2 Coríntios 8
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 8
Wiersbe - The Corinthians were enriched with many spiritual blessings (v. 7), and Paul urged them to have also the grace of giving. For us to profess to be spiritual, and yet not give faithfully to the Lord, is to deny what we profess. Faith, preaching, witnessing, studying the Bible—none of these is a substitute for the grace of giving. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Brian Bell on faith, love, etc - Not one of these is a substitute for the grace of giving. Their “abounding” didn’t carry over to their “giving”! How balanced is your giving? Are you as committed to giving as you are to bible study, prayer, worship? Would it be fair to say that where your checkbook(treasure)is, there your heart will be also? Our checkbook does seem to reveal our true walk w/God. Because our checkbook announces what our treasures are. What if we did a little checkup! What if I asked you right now to pull out your check books(now if you don’t use checks as much as you use a credit card, debit card, automatic withdrawal, or you’re an “all cash” person, or you just wave the computer chip in your hand across the counter[just kidding] whatever you use for everyday transactions that’s what I mean!) Then pass it to your neighbor next to you(someone that doesn’t know you), & have them scan down just the month of August…what would they glean from your life?: Anything you’d be embarrassed by? "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Mt 6:21+) (Put your money where your mouth WAS) Faith (4102) pistis is synonymous with trust or belief and is the conviction of the truth of anything, but in Scripture usually speaks of belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervor born of faith and joined with it. "The term implies both knowledge and action. One may receive knowledge of a certain truth and may even offer verbal agreement, but “trust” or “confidence” is not said to be present until one’s behavior reflects that truth." (Charles Swindoll) Utterance (3056) logos rom légō = to speak with words; English = logic, logical) means something said and describes a communication whereby the mind finds expression in words. Knowledge (1108) gnosis from ginosko = to know especially experientially) in simple terms is the possession of information of what is known. Gnosis describes the comprehension or intellectual grasp of something. Gnosis refers to knowledge gained by experience in contrast to intuitive knowledge. Stated another way gnosis is experientially known, functional ("working") knowledge gleaned from first-hand/personal experience which in turn connects theory to application. Gnosis as it applies to one's relationship with Christ is not simply an intellectual (head) knowledge of Him , but includes an intimate, experiential, personal knowledge of Him (cf Php 3:10 = ginosko) Earnestness (4710) spoude from speudo = move quickly, hasten, make haste) refers to eagerness, earnestness, willingness or zeal. It denotes quick movement or haste accompanying the eagerness, etc, in the interest of a person or cause. Thus spoude can refer to swiftness of movement or action and means haste or speed (like our expression "in a hurry"). It can refer to an earnest commitment in discharge of an obligation or experience of a relationship. Spoude implies more than mere earnest desire, but includes action as well as desire. Spoude "never takes 20 minutes to do a 10 minute job." (William Hill) Louw-Nida - Spoudē means "eagerness to do something, with the implication of readiness to expend energy and effort" Spoude was often used in Greek and Roman literature and found on inscriptions in reference to extraordinary commitment to civic and religious responsibilities, which were frequently intertwined, and also of concern for personal moral excellence or optimum devotion to the interests of others. For believers, spoudē ("speedy diligence") means quickly obeying what the Lord reveals is His priority. This elevates the better over the good and the more important over the important – with divinely-inspired swiftness. Love (26) agape is unconditional, sacrificial love and Biblically refers to a love that God is (1Jn 4:8,16), that God shows (Jn 3:16, 1Jn 4:9) and that God enables in His children (fruit of the Spirit - Gal 5:22+).Biblical agape love is the love of choice, the love of serving with humility, the highest kind of love, the noblest kind of devotion, the love of the will (intentional, a conscious choice) and not motivated by superficial appearance, emotional attraction, or sentimental relationship. Agape is not based on pleasant emotions or good feelings that might result from a physical attraction or a familial bond. Agape chooses as an act of self-sacrifice to serve the recipient. From all of the descriptions of agape love, it is clear that true agape love is a sure mark of salvation. 