2 Coríntios 8
Kent Hughes · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 8
Hughes - And here in 2 Corinthians this same theological point informs Paul’s advice to the Corinthians when, seemingly out of the blue, he challenges the Corinthians to give. Actually, however Paul’s challenge is integral to the rehabilitation of the Corinthians. You may recall that originally, at Paul’s encouragement, the Corinthians had begun a collection of an offering for the poor in Jerusalem (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:1–4). But that had been thwarted by the Corinthians’ falling out with Paul. However, now, with the return of Titus and his good news of the Corinthians’ repentance, Paul reasserts the call to give, to contribute generously to the poverty-stricken church in Jerusalem.....It is also important that we understand that this section of Scripture is not about tithing or even regular giving to the local church. It is about a one-time special gift to another church. It is about God’s grace as it relates to giving. It is about the motivation behind giving. And it is intentionally motivational regarding giving.(2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) Nelson's NKJV Study Bible - The most detailed passage on giving in the New Testament is found in Second Corinthians (chs. 8; 9). The primary reason that Paul addressed this topic here was that false teachers in Corinth were questioning Paul's motives for ministry. Evidently they were suggesting that Paul was pocketing contributions earmarked for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Consequently the Corinthians, despite their announced willingness to help, had not donated to the cause. Brian Bell's introduction - Why Judea? Remember the 1st believers were in that region & were Jews. They would have been victims of social & economic ostracism, religions excommunication, and national disinheritance. Any business ventures would have, collapsed. Family ties, severed.The Corinthian church said they would share in the collection, but had been negligent in doing so.Paul reminds them of their promise & teaches them a couple great principles on giving. Jesus has a lot to say about Stewardship. 1/3 of Jesus parables deal w/stewardship! {Time, Talents, & Treasures.} (Put your money where your mouth WAS) Now (de) means at the present time, at this point in a series of events (in this letter). Paul has been addressing past misunderstandings with the church at Corinth and there has been "conflict resolution" and reconciliation with his beloved children (1Co 4:14+). Now Paul focuses his attention in 2Co 8-9 on the collection for the poor in Jerusalem which he had been organizing for several years (cf. Gal. 2:10; Ro. 15:25-28). Brethren (adelphos), we wish to make known (gnorizo - draw your attention) to you the grace (charis) of God - Brethren is a term of affection for the believers in Corinth. The rift has been reconciled. Given is in the perfect tense signifying given at a point in time in the past with the effects and efficacy of grace continuing. In a broader Biblical context we glory in the fact that Grace has been given in eternity past (2Ti 1:9+), revealed in eternity present (Titus 2:11+) and will be revealed in (and throughout) eternity future, forever and ever amen (1Pe 1:13+, Eph 2:7+). Charis is clearly a key word in 2Co 8-9 the greatest chapters in the Bible on giving, which is apropos in light of God's giving us the great gift of His grace! (2Co. 8:1; 2Co. 8:4; 2Co. 8:6; 2Co. 8:7; 2Co. 8:9; 2Co. 8:16; 2Co. 8:19; 2Co. 9:8; 2Co. 9:14; 2Co 9:15). In the present passage the grace of God was the motivated by God's supernatural grace giving the Macedonian believers the desire to give sacrificially. God was the Source of the grace and the Macedonians were the instruments though which His grace flowed tangibly in the form of financial support. Christian giving does not depend on material circumstances so much as spiritual convictions. --Warren Wiersbe Clearly one of the key words in 2Co 8-9 is grace, the Greek word charis which is used 10x in two chapters: 2Co. 8:1 = the grace of God 2Co. 8:4 = the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 2Co. 8:6 = he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 2Co. 8:7 = see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2Co. 8:9 = you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2Co. 8:16 = But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 2Co. 8:19 = his gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, 2Co. 9:8 = God is able to make all grace abound to you, 2Co. 9:14 = by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 2Co. 9:15 = Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! Adrian Rogers says the best definition of grace that he has ever heard is that God's grace is "both the desire and the ability to do the will of God." It is striking that almost the same words occur in Php 2:13NLT+ "For (term of explanation - explains how it is possible to Work out our salvation - Php 2:12+) God is working in you, giving you the DESIRE and the POWER to do what pleases Him." When you have a godly desire, that desire is from God, because no good thing can come out of our old vile heart! And only God the Spirit in us can give the supernatural power necessary to accomplish that godly desire! So we could paraphrase Php 2:13, in simple