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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 8:5 mean?

Explanation

2 Corinthians 8:5 speaks directly to the generosity and commitment of the Macedonian churches during a time of collection for the Jerusalem church.

The phrase "not as we hoped" suggests that the actions of the Macedonians exceeded the expectations of Paul and his fellow workers. The Macedonians, despite their own poverty and affliction, displayed extraordinary generosity.

Most significantly, however, is the notion that they "gave their own selves to the Lord," indicating a total and prioritized dedication to God before they gave financially to the needs of others.

This self-offering is noted as being "by the will of God," implying that their actions were reflective of God's desires and sovereign plan.

Beyond the literal sense of generosity in giving, there is a deeper meaning that underscores the primacy of dedicating oneself entirely to God before engaging in acts of charity or service, highlighting the importance of inward devotion before outward action.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth, written approximately 55-57 A.D. The historical backdrop includes a fund Paul was collecting for the Christian community in Jerusalem, which was suffering from poverty and famine.

Part of the context involves the relationship between Gentile (non-Jewish) and Jewish Christians and the unity of the early church.

Paul was showcasing the Macedonian churches as a model for the Corinthians, urging them to fulfill their earlier promise of a generous collection.

This act not only served the practical purpose of aiding Jerusalem but also played a role in bridging cultural and ethnic divides within the early Christian movement.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, 2 Corinthians 8:5 offers insights into several key principles:

Stewardship: Christians are called to be wise and generous stewards of their resources as all is seen as belonging to God first.
Prioritization of God: The act of giving oneself wholly to God is of greater importance than the act of giving material resources.
Divine Will: The Macedonian approach to giving is seen as being aligned with God's will, suggesting that such generosity is a reflection of a Godly character.
Sacrificial Giving: The Macedonians gave "beyond their ability," which can imply that Christian giving often involves sacrifice and selflessness.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse encourages believers to:

Examine the prioritization of their resources and ensure that they are aligning with God's will.
Recognize that true generosity starts with a surrendered heart to God, not just with the outward act of giving.
Emulate the Macedonian spirit of generosity, even in the face of hardship.
Approach charitable acts with humility and a willingness to surpass expectations in service to others.

Cross-References

Luke 21:1-4: The story of the widow's mite, exemplifying giving out of poverty.
1 Chronicles 29:14: "But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words such as "heautoús" (themselves) underscore the personal commitment made by the Macedonians, and "pro̱ton" (first) emphasizes the prioritization of their commitment to the Lord over their financial giving.

The phrase "eis kyrion" translates to "to the Lord," indicating the direction and focus of their devotion.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing this Christian concept to other ancient myths and religious interpretations, one might look at similar notions of self-sacrifice and giving found in various religious rituals and texts.

For instance, many ancient religions included the idea of first-fruit offerings or animal sacrifices as a way of dedicating one's bounty to the divine, showing parallels to the notion of dedicating oneself or one's resources to a spiritual cause.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the altruism displayed in this verse could be linked to psychological and sociological studies on charitable behavior and the effects of group norms on individual actions.

The Macedonian example may illuminate how collective identity and shared beliefs can influence the level of generosity in a community.

Commentaries

Commentaries on 2 Corinthians 8:5 offer various expert interpretations:

John Calvin highlights the obedience of the Macedonians to God's will and their selflessness.
The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that the Macedonians' primary act was giving themselves to the Lord and that their financial contribution was secondary.
The Pulpit Commentary discusses the unexpected nature of the Macedonian churches' generosity, considering their affliction and deep poverty.

2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8

What does 2 Corinthians 8:5 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 8:5 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?