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. Amplified I give this not as an order [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the zeal of others, the sincerity of your [own] love also. KJV 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. NET 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:8 Οὐ κατ᾽ ἐπιταγὴν λέγω ἀλλὰ διὰ τῆς ἑτέρων σπουδῆς καὶ τὸ τῆς ὑμετέρας ἀγάπης γνήσιον δοκιμάζων· NLT 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. NIV 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:8 not according to command do I speak, but because of the diligence of others, and of your love proving the genuineness, ASV 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. CSB 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:8 I do not say this as a command, but motivated through the eagerness of others to give, I also would test the sincerity of your love. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others. NRS 2 Corinthians 8:8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. NAB 2 Corinthians 8:8 I say this not by way of command, but to test the genuineness of your love by your concern for others. NJB 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not saying this as an order, but testing the genuineness of your love against the concern of others. GWN 2 Corinthians 8:8 I'm not commanding you, but I'm testing how genuine your love is by pointing out the dedication of others. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not giving you an order, but using the ready mind of others as a test of the quality of your love. I am not speaking: 2Co 8:10 2Co 9:7 1Co 7:6,12,25 as a command,: 2Co 8:1-3 9:2 Ro 11:12-14 Heb 10:24 but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also: 2Co 8:24 6:6 Jos 24:14 Eze 33:31 Ro 12:9 Eph 4:15 *marg: Eph 6:24 Jas 2:14-16 1Pe 1:22 1Jn 3:17-19 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Philemon 1:8-9 (EXAMPLE OF PAUL NOT "DICTATING" ORDERS) Therefore, though I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you–since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus– 2 Corinthians 1:24+ (PAUL'S SENSITIVITY NOT TO USE HIS APOSTOLIC AUTHORITY) Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are standing firm. GIVING IS TO BE FREEWILL NOT OBEDIENCE TO A COMMAND I am not (ou = absolutely not) speaking this as a command (epitage) - Paul could have invoked his apostolic authority (see 2Co 1:24 above, cf 2Co 10:8, 2Co 13:10) but inspired by the Spirit he did not which is similar to his appeal to Philemon (see above). A command places someone under law but graces giving is giving freely of one's own will or choose. In chapter 9 Paul amplifies this principle writing "Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly (lupe) or under compulsion (anagke), for God loves a cheerful (hilaros) giver (dotes)." (2Co 9:7+) Brian Bell on not speaking this as a command - I’m not demanding, just reminding. So he reminds them of one who was far richer then them, that was truly a giver. Yet be cautious how you “test someone’s sincerity! Story - Charles Spurgeon and his wife would sell, but refused to give away, the eggs their chickens laid. Even close relatives were told, "You may have them if you pay for them." As a result some people labeled the Spurgeons greedy and grasping. They accepted the criticisms without defending themselves, and only after Mrs. Spurgeon died was the full story revealed: All the profits from the sale of eggs went to support two elderly widows. Because the Spurgeons were unwilling to let their left hand know what the right hand was doing (Mt. 6:3), they endured the attacks in silence. (Leadership, Vol. 6, no. 1) (Put your money where your mouth WAS) Reformation Study Bible - Paul wants giving to be voluntary. In general, though Paul had great authority, he preferred to ask rather than command (Philem. 14 and note), a good pattern for those in authority (Matt. 20:25, 26). But as proving (dokimazo) through the earnestness (eagerness - spoude) of others the sincerity (gnesios) of your love (agape) also - NET helps understand this passage = "I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others." NLT has "I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches." He had just described the earnestness (spoude) of the Corinthians (2Co 8:7) and now makes this statement as a challenge to their earnestness. Would they prove to be as earnest in their giving as the Macedonians? Paul wanted the Corinthians' giving to be motivated by their love (grace) not the law (legalism). Murray Harris explains "Spontaneity and warmth would be