words, by saying that God's Spirit is continually giving us the grace (desire and power) to do what pleases Him! This practical definition of grace ought to free many of us who are "trying to clean ourselves up!" It can't be done! We need His grace to give us the desire to "clean up" and the power to "clean up!" Are you resisting His grace? You can either receive it or resist it! The first way leaves us filled, while the second way leaves us empty, dry, and spiritually barren. O beloved, tell God you desperately need and want Him to pour out His grace on the situation you find yourself entwined. Do you have a root of bitterness? Then confess it (even that act is a reflection of His grace) and cry out for His grace to give you the desire and the ability to eradicate that deadly root and its caustic fruit. And keep crying out until He removes the root, for it is in His will that no child of His should ever have a root of bitterness! And when He removes it, celebrate with a praise and worship service! Scott Hafemann on grace giving - The collection illustrates the significance of Paul’s theology of grace both for the individual (having received from God, Christians give to others) and for the life of the church (having been accepted by God, Christians accept one another). Completing the collection would therefore be the theological capstone of Paul’s apostolic service, bringing his ministry east of Rome to an end (Acts 19:21; Ro 15:18–29; 1Cor. 16:1–2, 6; Gal. 2:9). (The NIV Application Commentary: 2 Corinthians) Bob Utley Grace (charis) is used over ten times in chapters 8 and 9. It is used in the sense of (1) God's undeserved, unmerited love in Christ, (2Co 8:1,9; 2Co 9:8,14 (2) favor/privilege, (2Co 8:4), (3) the offering to Jerusalem, (2Co 8:1,6,7,19), (4) thanks, (2Co 8:16; 2Co 9:15) Notice that grace is understood as referring to God's undeserved, unmerited love in Christ or as a way of referring to the contribution from Paul's Gentile churches to the mother church in Jerusalem. The Greek term has a wide semantical field. Which has been given in the churches (ekklesia) of Macedonia - What churches? Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (cf. Acts 16:1-17:13+). They had initially received the grace of God from Paul's proclamation of the Gospel of grace (Acts 20:24+) as he was faithful to fulfill his "stewardship of God's grace which" had been given to him "to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ." (Ep 3:2-7+, Ep 3:8+, Acts 9:15+ recalling that most of the churches in Macedonia were predominantly Gentile). Lowery writes of the churches in Macedonia that "The believers in these places suffered because of their faith (Phil. 1:29-30; 1Th 1:6), but they remained steadfast (Phil. 1:5; 1Th 1:7). They even contributed at that early juncture to Paul's material support (Phil. 4:15). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary:) Brethren (80) adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) literally means brother referring to a physical brother or figuratively can refer to a brother in the spiritual sense. Uses in Corinthians 1 Co. 1:1; 1 Co. 1:10; 1 Co. 1:11; 1 Co. 1:26; 1 Co. 2:1; 1 Co. 3:1; 1 Co. 4:6; 1 Co. 5:11; 1 Co. 6:5; 1 Co. 6:6; 1 Co. 6:8; 1 Co. 7:12; 1 Co. 7:14; 1 Co. 7:15; 1 Co. 7:24; 1 Co. 7:29; 1 Co. 8:11; 1 Co. 8:12; 1 Co. 8:13; 1 Co. 9:5; 1 Co. 10:1; 1 Co. 11:33; 1 Co. 12:1; 1 Co. 14:6; 1 Co. 14:20; 1 Co. 14:26; 1 Co. 14:39; 1 Co. 15:1; 1 Co. 15:6; 1 Co. 15:31; 1 Co. 15:50; 1 Co. 15:58; 1 Co. 16:11; 1 Co. 16:12; 1 Co. 16:15; 1 Co. 16:20; 2 Co. 1:1; 2 Co. 1:8; 2 Co. 2:13; 2 Co. 8:1; 2 Co. 8:18; 2 Co. 8:22; 2 Co. 8:23; 2 Co. 9:3; 2 Co. 9:5; 2 Co. 11:9; 2 Co. 12:18; 2 Co. 13:11 Make known (1107) gnorizo from ginosko = acquire information by whatever means but often with the implication of personal involvement or experience) means to cause information to be known by someone (make known, reveal, point out, explain, cause information to be known by someone), communicating things before unknown or reasserting things already known (Jn 15:15, Acts 7:13). To make clear. Spoken of a teacher who unfolds divine things, to announce, declare, proclaim Grace (favor) (5485) charis from from chairo = to rejoice. English = charity. Beggars need "charity" even as sinners need grace, for we are all spiritual paupers outside of Christ, but "God gives where he finds empty hands"-Augustine [cp Mt 5:3+]) is a word which defies a simple definition but at its core conveys the sense of favor while the specific nuances of charis depend on the context in which it is used. Someone has written that the word grace is probably the greatest word in the Scriptures, even greater even than “love,” because grace is love in action, and therefore includes it. It is hardly too much to say that God has in no word uttered Himself and all that was in His heart more distinctly than in this word grace (charis)! A T
2 Coríntios 8
