I. The Grace that God has Given the Macedonians (8:1-7)
>1. What grace did God give the Macedonian churches? (1; Romans 15:24-29)
* 2 Corinthians 8:1 "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches."
* Paul wrote more on this to his letter to the Romans, which he wrote in Corinth, "I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to visit you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this fruit, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ." (Romans 15:24-29)
* Chapter 8 Overview.
The eastern shore of the Mediterranean was experiencing a drought. The Judean churches were experiencing hardships not only because of the drought but also because they were ousted from the synagogues, forbidden from taking some jobs (i.e. priests), and became social outcasts. Paul was coordinating a free-will gift from the Gentile churches to help their brothers in the Lord in Judea (4, 10).
Charity is something that Jesus taught his people through his life and in his words. Jesus created everything. His Father gave him everything. He is the ruler of all. He could have done anything he wanted. He chose to leave everything to save me and the whole world. Though the Lord Jesus Christ was rich, yet for my sake, he became poor, so that through his poverty I became rich (9). Humanly I am not rich. In fact, I am quite poor. Yet spiritually I am rich and when my physical body ends I will be a co-owner of everything.
God does not want anyone to give charity beyond their ability (12) i am to not make myself poor so that the poor might be made rich (14-15). Many become rich at the expense of others in the name of charity and in the name of God. Just because God is mentioned in a charity pitch does not make it from God nor does it make it holy, right, and good. Also giving money and time may be harmful to the one I give. So I am careful in my charity giving.
Listen to the above Chapter 8 Overview.
* "And now" -Paul moves onto a new subject. He has concluded the previous subject. No new commentary is introduced.
* "brothers" -Repeated in 1:8, 8:1, 23, 9:3, 5, 11:9, 26, 26, 13:11. Paul also called them brothers 27 times in the first letter.
* "we want you to know about" -Paul will used one congregation to compel another congregation to do the same or better, in short, he is compelling via competition (8). Greek people's first loyalties were to their cities, and strong rivalries often existed between them. Paul appeals to their civic pride.
Paul ended chapter 8 saying he had boasted about the Corinthian congregation to Titus and his boast proved right. He said that now Titus was also boasting about Corinth while in Macedonia. That must have boasted the pride of Corinth. Now, Paul was boasting about Macedonia, using the just boasted Corinthian pride to compel them do the right thing. (i.e. 12:16-18)
* "about the grace that God has given" -God gave the grace to give. God moved their hearts to give. God initiates.
* "the Macedonian churches" -Macedonia was north of Corinth and Corinth's neighboring town Athens. (7, 9) Macedonia included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. (Acts 16:12-17:14, 20:4)
>In what respects were they exemplary in their Christian life? (2-4)
* 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 "Out of the most 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 saints."
* "Out of the most severe trial" -More so than Corinth.
* "their overflowing joy" -Paul is not exaggerating.
* "their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity" -These cities were poor compared to Corinth. Same can be said with the congregations.
* "For I testify that they gave as much as they were able," -Not beyond their means as he will state later in this chapter in regards to the Corinthians.
* "and even beyond their ability." -They seem to have found ways to "feed the five thousand".
* "Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us" -Paul is saying he did not need to encouraging them as he is now needing to encourage Corinth. This fact would have embarrassed the Corinthian congregation. It did not matter that they were fooled into stopping by false prophets and teachers. They could have said no, just like Adam and Eve could have said no.
* "for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints." -"Privilege" make this comment sit hard on the Corinthian conscience.
>2. Why is offering a spiritual matter? (5)
* 2 Corinthians 8:5 "And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will."
* "And they did not do as we expected" -Paul praise is in exact opposite to his counsel to the Corinthian congregation. When Corinth stopped collecting it was not expected in the opposite.
* "but they gave themselves first to the Lord" -Jesus said that those who do good to the least of his disciples do so to him.
* "and then to us in keeping with God's will." -Paul is saying this offering to help other congregations in need was the Lord's will. The Corinthians should be ashamed of the selfish act.
>In light of the Macedonian example, what does Paul urge the Corinthians to do? (6-7)
* 2 Corinthians 8:6-7 "So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. But just as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us--see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
* "So we urged Titus, since he had earlier made a beginning," -Why did Paul say he urged Titus when later he said Titus was more than willing to go? I suspect that Titus did not realize that Paul would make him the head of the group to go around to the churches to prepare them to collect the offering.
* "to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part" -Ensure everything was ready for the group collecting all the offerings.
