N U l 8:1-5. Examples of the Macedonians.
m 8:6. Mission of Titus.
V n 8:7. Their graces.
o 8:8-12. Reasons for appeal.
p 8:13-15. Mutual beneficence.
U m 8:16-23. Titus and others. Qualifications.
l 8:24. Appeal to Corinthians.
V n 9:1,2. Their zeal.
o 9:3-6. Reasons for appeal.
p 9:6-15. God's glory and munificence.
2 Corinthians 8)
1 Moreover, brethren, we make you to know of the grace of God (Gr. Theos corresponds generally to Elohim, the Creator, of the O.T.) bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
2 How that in a great trial (see Rom. 5:4) of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. (Single-minded.)
3 For according to their power, I testify, yes, and above their power they were willing of themselves; (Lit. self-chosen.)
4 Asking us with much exhortation (see Act 4:36) the gift of fellowship, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering unto the saints. (See Acts 9:13)
5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord (Gr. Kurios means owner used of each Person of the Trinity), and to us through the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus (lit. Unto our exhorting), in order that as he had begun before, so he would finish also unto you this grace also.
7 But, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
8 I speak not by commandment (see Rom. 16:26), but through the forwardness of others, and to prove the genuineness (Phil. 4:3. 1 Tim. 1:2. Tit. 1:4) of your love.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (Gr. Iesous is the same as Heb. Yahshua, and means Salvation of Yahaveh, or Yahaveh the Savior. Christ is the Greek translation of Messiah. Christos has the same meaning, from chrio, to anoint), that, though He was rich, yet on account of you He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich.
10 And in this I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but to be forward also from a year ago.
11 Now therefore perform the doing also of it; that as there was a readiness (see Acts 17:11) to will, so there may be a performing also out of that which you have.
12 For if there is set forth a willing mind, it is accepted (see Rom. 15:16) according to that a man has, and not according to that he has not.
13 For I mean not that there should be rest to others, and to you affliction:
14 But out of an equality, that in the present season your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may become equality:
15 As it has been written, "He that had gathered much did not abound; and he that had gathered little had not less [than enough]." (Quoted from Ex. 16:18)
16 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care in the heart of Titus for you.
17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more diligent, of his own accord he went to you.
18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; (This brother was probably Luke.)
19 And not that only, but who was chosen also by the churches as our fellow traveler with this grace (see Acts 19:29), which is administered by us with a view to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration to show of our ready mind: (The object of Paul's having a companion was to avert suspicions, which would tarnish the Lord's glory and bringing discredit on His servant, and also to remove Paul's reluctance.)
20 Avoiding this, lest anyone should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:
21 For we provide honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but in the sight of men also.
22 And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, through the great confidence which I have he has in you.
23 Whether any do inquire on behalf of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper with reference to you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
24 Wherefore show you to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on behalf of you.