Hughes - Following Jesus’ inviting himself to the home of Zacchaeus, to the crowd’s amazement, off strode Jesus with the kingpin of the Jericho tax machine hurrying before him on busy legs. Jesus would spend the night there according to Hebrew custom. And sometime during that stay, probably after much discussion and prayer, a little big man would formally stand and declare for all Jericho to hear, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold” (Luke 19:8+). What an enormous reversal! For starters, Zacchaeus gave away 50 percent of his wealth to the poor. And then, from the remaining 50 percent he pledged to make restitution of four times the amount of what he had extorted. He had apparently cheated many people—and thus now placed his entire fortune in jeopardy. In effect, he lived out the command that had caused the rich young ruler so much grief: “Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me” (Luke 18:22+). Zacchaeus was walking through the eye of a needle—and living to tell about it. By grace, the little man had become immense. Acceptance by God had given the tax collector what he had vainly sought in the accumulation of wealth—wholeness and satisfaction. He went in mastered by the passion to get; he left mastered by the passion to give. Something had happened inside that house with Jesus. We don’t have to guess, because Jesus declared, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9, 10+). The liberating joy of salvation was coursing through Zacchaeus’ soul. He was a new man. That is why his grip was loosed from his earthly fortunes. This is a crucial theological point in Luke’s writing because verse 10 is by consensus the theme verse of this Gospel. So we understand, theologically, that authentic salvation changes our orientation to wealth. If our professed salvation has not loosed our grip on material things so that we have become giving people, we are not saved, despite our protestations. (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, Amplified For, as I can bear witness, [they gave] according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability; and [they did it] voluntarily, Plummer - For according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, of their own accord, with much entreaty beseeching of us the favour and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints; and [this] not in the way that we expected, but it was their own selves that they gave first of all to the Lord and to us, through the will of God.’ KJV 2 Corinthians 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; NET 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, BGT 2 Corinthians 8:3 ὅτι κατὰ δύναμιν, μαρτυρῶ, καὶ παρὰ δύναμιν, αὐθαίρετοι NLT 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, NIV 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, YLT 2 Corinthians 8:3 because, according to their power, I testify, and above their power, they were willing of themselves, ASV 2 Corinthians 8:3 For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord, CSB 2 Corinthians 8:3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability, MIT 2 Corinthians 8:3 According as they were able—I certify this—and beyond what they were able, they gave spontaneously. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, NRS 2 Corinthians 8:3 For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, NAB 2 Corinthians 8:3 For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously, NJB 2 Corinthians 8:3 I can testify that it was of their own accord that they made their gift, which was not merely as far as their resources would allow, but well beyond their resources; GWN 2 Corinthians 8:3 I assure you that by their own free will they have given all they could, even more than they could afford. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:3 For I give them witness, that as they were able, and even more than they were able, they gave from the impulse of their hearts, For I testify: Ro 10:2 Ga 4:15 Col 4:13 For I testify that according to their ability: 2Co 9:6,7 Mk 14:8 Ac 11:29 1Co 16:2 1Pe 4:11 beyond their ability: 2Co 8:12,16,17 Ex 35:5,21,22,29 1Ch 29:5,6,9,13-17 Ps 110:3 1Co 9:17 Php 2:13 1Th 2:8 Phm 1:14 1Pe 5:2 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Luke 6:38+ (PROPORTIONATE GIVING) “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure–pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” 1 Corinthians 16:2+ (PROPORTIONATE GIVING) On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. Exodus 25:1-2+ (GIVING FROM THE HEART) Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Tell the sons of Israel to raise a contribution for Me; from every man whose heart moves him you shall raise My contribution. Exodus 35:4-5; 21-22+ (GIVING FROM THE HEART) (Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying, 5 Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’S contribution: gold, silver, and bronze.....21 Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the LORD’S contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments. 22 Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the LORD. Exodus 36:5-7+ (GIVING FROM THE HEART) and they said to Moses, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the construction work which the LORD commanded us to perform.” 