* "in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us"
* "see that you also excel in this grace of giving." -Paul will repeat this using different words many times.
* The Poors' Rich Generosity.
Apostle Paul concluded his previous thoughts by saying in 7:12-16 that he had bragged to Titus before he delivered the first letter to Corinth about the congregation at Corinth. Paul said they were devoted to him and would follow his direction, as hard as it was. Paul told Titus they would, and their positive response to Paul's first letter refreshed Titus. When this report reached Corinth in the second letter, the Corinthian congregation's pride was bolstered.
Then, with bolstered pride, in 8:1-7, Paul bragged about the Macedonian churches' offering for the poor in Judea. First-century Greeks were loyal and proud first and foremost of their cities. The Macedonian churches were in cities less wealthy than Corinth. Paul said the congregation was "extremely poor". (2) They had also experienced greater persecution than Corinth (2). Still, the Macedonian churches gave freely, joyously, and generously. Paul said they "urgently pleaded for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints" (4).
Paul sent Titus back to Corinth with this message and stated, "See that you also excel in this grace of giving". (7) Paul seems to be using competitive pride to compel the congregation at Corinth further to do the right thing.
The Ancient Greek Olympian and Corinth Isthmian games were as competitive as modern sports. Paul directly or indirectly used competition for positive results. Some might consider this wrong, but here seems to be an example where Paul did not. Competition can be used for good, but like everything else, competition can also be used incorrectly.
Challenge someone to a duel of reading the Bible in a year, or praying daily for a common goal in a given amount of time, or visiting a hospital, prison, or hospice together every day for a month in the name of Christ. Hold each other accountable. Isn't this an example of positive competition?
Listen to the above comments on 8:1-7.
II. Though He was Rich (8:8-15)
>3. What is Paul's tone in speaking about the offering? (8)
* 2 Corinthians 8:8 "I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others."
* "I am not commanding you" -Paul had said elsewhere to congregations that he founded that as an apostle to the Gentiles he could command, but he was usually did not resort to a command. In verse 10 he instead says he is advising them.
Paul assumed no right over their property, which they earned through labor. Paul is not referring to the tithe that supports the congregation. This is a charitable giving for fellow believers. True charity and generosity cannot be commanded.
* "but I want to test the sincerity of your love" -Since this is for charity, the offering would be out of love. They can prove this by giving selflessly and spontaneously. If this were the tithe to support the local congregation, it would be out of duty. Malachi 3:6-12 reinforces that tithe is duty. Giving to charity is not duty, it is out of love.
* "by comparing it with the earnestness of others." -Paul does not hide that he is compelling them by means of competition. Paul is utilizing and defending their honor since Corinth was wealthier than the Macedonia congregations. If rich Corinth gave less then poor Macedonia, it would be an embarrassment to them and Paul since he bragged about the Corinthian congregation. Paul had expressed his strong desire to help the poor and needy in Judea, if Corinth truly loved him as they confessed, then they would not let him be embarrassed by falsely bragging about them.
* "Because contributors in antiquity were often forced to support public works (occasionally this forced support could bankrupt someone less well-to-do than the tax roll had indicated), speakers and writers calling for funds had to be particularly careful to stress the voluntary nature of the contributions. (Later Jewish teachers even charged charity collectors who pressured the poor for contributions with "oppressing the poor.") Paul alludes to the rhetorical technique of comparison he has used. (1) (Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary - New Testament)
>What grace of Jesus Christ does Paul remind us of? (9)
* 2 Corinthians 8:9 "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich."
* Philippians 2:6-8 "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!"
* "For you know" -The congregation already knew what Paul is about to say.
* "the grace -"Grace" is "undeserved acceptance and love received from another, especially the characteristic attitude of God in providing salvation for sinners. For Christians, the word 'grace' is virtually synonymous with the gospel of God's gift of unmerited salvation in Jesus Christ. To express this, the New Testament writers used the Greek word 'charis', which had a long previous history in secular Greek. Related to the word for joy or pleasure, 'charis' originally referred to something delightful or attractive in a person, something which brought pleasure to others. From this it came to have the idea of a favor or kindness done to another or of a gift which brought pleasure to another. Viewed from the standpoint of the recipient, it was used to refer to the thankfulness felt for a gift or favor. These meanings also appear in the biblical use of 'charis', but only in the New Testament does it come to have the familiar sense which 'grace' bears for Christians." (Holman Bible Dictionary)
* "of our Lord Jesus Christ" -"Krios (noun) Iesous (noun) Christos (adjective)" in the original Greek (transliterations). "Jesus" is the Greek form of "Joshua" meaning "Yahweh is salvation" (Numbers 13:16) and "anointed one" or "Messiah". "Lord Jesus Christ" conveys "Supreme in authority, anointed, the Messiah". Jesus was a common name of Jewish men. Paul, with the rest of the apostles is defining exactly who he is referring to.
