2 Corinthians 8 teaches that Christian giving begins with God's grace. The poor churches of Macedonia gave joyfully and generously because they first gave themselves to the Lord. Paul does not command or pressure the Corinthians. He points them to Jesus, who though He was rich became poor for our sake. He asks them to finish the gift they had promised, according to what they have, so that there may be fairness among God's people. He also shows how such money should be handled: openly, honestly and with accountability.
Historical Context
Paul was collecting money from Gentile churches for poor believers in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Romans 15:25-27). The Corinthians had started eagerly a year earlier but had not finished. Chapters 8 and 9 deal with this collection. In chapter 7, studied in Lesson 23, Paul rejoiced over their repentance. Now he turns to their generosity.
Scripture Passage
2 Corinthians 8:1-24
Interpretation & Insights
Grace Before Giving
Paul begins with "the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia" (8:1). These believers were in a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty, yet their abundance of joy overflowed in a wealth of generosity (8:2). They gave according to their means and even beyond their means, of their own accord, begging to share in this service to the saints (8:3-4). How was that possible? They gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to Paul by the will of God (8:5). Generosity does not start with having extra money. It starts with a heart that belongs to God.
Excel in This Grace Also
Paul sends Titus to help the Corinthians complete the gift (8:6). They excelled in faith, speech, knowledge and earnestness, so he asks them to excel in this grace also (8:7). Notice that giving is called a grace: it is God's work in His people. Paul says clearly, "I say this not as a command" (8:8). He wants to test the genuineness of their love, not force them. Giving that is squeezed out by guilt, public pressure or promises of a reward is not the giving Paul describes.
The Gospel at the Centre
"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 by his poverty might become rich" (8:9). The eternal Son shared the Father's glory before the world began. He took on human flesh, lived without sin and went to the cross, where He took the punishment our sins deserved (Philippians 2:5-8). He rose bodily from the dead. The riches we receive are forgiveness, being counted righteous before God, adoption into His family and the gift of the Spirit. This verse is not a promise that believers will become financially rich. Paul himself was often hungry and poor (6:10; 11:27). It is the reason we give: those who have received so much in Christ can open their hands gladly.
According to What You Have
Paul advises them to finish what they began a year ago (8:10-11). Then he gives an important principle: "if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have" (8:12). God does not ask the poor to give what they do not have, or anyone to borrow in order to give, or to neglect their own family's needs (1 Timothy 5:8). A small gift given willingly from little is precious to God, as Jesus showed with the poor widow (Mark 12:41-44). No preacher, church or ministry has the right to pressure anyone, rich or poor, to give.
Fairness Among God's People
Paul does not want others to be eased while the Corinthians are burdened, but wants fairness (8:13). Their present abundance would supply the Jerusalem believers' need, so that one day their abundance might supply the Corinthians' need (8:14). He quotes Exodus 16:18: in the wilderness, whoever gathered much manna had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack (8:15). The body of Christ cares for its members across distance and culture. The Gentile churches were also showing their thanks for the spiritual blessing that had come to them through Jewish believers (Romans 15:27).
Honest Handling of Money
Paul does not handle the money alone. Titus goes eagerly, and with him a brother praised by all the churches, chosen to travel with the gift (8:16-19). Paul explains why: "We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man" (8:20-21). A third trusted brother joins them (8:22-23). Churches today should follow this pattern: more than one person handling money, open records, and gifts used for the purpose for which they were given. Paul asks the Corinthians to show these men the proof of their love (8:24). As you think about your own giving, start where the Macedonians started: give yourself first to the Lord, and then ask Him how you can share what He has given you.
Reflection Questions
- The Macedonians gave themselves first to the Lord (8:5). Why must that come before the question of how much to give?
- Paul calls giving a grace (8:7) and says he is not commanding (8:8). How does this change the way you think about giving?
- What did Jesus give up, and what have you received through His poverty (8:9)? Why is this verse not a promise of wealth?
- How does the principle of giving according to what you have (8:12) protect poor believers and families from pressure?
- What needs among God's people, near or far, could you help to meet with fairness and love (8:13-15)?
- What does 8:20-21 teach about how churches and ministries should handle money, and how can you encourage that?
Prayer Points
Lord Jesus, thank You that though You were rich, for my sake You became poor, and through Your cross and resurrection I have received forgiveness and a place in God's family. I give myself first to You. Make my heart glad and generous, like the believers of Macedonia. Help me give willingly, according to what I have, without guilt or fear, and to care for those in need. Give honesty and wisdom to all who handle Your people's gifts. May my giving show the genuineness of my love for You and for Your people. Amen.
Related Verses
- Philippians 2:5-8
- 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
- Exodus 16:16-18
- Acts 2:44-45
- Mark 12:41-44
- Romans 15:25-27
- 1 John 3:16-18