2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8 is the first of two chapters (8–9) dealing with the collection for the poor saints. In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul says that he was comforted by the news Titus brought about the Corinthian church. In chapter 8 he urges that church to complete the collection it had begun.

Outline

• Verses 1–5 The churches of Macedonia, amid affliction and deep poverty, took part in ministering to the saints, giving "beyond their power" and "willing of themselves." They "first gave their own selves to the Lord."
• Verses 6–8 Paul urged Titus to bring to completion in Corinth the work that had been begun there. He explains that he speaks "not by commandment" but "to prove the sincerity of your love."
• Verse 9 He reminds them of the grace of Christ, who, though he was rich, became poor for their sakes.
• Verses 10–15 He urges them to finish, according to what they have, the work they had desired and begun a year earlier. The aim is that the abundance of some may supply the lack of others, "that there may be equality." In support, he cites the account of the manna (Exodus 16:18).
• Verses 16–24 He sends Titus along with a brother chosen by the churches and yet another brother. The purpose is to handle the large gift with care, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.

Key Verses

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor" — grounds the appeal for the collection in the grace of Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 8:12 "if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath" — emphasizes a willing heart over the amount given.
• 2 Corinthians 8:21 "not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men" — frequently cited as a principle for the transparent management of offerings.

People and Places

• Paul: The apostle who wrote the letter.
• Titus: Paul's coworker, who goes to Corinth to complete the collection.
• Two unnamed brothers: One of them is praised in the gospel throughout all the churches and was chosen by the churches.
• Macedonia: A region in northern Greece where the churches of Philippi and Thessalonica were located.
• Corinth: The city where the church that received the letter was located.

Points for Reflection

• This chapter refers to the recipients of the collection only as "the saints." That they were the poor saints of Jerusalem becomes clear from 1 Corinthians 16 and Romans 15. The collection also connects with the request in Galatians 2 that "we should remember the poor."
• An interpretation dating back to antiquity identifies the brother in verse 18 as Luke. Other figures have also been proposed, but the text does not name him.
• Christ's becoming poor in verse 9 is commonly read as referring to Christ's humiliation and is often discussed alongside Philippians 2. Some interpret the verse as a promise of material wealth. In response, a number of denominations argue that the context of the verse concerns giving of oneself for the sake of others (see prosperity theology).
• The principles of voluntary giving and "equality" also figure in the tithing debate. Those who hold that the tithe is still binding read this chapter as setting out a principle of voluntary giving offered in addition to the tithe. Those who hold that voluntary giving is the New Testament principle cite this chapter in support.