* "that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" -Playing on the words "rich" and "poor" Apostle Paul reminds the church of Jesus' humility. He did not have to give his life for us. Yet he did it anyway.
* "so that you through his poverty might become rich." -Jesus was poor from a human point of view. However, Paul is referring to the fact that as creator Jesus owns all and is ruler of all. He left heaven and became a man. In this, Jesus became poor in extreme. (Philippians 2:6-8)
>4. How and why did the Corinthian Christians commit themselves to the offering at first? (10)
* 2 Corinthians 8:10 "And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so."
* "And here is my advice about what is best for you in this matter" -Not a command as mentioned earlier. (8)
* "Last year" -The first letter which we do not have, and 1 Corinthians were a year before this letter.
* 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 "Now about the collection for God's people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."
>Did they follow through?
* "you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so." -Paul initially sent out his proposal to make a charitable collection among the Greek congregations to the suffering congregations in Judea before 1 Corinthians. The Corinth congregation agreed to collect the money and at the same time sent a letter with questions. Paul response to the questions was 1 Corinthians. So, Paul here is referring to them being the first to say they would donate to the cause.
* The Corinthian congregation started to collect the offering. It seems that they may have stopped at one point between their indicating they would donate and started to and Paul's first letter, so that when Titus came with Paul's first letter he discovered they had not followed through. Now Paul is reminding them to finish what they promised and started.
>What does Paul ask them to do? (11)
* 2 Corinthians 8:11 "Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means."
* "Now finish the work" -Starting is not good unless it is finished.
* "so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it" -Being willing means nothing if one does not actually do and finish what they were willing. Jesus' parable of the soils, the soil that thorns grew, started good, but did not finish and so they were fruitless and burned. Jesus gave a parable concerning a father asking his two sons to do something. One said he would do it, but did not follow through. The other said he would not do it, but after reconsidering did it. Then Jesus ask, "Which of the two did what his father wanted?" The answer is obvious. (Matthew 21:28-32)
* "according to your means." -Not all will give the same. The richer the person, the more is expected. The poor are expected less. All are expected. Jesus noticed a widow who gave a very small amount and yet bragged to the disciples about her offering because "it was all she had".
* Leviticus 1:3-4 "'If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting so that it will be acceptable to the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him."
* Finish the Work.
Understanding what transpired before Paul wrote this letter clarifies an important concept Jesus taught his disciples in Matthew 21:28-32. Paul had learned of the drought and persecutions the congregations in Judea and Jerusalem had experienced a year before this letter. The Lord inspired Paul to collect a charitable gift from the Gentile congregations. So he sent word out, hoping they would voluntarily provide financial assistance to their brothers and sisters in Christ. The Corinthian congregation was the first to respond affirmatively.
The congregation gave a series of questions to Titus, asking him to give them to Paul to answer. Upon delivering the questions, Titus told Paul that Corinth had begun collecting the charitable gift. Paul answered Corinth's questions with 1st Corinthians. Titus delivered the letter, which was received well. However, Titus noticed that they had stopped collecting the charitable gift. He reported this to Paul as well as information about the false prophets and teachers. Paul responded with 2nd Corinthians. In 8:10-11, he encouraged them to finish the work of collecting the offering. Starting without finishing is unacceptable and embarrassing.
Jesus taught this to the religious leaders in the "Parable of the Two Sons" (Matthew 21:28-32). Jesus concluded with, "'Which of the two did what his father wanted?'
"'The first,' they answered.
"Jesus said to them, 'I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.'"
The religious leaders looked like they started well. But because they did not finish by accepting the Messiah, they would not enter the kingdom of God. Listen to what Jesus teaches. Finish your walk of faith.
Listen to the above comments on 8:10-11.
>5. What makes our offering acceptable to God? (12)
* 2 Corinthians 8:12 "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have."
* "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has" -What matters is the willingness, which is the motive of true generosity, no matter how small or large the amount that can be afforded. As outstanding example of one who put this principle into practice is the poor widow (Mark 12:41-44) The mechanics of the collection being made in Corinth had been proposed by Paul in his earlier letter (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). (NIV Study Bible)
* "not according to what he does not have." -This is more than "do not offer what you do not have". Rather, Paul is saying the amount is not important compared to the willingness to offer anything.