6 So Moses issued a command, and a proclamation was circulated throughout the camp, saying, “Let no man or woman any longer perform work for the contributions of the sanctuary.” Thus the people were restrained from bringing any more. 7 For the material they had was sufficient and more than enough for all the work, to perform it. GENEROUS GIVING - PROPORTIONATE, SACRIFICIAL & FREEWILL Verses 3-5 are one long sentence in the Greek. Plummer writes "Three things have been already stated with regard to the help given by the Macedonian Christians. It was rendered (1) in a time of great affliction, (2) in spite of great poverty, (3) with great joy. The Apostle now adds four more particulars. The help was rendered (4) to an extent quite beyond their small means, (5) of their own free will, (6) so much so that they begged to be permitted to take part in ministering to their fellow-Christians, (7) placing themselves at the disposal of St Paul in a way quite beyond his expectation." (2 Corinthians 8) For I (present tense - continually) testify (martureo) that according to their ability (dunamis), and beyond (para) their ability (dunamis) - Paul now "takes the witness stand" so to speak and testifies to three specific aspects of their generous giving. According to (kata) their ability is in proportion to what they had, not just a portion of what they had. But here Paul says they even went beyond proportional giving, even to the point of giving sacrificIally (see Mk 12:41-44+)! This is amazing for few Christians even give according to their ability! Notice Paul gives no percentage or required amount for their generous giving. Beyond their ability is "shorthand" for sacrificial giving. It is worth noting that the word ability (dunamis) is used twice and is a word often used in the NT for supernatural power (power from the Spirit). Indeed, their giving was surely a supernatural outflow reflective of the fact that they were continually being filled with the Holy Spirit, Who flowed forth like a "river of living water" (Jn 7:38+) in their generous giving. they gave of their own accord (authairetos) - This describes freewill giving. The idea is that one has a choice and here they gave as a choice of their will, their own initiative. Their giving was voluntary, willing, not coerced, compelled, manipulated or forced. Paul's point is that the churches of Macedonia gave voluntarily to meet the needs of the poor saints in Judea. THOUGHT - I recall several church building programs where there was at least of hint of manipulation in the pleas for funds. In some of these "campaigns" outside consultants were paid to "rattle the cages" of the saints, so to speak! Such tactics are not exactly conducive to motivating cheerful givers (2Co 9:7+)
2 Coríntios 8
Hughes - They gave “beyond” (literally, “contrary to”) their ability. St. Chrysostom marveled, “They did the begging, not Paul.” The sense is that Paul, seeing their extreme poverty, was reticent to take their gifts because he knew it would deepen their deprivation and plight. But they wouldn’t be denied. “Paul, we entreat you, don’t deny us this honor.” (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) For the favor (charis) of participation (koinonia) in the support (diakonia) of the saints (hagios) - NET = "fellowship of helping." Favor (charis) refers to a gracious, friendly act freely granted. Participation describes the saints' active, joint participation in support of the Jerusalem saints. The poor giving to the poor, the paradox and beauty of "Christian commiseration!" To the Macedonians, generous giving was from a sense of privilege not pressure! THOUGHT - Is that how you and I give? Plummer on support of the saints - ‘The charitable ministering to the Christians.’ This is a frequent meaning of diakonia (2Co 9:1, 12, 13; Acts 6:1, Acts 11:29, 12:25) (2 Corinthians 8) Cleon Rogers says the phrase participation in the support ("koinonian tes diakonias") (relief work) was used in Greek-speaking Judaism as a technical term for supplying the needs of the poor. George Sweeting said, “For the Macedonian Christians, giving was not a chore but a challenge, not a burden but a blessing. Giving was not something to be avoided but a privilege to be desired.” Gilbrant adds that "Paul and Barnabas had already taken a similar offering for needy Christians to Jerusalem (Acts 11:27-30). The money came from the young Gentile church at Antioch of Syria. The Jerusalem church itself had demonstrated generosity toward needy members from the start (Acts 4:34, 35). (Complete Biblical Library - – Romans-Corinthians) Begging (beseeching) (1189)(deomai from deo = to bind) means to ask for something with the sense of pleading, beseeching or begging. Urging (appeal)(3874) paraklesis from parakaléo = beseech <> pará = side of + kaléo = call) has a basic meaning calling someone to oneself (a call for help) and in 2 Corinthians 8 it describes a strong and persistent request, appeal or entreaty. It means to ask for something earnestly and with propriety. Participation (fellowship, sharing) (2842) koinonia from koinos = that which is in common, belonging to several) describes the experience of having something in common and/or of sharing things in common with others. It describes a close association involving mutual interests and communion. Receive (NOTE: ONLY IN THE KJV - TEXTUS RECEPTUS)(1209) dechomai = middle voice of a primary verb) means to accept with a deliberate and ready reception of what is offered, to receive kindly and so to take to oneself what is presented or brought by another. It means to welcome as a teacher, a friend, or a guest into one's house. The word describes accepting persons with open arms, minds, and hearts, even going beyond normally expected gracious hospitality. The term was often used of welcoming honored guests and meeting their needs with special attention and kindness. Support (relief) (1248) diakonia is probably derived from dioko = to pursue, "to be a follower of a person, to attach one's self to him:" - note on origin is from Vincent.) means the rendering or assistance or help by performing certain duties, often of a humble or menial nature serve, including such mundane activities as waiting on tables or caring for household needs—activities without apparent dignity. Diakonia is related to diakonos, a servant, not in his relation (like doulos) but more in regard to his activity. The term covers both slaves and hired servants. The main idea which lies behind diakonia is that of practical service. Uses in Corinthians - 1 Co. 12:5; 1 Co. 16:15; 2 Co. 3:7; 2 Co. 3:8; 2 Co. 3:9; 2 Co. 4:1; 2 Co. 5:18; 2 Co. 6:3; 2 Co. 8:4; 2 Co. 9:1; 2 Co. 9:12; 2 Co. 9:13; 2 Co. 11:8; Saints (40) hagios means set apart ones, separated ones, sanctified ones, holy ones) is literally a holy one and properly means different, set apart, distinct, holy. It describes one who is set apart for or by God and can be brought near or into God's holy presence. " Its fundamental idea is separation, consecration, devotion to the service of Deity, sharing in God's purity and abstaining from earth's defilement." (Zodhiates) So depending on the context hagios refers to whoever or whatever is set apart (sanctified) for a special purpose. Hagios in Corinthian letters - 1 Co. 1:2; 1 Co. 3:17; 1 Co. 6:1; 1 Co. 6:2; 1 Co. 6:19; 1 Co. 7:14; 1 Co. 7:34; 1 Co. 12:3; 1 Co. 14:33; 1 Co. 16:1; 1 Co. 16:15; 1 Co. 16:20; 2 Co. 1:1; 2 Co. 6:6; 2 Co. 8:4; 2 Co. 9:1; 2 Co. 9:12; 2 Co. 13:12; 2 Co. 13:13; 2 Co. 13:14 Saints have been supernaturally set apart (sanctified by the Holy Spirit, 1Pe 1:2+; 2Th 2:13, Ro 15:16+, Acts 20:32+, Acts 26:18+, 1 Cor 1:30, 6:11) for a special purpose (cp Ep 2:10+ - see also God's Masterpiece, Mt 5:16+, Php 2:15+), set apart from the world (Gal 6:14+, cp Jas 4:4+, 1 Jn 2:15+, 1 Jn 2:16+, 1 Jn 2:17+), the power of Sin and the fallen flesh (Ro 6:6+, Ro 6:11+, Ro 6:12, 13, 6:14+) and the dominion of the devil (Col 1:13+, Acts 26:18+, Heb 2:14, 15+) and unto God (Ro 14:7, 8, 9+). Hagios is Paul's favorite description of believers and designates the believer's position in Christ (see discussion of in Christ and in Christ Jesus) as holy or set apart from that which is secular, profane, and evil and dedicated unto God, His worship and His service (note order - worship before service, cp Mary and Martha - Lk 10:38, 39, 40, 41, 42+). Saints are now to live in this present evil age (Gal 1:4) in a manner which reflects what we were redeemed and "re-created" to be (1Pe 2:24, 25+; cp 2 Cor 7:1+) --- holy ones in character (character is what God knows we are; reputation is who other people think we are) and conduct, set apart by God to be exclusively His possession (1 Cor 6:19, 20+, Titus 2:14+) manifesting holiness of heart. Contrary to some religious teachings, the Bible itself never uses the word hagios or saint to refer to a "special class" of believers who are a "notch above" the rest. We are all equal at the foot of His Cross! (cp 2 Cor 3:5,6+, saints have "a faith of the same kind" as Peter! - 2Pe 1:1+) 2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. Amplified Nor [was this gift of theirs merely the contribution] that we expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us [as His agents] by the will of God [entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God]— Plummer - For according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, of their own accord, with much entreaty beseeching of us the favour and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints; and [this] not in the way that we expected, but it was their own selves that they gave first of all to the Lord and to us, through the will of God.’ KJV 2 Corinthians 8:5 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. NET 2 Corinthians 8:5 And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:5 καὶ οὐ καθὼς ἠλπίσαμεν ἀλλὰ ἑαυτοὺς ἔδωκαν πρῶτον τῷ κυρίῳ καὶ ἡμῖν διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ NLT 2 Corinthians 8:5 They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. NIV 2 Corinthians 8:5 And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:5 and not according as we expected, but themselves they did give first to the Lord, and to us, through the will of God, ASV 2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. CSB 2 Corinthians 8:5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by God's will. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:5 Having exceeded our hopes, they first gave themselves to the Lord, and to us also as per God's will. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. NRS 2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, NAB 2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us through the will of God, NJB 2 Corinthians 8:5 it was not something that we expected of them, but it began by their offering themselves to the Lord and to us at the prompting of the will of God. GWN 2 Corinthians 8:5 They did more than we had expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, since this was God's will. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:5 And going even farther than our hope, they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us after the purpose of God. they first gave themselves to the Lord: 2Co 5:14,15 1Sa 1:28 2Ch 30:8 Isa 44:3-5 Jer 31:33 Zec 13:9 Ro 6:13 12:1 14:7-9 1Co 6:19,20 and to us by the will of God: 2Co 4:5 1Ch 12:18 2Ch 30:12 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Romans 12:1-2+ (SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 1 Peter 2:5+ (SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES) you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Luke 12:33+ “Sell your possessions and give to charity; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. Luke 14:33+ “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. THE SECRET OF GENEROUS GIVING And this, not (ou - absolute negation) as we had expected (hoped - elpizo), but they first (protos = priority not time) gave themselves to the Lord (kurios) and to us (as His agents) by the will (thelema) of God - THIS VERSE IS THE KEY TO GRACE GIVING! Paul is referring to the most generous gift offered by the Macedonians - themselves! Gave is aorist tense (at a point in time in the past), active voice (the choice of their will) means they gave of their own accord, presenting first themselves as a gift to their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ (which reminds us of the presentation in Ro 12:1+) If you have never carried out Romans 12:1, then today is your day to do it! Here is a little poem that speaks to this point... Now that my journey’s just begun, My course so little trod; I’ll stop before I further run, And give myself to God. -Anonymous And don't miss the point that giving is only for believers! Non-believers have not experienced the grace of God and can hardly be expected to participate in grace giving! R Kent Hughes agrees writing "Grace is first rooted in our response to God. It’s all so basic: When we know that our lives are not our own, neither will we think that our possessions are our own. It’s easy to surrender part when we’ve already given the whole. There is an implicit lesson here: It won’t do any good to give our possessions to God unless we have given ourselves. In fact, such “giving” will do us harm. The reasons are apparent. We will be tempted to imagine that giving of our substance is enough, that somehow this will make God pleased with us. External giving builds religious pride. Giving things instead of ourselves can easily become our religion, so that we never turn to Christ for salvation. It must be said that if you have not given your life to Christ, don’t give your money. God doesn’t need your money. Even more, he doesn’t want you to delude yourself. This story about the Macedonians is told by Paul about believers, for believers, to instruct true believers—no one else!" ....There is no way to grow to spiritual maturity without committing your finances to the Lord. Jesus can have our money and not have our hearts, but he cannot have our hearts without our money.....In this, I would not be true to God’s Word or to you if I did not say that some of you may have reached sticking spots in your spiritual growth because you have not begun to give as the Scriptures and conscience are directing you. (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) Not only have they given grace and a proof of fellowship, but they have altogether given their own selves (Bengel) By the will of God or in keeping with the will or desire of God. Amplified adds "entirely disregarding their personal interests, they gave as much as they possibly could, having put themselves at our disposal to be directed by the will of God." And so the Macedonians first presented themselves to their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. They gave the more precious gift the had first, the gift of themselves! Then they presented themselves (and their offering) to Paul, the designated representative of the Lord. In giving themselves to us (Paul, et al) presumably they offered to be of any assistance to them that they might need. ILLUSTRATION - They remind me of the response of the little girl as the offering plate was passed. She took the plate, put it down on the floor, and stood in it. When the usher asked her what she was doing, she responded, “In Sunday school I learned that I was supposed to give myself to God.” Point made! Note the order of giving by generous givers. Murray Harris comments that "They recognized that dedication to Christ involved dedication to his servants and that dedication to them was in reality service for Christ. All was part of God's will. (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Steven
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Hughes - Paul notes their “readiness” approvingly, because such readiness is an indication of the Corinthians’ hearts being volitionally generous. During a Scottish worship service in Edinburgh, it is reported that one member of the congregation accidentally put in a crown piece instead of a penny, winced in the realization of what he’d done, and quietly asked for it back. But the usher was Scottish too and answered, “In once, in forever.” “Oh well,” groaned the giver, “I’ll get credit for it in Heaven.” “No,” said the usher, “you’ll get credit for only a penny!” How right he was, because God’s focus is on the heart. And God desires willing hearts that eagerly give “according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have”—in a word, proportionate giving. (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) Broomall - One's financial response must be according to what a man has (rsv); harsh legalism has no place in Christian giving. (2 Corinthians 8 - Wycliffe Bible Commentary - online) Pulpit Commentary - In other words, God considers not quantum, but ex quanto; not the magnitude of the gift, but the proportion which it bears to the means of the giver. (2 Corinthians 8) Reformation Study Bible - This is a warning against giving or promising to give an amount that you really do not have, hoping that God will repay it. Doing this forces a test on God (Luke 4:12). People should give as God causes them to prosper (1Cor. 16:2). Even so, the more common offense is failing to give immediately and generously when God brings additional income. Henry
