corinthians were ready and willing to give to this work, Paul is encouraging them to go ahead and do it—“perform the doing of it”—and not be like the man in James 2:15-16 (1 John 3:18).
For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not (2 Cor. 8:12).
The willingness to give is acceptable if a person has it to give. It’s not acceptable to make promises in mind of riches one only hopes to have, while holding back that which they do have.
For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack (v. 13-15).
There was to be an equality in this effort, so that none would be overburdened with the weight of this work—the bulk of the giving wasn’t to be done by a few while others gave little to nothing. Exodus 16:18 is quoted here to give an example of equality in following God’s way—may we ever have that faith in God’s prescribed plan!
But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you (2 Cor. 8:16-17).
The “earnest care” that is spoken of here is that same care to which each would have in supplying for the others’ want (v. 14). God put this same care into the heart of Titus for the Corinthians. How? By Titus’ understanding of God’s will and desire to do it (giving himself first to the Lord, and fervently loving the brethren, v. 5; 1 Pet. 1:22). “The exhortation” is the request (or imploration) for him to take on this work of being courier of the contribution and finish it (2 Cor. 8:6) – and he indeed accepted it. Moreover, he was “more forward,” or exceedingly willing, on his own wishes to do this – out of that care he had for them.
And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches (v. 18).
Who was this brother? Many believe this was Luke, but with little to go on. Luke was with Paul going into Macedonia (Acts 16:10-15), but when Paul and Silas were imprisoned and then released, they departed the region and Luke stayed (v. 40). About 6 years later, Luke picks up with them again when Paul returns to Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 6). Therefore, Luke would have been known in this region. Luke’s gospel account was also written to gentiles (possibly written while he was in Macedonia), and that may be the reference to the “praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.”
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind (2 Cor. 8:19).
This brother may have been sent of Paul, but Paul was not the ultimate authority here—he was “also chosen of the churches to travel with us.” (Remember, Luke did travel with Paul extensively). “With this grace” is a reference to the contribution being gathered and sent. The brother was chosen for a reason to accompany the transport of the contribution. The gathering of the funds was under the management of Paul, but he wants it to be clear that it is never for self-gain, but to the glory of the Lord. The Corinthians willingness of mind, as declared to Titus, was also a motivating factor in Paul administrating this operation of collection.
Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men (v. 20-21).
Here is the reason this brother was chosen to accompany the contribution – that there be no blame, and all things are seen as done honestly. “Avoiding this” is a naval term that has been suggested to mean “reeling sails to avert danger.” Prudence is apparent here in making sure appearances do not give way to any blame in the management of this collection. Even though God knows the honesty and integrity of all involved, it was very important that this process be seen as completely pure in motive to men as well (Rom. 12:17; Prov. 3:4).
And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ (2 Cor. 8:22-23).
A third brother is mentioned here as being sent to retrieve the contribution. Three Christians involved in this work gives the objective confidence that it will be done right. Mentioning the characteristics that this brother has been proven diligent, or zealous and persistent, in many things, gives great weight to his trustworthiness. His zeal is greatly shown here in his willingness to embark on the journey of this work. His diligence, or willingness, is based upon the great confidence Paul has in the Corinthians. Paul is further corroborating the solid trustworthiness of Titus and these brethren. If any should ask, Titus is his right hand man—“partner” to an apostle, and the brethren coming with him are the best representation of each of the congregations that chose them, being representatives and “messengers” of “the glory of Christ.” “Messengers” is the same Greek word translated elsewhere as “apostles,” which simply means “one sent.” Apostles of Christ were those 12 individuals sent by Christ. Titus was an apostle, or messenger, of Paul, just as these other two brethren were apostles, or messengers, of their respective congregations. However, they were not delegated authority to make arbitrary decisions for the congregation, nor as an assembled group to direct anything. They were merely messengers to send word to Corinth, and report back the same.
Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf (v. 24).
Paul had boasted on behalf of the Corinthians, that they were the honest and good heart of brethren, and would do the right thing, which was found a truth (7:14). They now had the opportunity to further show proof to others that that boasting was of a truth, as this would be before these brethren. Report would then be made to their congregations.
