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2 Corinthians 8

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 mean?

Explanation

The verse from 2 Corinthians 8:21, "Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men," speaks to the concept of integrity and transparency.

It suggests that one's actions should be virtuous not only because they are righteous in the eyes of God but also because they must maintain a good reputation among people. The "honest things" refer to actions, intentions, and dealings that are ethical and above reproach.

The phrase "in the sight of the Lord" acknowledges that God is omniscient and observes all things, whether they are apparent to others or not. Meanwhile, "in the sight of men" recognizes the importance of how others perceive our actions.

The verse encourages believers to ensure that their conduct is irreproachable both divinely and socially.

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of a section in the second epistle to the Corinthians where the Apostle Paul addresses the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem.

Paul talks about the administration of this charity and the need for it to be done in an honorable manner.

During this time, Paul was collecting funds from various Gentile churches to help Jewish Christians.

The current verse emphasizes the care taken by Paul and his colleagues to manage these collections and the need for transparency in their handling.

Paul was mindful of potential accusations and sought to avoid any suspicion of mishandling funds.

It was common at the time for public officials and religious leaders to be scrutinized for their financial dealings.

“Providing for honest things” was essential to maintain trust and credibility within the community and with external observers.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 2 Corinthians 8:21 highlights the Christian value of integrity. It upholds the principle that God's will includes conduct that is righteous not only in private but also in the public eye.

In Christian thought, this can reflect the belief that the outer life of a Christian should match the inner transformation brought about by faith in Jesus Christ.

By being honest in all affairs, a Christian witnesses to the character of God, who is Truth itself.

The importance of one's testimony being consistent with one's faith is a common theological theme.

Practical Applications

The teaching of 2 Corinthians 8:21 can be applied in every facet of life where moral decisions are made. This can involve being transparent in financial dealings, authentic in relationships, honest in business transactions, and accurate in communications.

In a practical sense, this means striving for a character that is commendable both privately and publicly.

Whether in church roles, family lives, or in the workplace, followers of this principle will actively avoid deceit, corruption, or actions that could bring dishonor to themselves or their faith community.

For individuals, the verse implies the need for self-assessment and intentional actions that foster trustworthiness and respectability among peers and in the larger society.

Cross-References

"But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil." - Matthew 5:37
"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality." - Romans 12:13
"Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful." - 1 Corinthians 4:2
"Abstain from all appearance of evil." - 1 Thessalonians 5:22
"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." - 2 Corinthians 8:21 (NIV for clarity)

Language Study

The key phrases in the original Greek text are significant:

"Providing for" (προνοοῦντες, pronooúntes) - To take thought for, to provide, or to foresee.

It carries a sense of intentional planning and consideration ahead of time.

"Honest things" (καλὰ, kala) - The word "honest" here connotes that which is honorable, noble, or beautiful not only morally but also aesthetically.

It suggests actions that are dignified and praiseworthy.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religions, the principle of integrity was highly valued. In Confucianism, for instance, the concept of "rectitude" is one of the virtues to be cultivated.

In ancient Egyptian religion, Maat represented the ideals of truth and justice that the pharaoh was expected to uphold.

Comparatively, the call to be honest before God and humanity in Christianity echoes such global values, but it is rooted in the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ as seen in the New Testament.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse does not directly intersect with scientific concepts, the ideas of integrity and transparency are crucial in the scientific community.

Practices such as peer review, replication studies, and transparent methodology are fundamental to scientific progress and correspond with the principle found in 2 Corinthians 8:21.

The verse could also relate to the psychological understanding of congruence, where an individual's actions align with their values, leading to a sense of integrity and well-being.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse offer a variety of perspectives, yet many agree on the core interpretation:

John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, emphasized the importance of avoiding even the appearance of evil in the handling of public funds, reflecting on Paul's carefulness.

Matthew Henry's Commentary notes that good deeds should be done with an eye towards God and that they should be structured in such a way to prevent misinterpretation or slander from others.

The Expositor's Bible Commentary suggests that Paul is providing a model of accountability for church leaders and any who are in positions of managing resources or authority.

Overall, expert commentaries affirm the importance of integrity in actions, particularly when they involve others' trust and resources, and consider Paul's guidance as exemplary for leaders and believers alike.

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8

What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated 2 Corinthians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?