* 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
>Why does God bless some people more than others? (13-15)
* 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. Then there will be equality, as it is written: "He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little."
* "Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed" -Do not make myself poor when helping the poor.
* "but that there might be equality." -This does not mean he his supporting a commune, nor that it is acceptable to take from the rich and give to the poor. This is fully voluntary.
* "At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need." -One has one that that another needs, and another has something else that the first does not.
* "Then there will be equality, as it is written: 'He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.'"
* Paul quotes from Exodus 16:18 concerning the gathering of manna in the desert. The Israelites we to collect only enough for one day. The aged and weak might collect less than the prescribed amount and the young and vigorous might collect more. So there was an equal distribution, so that the excess of some ministered to the deficiency of others.
* Charity is Not Tithing.
The Bible distinguishes between charity and tithing. Tithing is giving ten percent back to what God has graciously given. Tithing can require faith at times. Yet still, tithing is a command, and not without God's promise. (Leviticus 27:30-33; Malachi 3:8-12) Tithing predates the Old Covenant law, as Cain and Abel presented offerings to the Lord God before the flood. (Genesis 4:1-7)
Apostle Paul was not gathering a tithe to send off to the head church. This did not exist until a few centuries later. Rather, Paul was arranging a charitable gift to the poor and needy in Jerusalem and Judea. Charity is as ancient as tithing. Abraham displayed charity by providing food for three traveling strangers. (Genesis 18:1-8)
Paul did not command the congregation to make a collection for the poor in another nation, for it was charity. (8) Rather, to protect their honor, he encouraged them to keep the promise they made a year earlier and finish what they started. The other churches knew of their promised commitment. If they did not follow through, they would be humiliated by the poorer congregations in Macedonia who eagerly and joyfully gave. (10-12)
After reminding Corinth of Jesus' willingness to leave riches to go to poverty for our sake (9), Paul advises them to give as they are able within their means, and in the future, the riches the Jewish believers in Jesus have will help them. (14-15) Consider this: charity forced in any way, including humiliation and rebuke, is not giving in love, and is therefore turning into an obligation. For charity without love is not charity at all.
Listen to the above comments on 8:8-15.
III. We are Taking Pains to do what is Right (8:16-24)
>6. Who was Titus? (23)
* 2 Corinthians 8:23 "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ."
* "As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you" -See comments on study 2, question 4b for information on Titus. Some suggest that Paul is providing a letter of recommendation for Titus and his companions. However, since they already knew Titus from earlier visit(s), I do not see why this would be needed.
* "as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches" -Either the unnamed men mentioned in 8:18 and 22 or another group of men would be with Titus as they collected the offering from each congregation. It is assumed there was one man from each congregation. The Greek noun translated "representatives" in the NIV and "messengers" in some other English translations is "apostolos" (a transliteration) usually translated "apostles". Whereas Jesus chose twelve apostles, Paul distinguishes these men as "apostles of the churches (ekklesia)".
* "and an honor to Christ." -They have done well in their walk and talk.
* When these men showed up at Corinth, it can be assumed that the false prophets would be silenced for good and probably left Corinth.
>What was Titus' mission? (16-19)
* 2 Corinthians 8:16-19 "I thank God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help."
* "I thank God" -Paul credited God for Titus' heart conviction and love.
* "who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you" -The Green noun for "concern" is "spoude" from the verb "speudo" (transliterations). "Spoude" is also translated "earnest", "diligence", "haste", "care", and "earnest care".
* "For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative." -In the first letter, Paul seemed to indicate that little interest among the brothers existed concerning a visit to Corinth because of the problems in the congregation. (1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10) However, Titus had completely changed his mind and heart after he was the one who actually went to Corinth the first time.
* "And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel." -Not mention, but apparently someone special among the group.
* "What is more, he was chosen by the churches to accompany us as we carry the offering, which we administer in order to honor the Lord himself and to show our eagerness to help."
* 1 Corinthians 16:3-4, Paul says he will provide letters of recommendation to the men Corinth chooses, just as he is doing here.
>What is done to preserve the integrity of God in dealing with offerings? (20-24)
* 2 Corinthians 8:20-24 "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men. In addition, we are sending with them our brother who has often proved to us in many ways that he is zealous, and now even more so because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and an honor to Christ. Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it."
* "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift." -Paul earlier indicated that there was criticism.