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Hughes - The first thing we should observe is that Paul distanced himself from the actual gathering of the offering from the Corinthians. By doing this, his enemies could not accuse him of extortion through placing undue personal pressure on the Corinthians or by his force of personality. Neither could they accuse him of having his hand in the till. (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) MacDonald on he has gone to you - The clause he went to you probably means "he is going to you." It illustrates the epistolary aorist tense, which views the action not at the time when Paul wrote the Letter but when the Corinthians read it. Titus was unquestionably the one who carried this Letter to Corinth. He didn't leave for Corinth until Paul finished the Letter. (Believer's Bible Commentary:) Hughes "'The same earnestness' (8:16) linked Titus' heart to Paul's. Not only did Titus share the same earnestness for the offering, but he went of his own accord (8:17). Titus was a true self-starter and was motivated first by his own desire and, second, by Paul's appeal. Paul stressed that fact to support the genuineness of Titus' ministry" (Everyman's Bible Commentary, p. 81). A T Robertson on very earnest - "More earnest than ordinarily," Broomall on being - The verb being ((present participle of huparcho) underscores real existence in the essential nature of a thing (cf. its use in Acts 2:30; 16:20; 1 Cor 11:7; 2 Pet 1:8; 2:19; 3:10). (2 Corinthians 8 - Wycliffe Bible Commentary - online) Accepted (1209) dechomai = middle voice of a primary verb) means to to receive something offered or transmitted by another (Luke 2:28). To take something into one's hand and so to grasp (Luke 2:28, 22:17). To be receptive to someone (Mt 10:14, 40). To take a favorable attitude toward something (Mt 11:14). Dechomai in Corinthians - 1Co. 2:14; 2Co. 6:1; 2Co. 7:15; 2Co. 8:17; 2Co. 11:4; 2Co. 11:16 Being (5225) huparcho from hupó = under + árcho = begin or arche = beginning) means literally to begin under and then to exist, be present or be at hand. It denotes the continuance of a previous state or existence. To live, to behave or to continue to be. To be in existence. Vine says huparcho means to be in existence and in a secondary sense to belong to with the article signifying one's possessions (the things which one possesses, which exist so to speak). BDAG saays "the basic idea: come into being fr. an originating point and so take place; gener. 'inhere, be there'" Very earnest (4705)(spoudaios from spoude = haste, diligence) means hasty, eager, diligent. pertaining to being earnest and diligent in undertaking an activity. Spoudaios means “eager, zealous, earnest,” or “diligent” depending on the context. The word is used only once in the Septuagint at Ezekiel 41:25. Used only twice in comparative form (2 Co 8:17, 22), once in its positive form (2 Co 8:17). 2 Corinthians 8:18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches; Amplified But we are sending along with him that brother whose praise in the Gospel ministry [is spread] throughout all the churches; KJV 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; NET 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in spreading the gospel. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:18 συνεπέμψαμεν δὲ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ τὸν ἀδελφὸν οὗ ὁ ἔπαινος ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ διὰ πασῶν τῶν ἐκκλησιῶν, NLT 2 Corinthians 8:18 We are also sending another brother with Titus. All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. NIV 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:18 and we sent with him the brother, whose praise in the good news is through all the assemblies, ASV 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches; CSB 2 Corinthians 8:18 We have sent with him the brother who is praised throughout the churches for his gospel ministry. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:18 We sent along with him commendation in the gospel for this brother who is recognized in all the churches. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, NRS 2 Corinthians 8:18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his proclaiming the good news; NAB 2 Corinthians 8:18 With him we have sent the brother who is praised in all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. NJB 2 Corinthians 8:18 We have sent with him the brother who is praised as an evangelist in all the churches GWN 2 Corinthians 8:18 With him we have sent our Christian brother whom all the churches praise for the way he tells the Good News. