2 Corinthians 8:1–2

2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 8

Paul’s Tactful Appeal and Recommendation. 2 Cor. 8, 1–24.

The example of the Macedonian churches: V.1. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, v.2. how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Next to the preaching of the Gospel and the spread of the kingdom of Christ the chief concern of Paul on his third missionary journey was the collection which he was everywhere recommending in the interest of the poor brethren in Jerusalem.

Even when the first letter to the Corinthians was written, the collection had been inaugurated in Corinth also, 1 Cor. 16, 1, and Paul had earnestly recommended a systematic effort in order that the acute poverty in Jerusalem be alleviated as soon as possible.

In Corinth the work was not progressing as satisfactorily as might be expected, and Paul therefore makes a special appeal in this chapter, giving, in a very tactful way, the chief reasons why the Christians of Corinth should take part in the collection with all eagerness.

But we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God which is given in the churches of Macedonia. In the matter of making, the collection now underway a success in every way the congregations at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea were proving themselves shining examples, as Paul had found out on the present journey, and as he is now letting the Corinthians know.

Not, indeed, as if the people of Macedonia were naturally more inclined to good works than other men. It was the work of God, as the apostle expressly says, a manifestation of the divine favor which enlarged their hearts. For Christians to help each other, to communicate to the needy, is not an evidence of unusual liberality, as a special merit of which they may boast, but it is the work of God’s grace, a grace for which all Christians and all Christian congregations should seek and beg in honest prayer.

It was an unusually rich grace which had been given to the Macedonian congregations: That in a great proving of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.

The Christians in Macedonia had exceptional difficulties to contend with; they were persecuted and annoyed by their heathen neighbors, and they were poor in this world’s goods.

But these facts, instead of making them discouraged and causing them to withdraw from the matter of the collection, furnished a test of their faith and love which proved the sincerity of both. They were so full and overflowing with the joy which they had in the fellowship with Christ that they opened their hearts wide and contributed liberally for the relief of their brethren.

So thoroughly did they overcome the handicap of affliction and of their great poverty that their liberality abounded in proportion, they went far beyond those who possessed a greater abundance of this world’s money and possessions.