* Verse 22 man could be the same as verse 18. Since Paul repeated words about Titus in 16-17 and 23, he could be doing the same with verses 18 and 22. This is speculation.
* "Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it." -Paul's reason for this introduction to the group is so they do not humiliate themselves by being as rude as the false apostle and prophets had been to him.
* Romans 12:17 is the same as verse 21, "...do what is right ...in the eyes of men."
>7. Why is this so important? (1 Samuel 2:17, 12:3; Numbers 16:15; John 12:6; Acts 5:1-6; Luke 16:10-11)
* 1 Samuel 2:17 "This sin of the young men was very great in the LORD's sight, for they were treating the LORD's offering with contempt."
* 1 Samuel 12:3 "Here I stand. Testify against me in the presence of the LORD and his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated? Whom have I oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe to make me shut my eyes? If I have done any of these, I will make it right."
* Numbers 16:15 "Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, "Do not accept their offering. I have not taken so much as a donkey from them, nor have I wronged any of them."
* John 12:6 "He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it."
* Acts 5:1-6 "Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.
Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God." When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him."
* Luke 16:10-11 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?"
* In the Eyes of the Lord and Men.
Though there are a thousand righteous pastors and evangelists who are honorable within the congregation and with their financial contributions, there always seems to be one large congregation and media-present pastor and evangelist who is not. They love money more than Jesus. They do not live in the eyes of the Lord and men. Their greed hinders the advance of the gospel. The secular media use their dishonor as a means to support their belief that all Christians are hypocrites.
Yet, are the mega-church ministers the only ones guilty of robbing God and the congregation they swear they love? I at times wonder why it seems that hundreds of thousands of volunteers within congregations and ministries are nameless, yet remain in service to the Lord and the church, never seeking profit or support for years. Paul and Titus were such men.
The Bible is clear on the dire need for proper conduct when dealing with offerings. 1 Samuel 2:17 refers to the great sin of young men "who were treating the LORD's offering with contempt." In contrast to these, Samuel and Moses stated before the Lord, "I have not taken from them." (1 Samuel 12:3, Numbers 16:15) Judas, though an apostle, stole from the collective funds and, in the end, betrayed Jesus and hanged himself. (John 12:6) Ananias and his wife lied about their offering, in effect stealing from the church, and the Holy Spirit struck them down. With such evidence, what does the word reveal about others who only show regret when they are caught? Be righteous in even small material offerings. Keep fully visible all the financial interactions of the church as Paul did according to these verses.
Listen to the above comments on 8:16-23.
IV. God Loves a Cheerful Giver (9:1-15)
* The illustration is from the Art Bible, 1896, comprising the Old and New Testaments, with numerous illustrations. Publisher, London: G. Newnes.
>8. How does Paul explain the circumstances in regard to the offering for the Jerusalem saints? (1-5)
* 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 "There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the saints. For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to say anything about you--would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given."
* Chapter 9 Overview.
Paul is continuing the instruction of giving to the poor, suffering believers in Judea that he started in chapter 8. The principle that when I give to the poor, God supplies me back and increases my money and makes me more profitable is introduced (12). This is true. Yet, not all the time is it applied correctly.
What I mean is this: the believers in Judea were poor. The Gentile believers had money. Does that mean that the Judean congregations did not have faith in Jesus or that God was not pleased with them and their giving? No. Does this mean that God was happier with the Gentiles and their giving? No.
Jesus was poor, and he is the Son of God. The apostles were poor, handpicked by Jesus, and God performed miracles through them. My faith should not be measured by my wealth. If this were a true measure, then Caesar and Hitler were blessed more than everyone. They were not. They were evil.
I should not give to the poor as a measure of my spirituality nor as a financial investment (6-7). I have heard messages that present these false beliefs. Rather, I should give lovingly because someone is in need. I am to be happy to help, and I should not be concerned that God won't meet my needs too.
Listen to the above Chapter 9 Overview.
* Romans 15:26 was written after the collection, but before it was delivered to Judea. The letter to the Roman congregations was written in Corinth in 56 A.D. See introduction timeline.
* "There is no need for me... For I know your..." -Some say he is saying is "what purpose have I written about this offering so long, to persuade you to minister to the Judean churches in distress?"
* "to write to you about his service" -That is "to write to you some more." Paul chooses his words carefully.
* "boasted about it to the Macedonians... you in Achaia... for if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared..." -I already stated this above in question 2b, "The Poors' Rich Generosity", but will repeat it again.