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:18 And with him we have sent a brother whose praise in the good news has gone through all the churches; the brother: 2Co 8:19,22,23 12:18 has spread through all the churche: Ro 16:4 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Proverbs 22:1 A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, Favor is better than silver and gold. THE BROTHER UNKNOWN TO US BUT WELL-KNOWN TO THEM We have sent along with him the brother (adelphos) whose fame (epainos) in the things of the gospel (euaggelion) has spread through all the churches (ekklesia) - NLT = "All the churches praise him as a preacher of the Good News." Who is this famous brother? Many think this was Dr Luke (see Wenham - "The Identification of Luke" Evangelical Quarterly, 1991) but we simply cannot be dogmatic. Clearly if God thought it was important for us to know his name, the Spirit would have inspired Paul to record it! While this identification exercise might be intellectually stimulating, it is not generally spiritually profitable. MacArthur touches on why this brother is not named - This man is unnamed because he was so well known, prominent, and unimpeachable. He was a distinguished preacher, and he was able to add credibility to the enterprise of taking the collection to Jerusalem. (MacArthur Study Bible) Charles
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Hughes - Many have ruined themselves by too much trust in their own integrity. The unsullied reputation of Billy Graham ought to inform us. No one has undergone greater public scrutiny than Billy. His secret? As his ministry began to grow, he formed a board of Christian businessmen to handle all money. They put everyone in his organization on a salary, and the organization’s books and Billy’s personal finances were audited annually and the records made public. And the result is that amidst the wrecks of ministerial scandal, Graham and his organization are world-renowned as models of integrity. (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word)
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Hughes - This was a life-and-death matter to Paul. He had gone to the extremes of probity to ensure that the Corinthians would not miss their opportunity. He had demonstrated his own integrity and the integrity of the process of completing the offering of the poor in Jerusalem. The importance of the offering extended beyond the Corinthians into eternity. 1) It would prove the validity of their faith—that it was not in vain. 2) It would help the impoverished church in Jerusalem survive. 3) It would demonstrate the miracle of the new covenant—Jews and Gentiles are actually one in Christ. 4) It would declare the glory of the Lord to the church and to the world. For parallel reasons, what we do with our money is of significance now and in the world to come. It will declare whether or not salvation has come to our house, and thereby whether or not we are sons of God. When the Corinthians did generously give, it demonstrated that the impossible had happened as wealthy Corinthians walked through the eye of the needle, for “what is impossible with men is possible with God” (Luke 18:26b). (2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word) Openly (presence) (4383) prosopon from pros = towards + ops = eye, the part around the eye and so the face) means literally toward the eye or face. Show (1731) endeíknumi from preposition en = in, to + deíknumi = to show) means to point out, to demonstrate, to put on display, to prove, to show proof, to show forth, to show oneself, to give visible proof, to show in anything and implies an appeal to facts. The preposition (in) in the compound suggests more than the simplest demonstration. It is like laying the index finger, as it were, on the object. It means to to show something in someone. Ro 2:15; Ro 9:17, Ro 9:22; 2Co 8:24; Ep 2:7; 1Ti 1:16; 2Ti 4:14; Titus 2:10; Titus 3:2; Heb 6:10, Heb 6:11 Proof (1732) endeixis from endeíknumi = show forth <> en = in, to + deíknumi = expose to eyes and give proof, make known by visual, auditory, or linguistic means) means a pointing out (particularly with the finger). It something that points to or serves as an indicator of something else and hence is synonymous with a sign, an indication, evidence, verification. It describes the means by which one knows that something is a fact. It is something that compels acceptance of something mentally or emotionally and thus serves as a demonstration or a proof. In secular Greek endeixis meant a pointing out and was used as a legal term, meaning a laying out of information against one who discharged public functions for which he was legally disqualified. 3x - Ro 3:26; 2Co. 8:24; Php 1:28 Boasting (2746) kauchesis from kauchaomai = to boast) refers to the act of boasting about something. It expresses the idea of self-congratulation with or without sufficient reason.To boast means to speak of or assert with excessive pride, to express pride in oneself or one’s accomplishments and often suggests ostentation or even exaggeration. In the present context kauchesis denotes the assertion of a claim upon God on the ground of one’s works. 11x in NT- Rom. 3:27; Rom. 15:17; 1 Co. 15:31; 2 Co. 1:12; 2 Co. 7:4; 2 Co. 7:14; 2 Co. 8:24; 2 Co. 11:10; 2 Co. 11:17; 1 Thess. 2:19; Jas. 4:16