And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything —in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 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 8:1-9
The transition into chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians provides a change in Paul’s topic. It is important to back to some historical context before digging into this section. At the start of 1 Corinthians 16, Paul abruptly switched to this same topic: “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people…” (1 Corinthians 16:1). It is likely that the people of the Corinthian church had already expressed a desire to contribute financially before Paul wrote that letter, so Paul was simply giving them guidance on how to do that. It is likely that when Titus delivered the “severe letter” referenced earlier in this one, he encouraged the church to continue their financial generosity, which Paul is further commenting on here.
Paul begins in verse 1 by addressing the Corinthians with a term of endearment, "brothers and sisters," emphasizing the familial bond among believers. He introduces the topic by highlighting the "grace that God has given the Macedonian churches." This grace is not merely a general favor but specifically refers to their remarkable generosity. Despite their hardships, the Macedonians were endowed with a divine grace that enabled them to give beyond their means. Paul shares them as an example rather than simply issuing a plea for the Corinthians to give toward his ministry.
In verse 2, Paul continues the example of the Macedonian church, showing the contrast between their severe trial and overflowing joy, their extreme poverty and rich generosity. The Macedonian churches faced significant afflictions and financial hardships. However, their joy in Christ and their willingness to give were not hindered by their circumstances. Instead, their difficult situation amplified their generosity, demonstrating that true generosity springs from a heart touched by grace, not from material abundance.
Paul bears witness to the Macedonians' sacrificial giving in verse 3. They did not give merely from their surplus but gave beyond their ability. This act of giving was voluntary, driven by a heartfelt commitment to support their fellow believers. Their actions exemplify the principle that true generosity involves sacrifice and selflessness.
Remarkably, the Macedonians did not view their giving as an obligation but as a privilege (verse 4). They "urgently pleaded" to participate, which showed their deep desire to serve and support others. This eagerness to give underscores the spiritual maturity of the Macedonians and their understanding of giving as a ministry and a form of worship.
In verse 5, Paul acknowledges that the Macedonians surpassed all expectations. Their giving was not just about material resources but was an outpouring of their commitment to God. By first giving themselves to the Lord, they aligned their actions with His will, enabling them to support Paul's ministry effectively. This order of giving—first to the Lord, then to others—is a model for Christian generosity.
Paul transitions to addressing the Corinthians directly in verse 6. He reminds them of Titus, who had already initiated the collection among them. Paul encourages them to complete this "act of grace," linking their giving to the divine grace evident in the Macedonians. This continuity between initial enthusiasm and follow-through is crucial for genuine Christian practice.
Next, in verse 7, Paul acknowledges the strengths of the Corinthian church. They excel in various spiritual gifts and virtues: faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love. Paul urges them to add generosity to their list of excellences. This encouragement emphasizes that giving is not an optional extra but a vital expression of a well-rounded Christian life.
Paul clarifies that his appeal is not a command but a test of the Corinthians' sincerity and love (verse 8). By comparing their actions to the earnestness of the Macedonians, Paul challenges the Corinthians to demonstrate their love through tangible actions. This comparison is intended to inspire and motivate rather than coerce.
Paul concludes this section in verse 9 with a powerful theological statement. He reminds the Corinthians of the ultimate example of sacrificial giving: Jesus Christ. Though Christ was rich, He became poor for their sake, exemplifying the highest form of generosity. This act of divine selflessness enabled believers to receive spiritual riches. By highlighting Christ's example, Paul grounds the call to generosity in the foundational Christian narrative of redemption.
How does this apply to believers today? Generosity is not dependent on how much money we have but how willing we are to give joyfully and sacrificially, like the Macedonians. Giving financially to God’s Kingdom should be sacrificial, voluntary, done with joy, and a priority in our Christian faith. We give to God because He first gave to us; everything we have is His, and He continually blesses us with His abundance. By giving to God’s Kingdom, we not only support others materially but also participate in a deeper spiritual act that reflects our commitment to God and His people.
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