"Greek citizens' first loyalties were to their cities, and bitter rivalries often arose between cities. Paul appeals to their civic pride to make sure that the well-to-do Corinthians do their part. Corinth was the capital of the province of Achaea, south of the province of Macedonia (which included Philippi and Thessalonica). Thus Paul employs here the rhetorical techniques of endearment (by boasting about them) and comparison. By boasting about the Corinthians, however, Paul has laid his honor on the line. If 2 Cor. 10-13 are part of the same letter, Paul may have some reason to worry (cf. especially 2 Cor. 12:16-18)!" (Bible Background Commentary - The IVP Bible Background Commentary - New Testament)
* "since last year" -By mentioning the timing a second time he seems to be saying, "You have given youself a whole year to prepare."
* "I am sending the brothers" -Stated already in 8:22-23.
* "in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow" -The brothers from other congregations wanted to meet the people who had said a year ago they would make a generous offering as Paul had told them.
* "that you be ready, as I said you would be." -It appears that Paul may have been anxious for them to be prepared since he found out they stopped collecting money.
* "For is any Macedonians come with me" -Paul was going to be with the group of men from other congregations.
* "visit you in advance" -Thus, one of the main reasons Paul was sending this letter was to ensure they had collected as much as they said they would.
* "generous gift" -Large amount.
* "not as one grudgingly given" -Because they did not prepare ahead of time as they said they were going to do.
* A Steady Slow Walk is Best.
Steady steps walk a mile. One mile turns into two, so soon tens of thousands of footsteps reach the goal.
The Corinthian congregation, as soon as they received news that fellow congregations in Judea were experiencing a drought and persecution, responded by preparing a donation. Sometime later, evil people entered their congregation, posing as important church leaders, and convinced them to keep the money for themselves because the report had been falsified by the Apostle Paul. The Corinthian congregation believed the false teachers' lies and stopped collecting the charitable collection. They stopped their promised walk.
A year later, Paul sent word that other congregations were finishing up their collection and would soon arrive in Corinth to combine their offerings into one lump sum. What should have been an easy walk if they had set aside proper time now turned into a running march against time to reach their promised goals. They would fall into embarrassment if they didn't collect what they had promised.
Therefore, Apostle Paul wrote, "I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given." (5) Do not put off to tomorrow what can be done today.
>9. What spiritual laws and principles must be applied to the offering? (6-7)
* 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
* "sows" -The general illustration of a farmer sowing good things that please God and reaping a harvest is taken from Jesus' "Parable of the Sower" (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 14:1-14; Luke 8:1-15) and the rich man who went on a long journey, leaving investments to his stewards to invest.
* Galatians 6:7-10 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers."
* Proverbs 11:18 "The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward."
* Proverbs 22:9 "A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor."
* "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give"
* "not reluctantly or under compulsion"
* "for God loves a cheerful giver."
* Sower Predetermines Reaping.
Paul compares charitable giving to a farmer sowing seeds. He borrowed and expounded upon Jesus' "Parable of the Sower". (Matthew 13:1-23; Mark 14:1-14; Luke 8:1-15) In that parable, a farmer scattered seed on four different types of soil. Only one produced a crop. The point of the parable is to be the good soil that produces a crop.
Paul expounded on being the good soil that produced a hundredfold crop and included the concept behind the "Parable of Ten Minas" (Luke 19:11-27). The point of that parable was to make a great profit from what the Lord God has given.
"Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously". (6; Proverbs 11:18, 22:9) Through God's abounding grace, God can enable each Christian to abound in generous deeds. The pockets of frequent hands that give to the needy do not wear out.
* The illustration titled "Mary Pours the Balm on the Head of Jesus" by the Dutch artist and poet Luiken, Jan (aka Johannes Luyken) (1649-1712) is in the book "De schriftuurlyke geschiedenissen en gelykenissen van het Oude en Nieuwe Verbond / Vertoonende drie honderd zeven en dertig konstige figuuren ; verrykt met bybelse verklaaringen en stichtelyke verzen, door Joannes Luiken, met het leven van den dichter." The meal at Simon the leper's house, where the expensive balm is poured on the head of Jesus.
Courtesy of the Digital Image Archive, Pitts Theology Library, Candler School of Theology, Emory University.
>What assurances do Christians have in the grace of God? (8-10)
* 2 Corinthians 9:8-10 "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness."
* Psalm 112:9 "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor."
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>10. How should that assurance be expressed? (11)
* 2 Corinthians 9:11 "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God."
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>What are the practical fruits of sacrificial offering? (12-15)
* 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 "This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.
13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"
