©2002 Pastor Tom Miles

2 Corinthians Chapter Eight

Introduction to chapter 8: In studying this chapter we will see how Paul motivated others in their giving.  We will also see what should concern us in our giving and in how we should appreciate those that give and can't give.  This is an issue that concerned Paul greatly as he went on his missionary travels.  It was of utmost importance to Paul that the collections for the needy are taken care of and Paul gives two chapters of this book to that very topic. Father, reveal Your Word unto us!

2 Corinthians 8:1-2 Paul wants to let them know of the giving that has been undertaken by the people in Macedonia on behalf of the needy.  Even though the people of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea were impoverished themselves they gave to the collection so that others less fortunate than they could receive!  Paul found this to be a noble trait amongst the people of Macedonia.  One thing the people of Macedonia had plenty of was great trials, affliction, and poverty but they also had one other important thing--they had great JOY! The beauty of giving to the Lord is that it can be done even during poverty.

2 Corinthians 8:3 The people gave way beyond what they have to give and they did it willingly.  They did not cry about it or attempt to make reason why they couldn't give.

2 Corinthians 8:4 The Macedonian Believers beseeched Paul to let them help with the collection.  It was almost as if they had to beg him to accept their contribution.  They wanted so badly to be a part of the giving to the needy.  The Macedonian Believers were not even asked to take part but willingly and gladly asked if they could.  Paul says they felt it a blessing to be allowed to share in the giving.  Father, create in us today a heart like this, one that is willing and joyful to give!

2 Corinthians 8:5 Paul states that they went beyond his expectations.  They gave of themselves to Christ and they did this out of love.  They knew it right to place God first and this they did and then they gave unto others including the Paul and the apostles.  A heart of thanksgiving, love, and compassion was present in the Macedonians.

2 Corinthians 8:6-7 It was not only for correction that Titus came to you it was also so he could complete this same grace in you that was in the Macedonians.   Paul wanted the Corinthians to be complete in all things and that is why he was encouraging them to prosper by giving to help the needy.

2 Corinthians 8:8-9 Paul feels it important to be motivated by the examples of others.  He says this not as a commandment of God but by love.  The Corinthians flourished in all they did.  Their faith was strong, they had great knowledge, they spoke fluently, and they had great love.  Paul is not ordering them to love giving but asking them to be motivated by their love to give in which they will in return find great joy.   Jesus, as Paul says became poor, this means that He wasn't always poor.  He became poor by giving up his heavenly rights and becoming as you and I.  In doing this He gave us opportunity to receive riches unlimited.  Christ made us rich by giving us salvation and eternal life.  And it is this same grace of Christ that we sacrifice our riches to give to others.

Father, always let me be willing to give when needed, always keep me close to You and the fact that in all I do it must be Christ-centered!

2 Corinthians 8:10 Paul says as they began a year before to collect for the needy it is still to their advantage to complete that which they started (9:2).  It is only Paul's opinion, he does not want it to sound like an order and he also wants them to desire to do it.

2 Corinthians 8:11 So now that you have begun--strive to complete it so that your desire can be fulfilled by the completion of it.

2 Corinthians 8:12 When a person determines to give it must be according to their personal ability to give (not beyond their means) and it should be done willingly.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14 Paul does not want to see a person's giving going beyond their ability which in turn would cause burdens to come upon them.  Paul does desire to see them give though so all learn the importance of giving.  It is important to see that in giving you also receive and especially during times you truly need it.  Also it seems important that in each person giving in some manner no one has reason to say it is unfair to them to give because another does not.

2 Corinthians 8:15 In this verse Paul makes reference to Exodus 16:18 and the manner of gathering manna.  If you gather much you have much to give and if you gather only little you still have enough to meet needs.  God's ability to supply our material, physical, and spiritual needs is well balanced and it matters not how much is gathered or how little all needs will always be met.

2 Corinthians 8:16-17 Paul says that he recognized that God put earnest care for the Corinthians in Titus’ heart.  He feels this is true because not only did Titus go on his own volition but needed little encouragement to show him the need to minister to the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 8:18 It is mentioned that along with Titus went another brother well known and well liked by the churches.  This person is not mentioned by name but could very well have been Luke.  All that is known here is that the person traveling with Titus was very highly thought of by the churches.

2 Corinthians 8:19-21 Paul mentions also that this brother was also chosen by the churches to travel with him to deliver and help oversee the distribution and handling of the collections.  This adds to the trust and respect they had for this person.

2 Corinthians 8:22 This persons character was also well respected by Paul.  Paul expressed his great confidence in this person having been well proven to be upright and conscientious in all things.

2 Corinthians 8:23 In this verse it seems there was another Brother that traveled with them also that remains unnamed but respected by all.  Paul calls Titus his partner and fellow worker and uses this same phrase for the other unnamed brethren that went with Titus.  It is also noted that all they do is done for the glory of Christ.

2 Corinthians 8:24 Paul asks them to prove their love and live up to the boasting Paul did on their behalf.

Father, never let me boast in a way that takes glory from You.  Keep me always centered on You and putting You before all other things!

Where Jesus is Lord!
Living Vine Ministries
Pastor Thomas Miles

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