What does 2 Corinthians 8:19 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 8:19 speaks of a person who was chosen by the churches to accompany the Apostle Paul and others in the administration of a collection of funds intended for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem.

This verse is part of a larger discourse (2 Corinthians 8-9) where Paul discusses the collection of donations for the sake of charity. The "grace" mentioned in this verse refers to the charitable act and the financial aid being given.

This verse not only identifies the act of giving but also emphasizes the process as an extension of God's glory and a testament to the readiness and willingness of the Corinthian church to help their fellow believers.

The chosen individual's identity is not directly revealed in this text, but he is noted as having the trust of the churches to handle this task responsibly and faithfully.

Historical Context

When Paul wrote 2 Corinthians, he was deeply involved in organizing a collection for the poor Christians in Jerusalem.

The collection was a significant endeavor involving several churches from the Gentile world.

It aimed to provide relief for the Jewish Christian community facing hardship but also to foster a sense of unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.

This effort took place in the broader context of the Roman Empire's socio-economic environment where poverty was widespread, and patronage systems were common.

Gentile churches' voluntary contribution to the Jewish Christians was counter-cultural and served as a practical demonstration of unity and love across ethnic boundaries.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, 2 Corinthians 8:19 reflects several key themes:

• Stewardship: The chosen individual represents a steward trusted with the church's resources, responsible for handling the collection with integrity.
• Unity in the Body of Christ: The fund is a tangible expression of the solidarity among the early Christian communities, breaking down the divide between Jewish and Gentile Christians.
• Generosity: The collection itself signifies grace, highlighting the Christian call to generosity as an outpouring of God's abundant grace.

Different theological viewpoints might emphasize varying aspects of this verse.

Reformed theology might focus on the sovereignty of God in moving the hearts of believers to give.

Liberation theology might stress the imperative to support the poor and vulnerable as a sign of God's preferential option for the poor.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse encourages believers to consider how they can be involved in acts of generosity and service, ensuring that resources entrusted to the community of faith are managed transparently and for the intended purpose.

It's about accountability in the administration of charity and the importance of reputation and character when selecting leaders or representatives within the church.

Cross-References

• Acts 20:4 – "And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus."
• 1 Corinthians 16:3-4 – "And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem."
• Romans 15:25-26 – "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."

Language Study

• "Chosen" (Greek: "cheirotoneo"): This term means selected or appointed with the approval or by the vote of a group.
• "Grace" (Greek: "charis"): This word refers to a display of favor and, in the context of the passage, means the generous donation or offering.
• "Administered" (Greek: "diakoneo"): Implies service or ministering, particularly in handling the collection.
• "Declaration" (Greek: "prothesis"): This term represents a purpose or plan, suggesting the degree of purposefulness of the ready mind of the givers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Within the Greco-Roman culture, public benefaction and philanthropy were common, yet often in pursuit of honor and status.

In contrast, the early Christian practice of giving was rooted in a sense of divine mission and care for the fellow believer, often with no expectation of earthly reward.

Comparing with other ancient religious systems, the Christian emphasis on giving to the poor without reciprocity is a distinguishing mark.

Charity in Judaism is also a key value, as seen in the concept of "tzedakah," but Paul's effort extends this practice beyond the Jewish community to a new, inclusive identity in Christ.

Scientific Perspectives

Contemporary psychological research confirms the benefits of generosity and charitable giving, not just for the recipients but for the givers' mental and emotional health.

This aligns with the implicit understanding in the biblical text that generosity and helping others could contribute to personal and communal well-being.

Commentaries

1. Matthew Henry's Commentary suggests that the chosen individual was a person of high reverence, appointed by the churches because of the trust placed in him. The commentary emphasizes that his tasks were performed to the glory of God and affirms the generosity of the church.

2. The Expositor's Bible Commentary highlights the administrative aspects of charity and the value placed on transparency and accountability within the early church.

3. John Gill's Exposition of the Bible interprets this individual's selection as a testament to the harmony and mutual consent among the churches. This choice reflects a commitment to the appropriate administration of the charitable collection.