absent from the Corinthians' giving if coercion were present. But he did see in the enthusiastic generosity of the Macedonian churches a convenient standard for assessing the genuineness of the Corinthians' professed love for him and for all believers, as well as a compelling incentive to arouse them to action. (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Command (2003) epitage from epitásso = appoint over, put in charge in turn from epí = upon or over + tasso = arrange, appoint, order, set in place) means literally one appointed over and came to refer to something that is in its proper order or place. Figuratively epitage was used of an authoritative directive, an order, an official command, a directive or an injunction. The idea is to arrange upon and thus reflects a command imposed upon someone. Epitage stresses the authoritativeness of the command (recall Paul was an apostle and thus could invoke apostolic authority). Epitage denotes especially the direction of those in high office who have something to say. Used only by Paul in the NT - Rom. 16:26; 1 Co. 7:6; 1 Co. 7:25; 2 Co. 8:8; 1 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 1:3; Titus 2:15 Proving (1381) dokimazo rom dokimos = tested, proved or approved, tried as metals by fire and thus purified from dechomai = to accept, receive) means to assay, to test, to prove, to put to the test, to make a trial of, to verify, to discern to approve. Dokimazo involves not only testing but determining the genuineness or value of an event or object. That which has been tested is demonstrated to be genuine and trustworthy. Dokimazo in the Corinthian letters - 1 Co. 3:13; 1 Co. 11:28; 1 Co. 16:3; 2 Co. 8:8; 2 Co. 8:22; 2 Co. 13:5; Sincerity (1103)(gnesios from ginomai = to become, come into being) means legitimately born, and thus legitimate not spurious. It was used literally, of children legitimate, lawful, born in wedlock; figuratively, of spiritual relationship true, genuine (1Ti 1.2). In 2Co 8:8 the idea is as a commendable quality of integrity and thus genuine, sincere. BDAG - 1. one who is considered a valid member of a family, legitimate, true. In the Hellenic world ancestral connections were highly prized; hence this term referred orig. to having connection with the ge,noj by birth: ‘belonging to the race.’ Hence lit. of children born in wedlock, legitimate; 2. pert. to possession of apparent or reputed good character or quality, genuine of things (of ‘genuine’ writings:Used 4x in NT - sincerity(1), true(3). 2 Co. 8:8; Phil. 4:3 = "true companion"; 1 Ti 1:2 = " my true child in the faith"; Titus 1:4 = "Titus, my true child in a common faith" Not found in the Septuagint. 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. Amplified For you are becoming progressively acquainted with and recognizing more strongly and clearly the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (His kindness, His gracious generosity, His undeserved favor and spiritual blessing), [in] that though He was [so very] rich, yet for your sakes He became [so very] poor, in order that by His poverty you might become enriched (abundantly supplied). KJV 2 Corinthians 8:9 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. NET 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:9 γινώσκετε γὰρ τὴν χάριν τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ὅτι δι᾽ ὑμᾶς ἐπτώχευσεν πλούσιος ὤν, ἵνα ὑμεῖς τῇ ἐκείνου πτωχείᾳ πλουτήσητε. NLT 2 Corinthians 8:9 You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. NIV 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:9 for ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that because of you he became poor -- being rich, that ye by that poverty may become rich. ASV 2 Corinthians 8:9 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 become rich. CSB 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though He was rich, for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the gracious character of our Lord Jesus Christ, who on your account was very poor, although he was wealthy, so that by his impoverishment you might become rich. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. NRS 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. NAB 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the gracious act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that for your sake he became poor although he was rich, so that by his poverty you might become rich. NJB 2 Corinthians 8:9 You are well aware of the generosity which our Lord Jesus Christ had, that, although he was rich, he became poor for your sake, so that you should become rich through his poverty. GWN 2 Corinthians 8:9 You know about the kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was rich, yet for your sake he became poor in order to make you rich through his poverty. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:9 For you see the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, how though he had wealth, he became poor on your account, so that through his need you might have wealth. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,: 2Co 13:14 Joh 1:14,17 Ro 5:8,20,21 1Co 1:4 Eph 1:6-8 2:7 3:8,19 that though He was rich: Ps 102:25-27 Joh 1:1-4,10 16:15 1Co 15:47 Php 2:6 Col 1:16,17 Heb 1:2,6-14 yet for your sake: Isa 62:1 65:8 Joh 12:30 17:19 Col 1:24 He became poor: Isa 53:2 Mt 8:20 17:27 20:28 Mk 6:3 Lu 2:7 8:3 9:58 Php 2:6-8 so that you through His poverty might become rich: 2Co 6:10 Lu 16:11 Ro 8:32 11:12 1Co 3:21,22 Eph 3:8 1Ti 6:18 Jas 2:5 Rev 3:18 21:7 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: 2 Timothy 2:1+ You therefore, my son, be strong (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Phil 2:5-11+ Have this attitude (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, Who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Matthew 8:20+ (POVERTY OF JESUS) Jesus *said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” THE EXAMPLE OF THE GENEROUS GIVING OF JESUS Paul now gives the prime example for generous giving, undoubtedly giving this great truth to renew their minds, motivate their hearts and stir up their zeal to imitate Jesus' example of generous giving. To give is to be Christ-like, for His whole life was spent in giving. -- Warren Wiersbe Brian Bell - Note Paul used 2 examples for Corinth: 1st from the “deep poverty” end of the scale. 2nd from the richest of rich side, Whom far exceeds any “Fortune 500 guy”, any “Oil owning Sheik”…Jesus! Jesus is the wealthiest person in the entire universe, for it is all His! The Macedonians were poor, but they gave like they were rich! Jesus was rich, but He lived like He was poor! Both provided a great example of giving. (Put your money where your mouth WAS ) Lowery writes "Few statements surpass verse 9 as a pithy summary of the gospel (cf. 2Co 5:21). From the splendor of heaven Christ came to the squalor of earth. The Incarnation was an incomprehensible renunciation of spiritual and material glory." (The Bible Knowledge Commentary:) For (gar) - "The transition from v. 8 to v. 9 (denoted by gar, "for") is illuminating, because it suggests that Paul saw in Christ the finest example of one who showed eagerness and generosity in giving as a demonstration of his love. If the sacrificial giving of the Macedonians did not stimulate emulation, the example of Christ's selflessness certainly would. Such doctrinal buttressing of ethical injunctions is typical of Paul (e.g., Rom 15:2, 3; Eph 5:2; Col 3:9, 10)." (Murray Harris) You know (ginosko) the grace (charis) of our Lord (kurios) Jesus Christ (Christos), that though He was rich (plousios, - Don't miss that this teaches the preexistence of Christ (and therefore the Deity of Jesus) for He was rich in eternity past, not while on earth! You know the grace is Paul's way of saying "You know the giving of our Lord Jesus Christ!" Know is ginosko meaning they knew by experience, for they had themselves had experienced the grace of God (cf 1Co 1:4+, Eph 2:8-9+). In 2Co 8:1+ grace of God and here grace of our Lord (kurios) Jesus Christ, so clearly Christ is God. As a manifestation of Christ grace, He gave up His wealth in heaven and became poor on our behalf. While the Macedonians gave when they were extremely poor, Christ gave when His was incomparably rich. MacArthur on Jesus Christ as rich - A reference to the eternality and pre-existence of Christ. As the second person of the Trinity, Christ is as rich as God is rich. He owns everything, and possesses all power, authority, sovereignty, glory, honor, and majesty (cf. Isa 9:6; Mic 5:2; Jn 1:1; 8:58; 10:30; 17:5; Col 1:15-18; 2:9; Heb 1:3). (MacArthur Study Bible) Henry
2 Coríntios 8
Wiersbe - How easy it is to make promises and then fail to keep them! If they had fulfilled their other financial obligations in the same manner, they might have been thrown in jail! (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) Brian Bell Just do it! - Complete what you’ve begun! (Put your money where your mouth WAS ) Swindoll - Procrastination involves intentionally and habitually putting off something that should be done. It’s not just forgetting; it’s forsaking. It is not merely being accidentally delayed; it is intentionally ignoring. The procrastinator’s favorite word is tomorrow. The Corinthians had fallen into that trap. Tomorrow became next week. Next week became next month. And now, a year later, they still had not followed through on their commitment. The decisive cure to the plague of procrastination is the second word of verse 11: now. (Swindoll's Living Insights New Testament Commentary – 1 & 2 Corinthians) Paul now gives the only command in the entire section of generous giving in 2Co 8-9 as he expresses his fundamental concern that the Corinthians finish what they had begun. But now (nuni) finish (epiteleo) doing (poieo) it also, so that (hopos - purpose) just as there was the readiness (prothumia - eagerness cf Acts 17:11+) to desire (thelo) it - But now is more emphatic than just using "now" by itself. Notice Paul says NOW (cf 2Co 6:2+) not later! Don't procrastinate. Don't put it off! Don't make excuses! Just do it! (which is the sense of the aorist imperative) While Paul had backed off of using his authority and was giving his opinion in 2Co 8:10, now the advice becomes a command - now finish (epiteleo in aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) It is great to talk about doing someone good, but it is a entirely different matter to actually do it. There was the readiness indicates the Corinthians were quick to make a pledge. Note the marks of generous givers - readiness (prothumia - eagerness) and desire (thelo). Paul frequently uses the phrase but now (several introduce striking changes) - Ro 3:21; Ro 6:22; Ro 7:6; Ro 11:30; Ro 15:23; Ro 15:25; Ro 16:26; 1Co 7:14; 1Co 12:18; 1Co 12:20; 1Co 13:13; 1Co 14:6; 1Co 15:20; 2Co 8:11; 2Co 8:22; Gal 3:25; Gal 4:9; Ep 2:13; Ep 5:8; Php 2:12; Col 3:8; 1Th. 3:6; 2Ti 1:10; Philemon 1:11 So there may be also the completion (epiteleo) of it by your ability (out of what you can give) - ESV = "it may be matched by your completing it." By your ability is more literally "out of what you have," the idea being to give in proportion to what you have. In 1Co 16:2NET+ Paul had written "set aside some income and save it to the extent that God has blessed you. ("whatever one can afford" - NAB)." THOUGHT - Have you had good intentions to do some Christian work, and yet failed to follow through? If the Spirit is leading you to do something (Gal 5:18+, Ro 8:14+), then follow His lead (Gal 5:25NIV+) and finish His work. And remember that you are working WITH God more than FOR GOD (See note on 2Co 6:1). Now (3568) (nuni - strengthened form of nun) is an "adverb of time; an emphatic form of nu/n but not differing from it in meaning; (1) as a point of time not past or future now, at the present time (Acts 24.13), opposite proteros (earlier); (2) as an adjective used with the article and joined to a noun the present (Acts 22.1); (3) non-temporally, as a particle of logical antithesis used to shift from an unreal to a real state of affairs but now; but, as a matter of fact (1Co 5.11); (4) nuni de - used to introduce a summary of a situation but now, and so (Ro 7.17; 1Co 13.13) Nuni - 18v - Acts 22:1; Acts 24:13; Rom. 3:21; Rom. 6:22; Rom. 7:6; Rom. 7:17; Rom. 15:23; Rom. 15:25; 1 Co. 13:13; 1 Co. 15:20; 2 Co. 8:11; 2 Co. 8:22; Eph. 2:13; Col. 1:22; Col. 3:8; Phlm. 1:9; Philemon 1:11; Heb. 9:26 Nuni in Septuagint - Ex 32:34; Nu 11:6; Dt. 10:22; Jos. 5:14; Jos. 14:12; 2 Ki. 3:15; Job 6:28; Job 7:21; Job 30:1; Job 30:9; Job 42:5; Ps. 17:11; Ps. 44:9; Doing (4160)(poieo) is primarily translated with the idea of to DO (to bring to pass, to carry out, to bring about, to accomplish), to MAKE (to construct or fashion something out of existing material) to PERFORM. Poieo means "to do" which focuses more on the end/achievement of the action. Readiness (eagerness) (4288) prothumia from prothumos = predisposed, ready, willing, eager, prompt, referring to one's spirit in Mt 26:41 "the spirit is willing"; from pro = before, in front of + thumos = passion) conveys the idea of ready and willing, of readiness for action, or of having the will or purpose to act. This word describes one's exceptional interest in being of service. It is a determined disposition of one's mind. Prohumia depicts someone who is already willing with an eager disposition which is pre-inclined. Prothumia conveys the idea of “rushing forward” and here speaks of their readiness to receive the word. In Acts 17:11 prothumia refers to the preexisting character of the Bereans, as already willing to know the Lord more. Used 5x in NT - Acts 17:11; 2 Co. 8:11; 2 Co. 8:12; 2 Co. 8:19; 2 Co. 9:2 Rod Mattoon - At this point, let me ask, "Have you completed what you have started, whether it is in the area of business, work, school, your marriage, promises to family or friends, or your promises to God?" By the grace of God, try to finish what you have started. The life of a Christian can be described in one of four ways: as a journey, as a battle, as a pilgrimage, and as a race. Select your own metaphor, but the necessity to finish is always the same. For if life is a journey, it must be completed. If life is a battle, it must be finished. If life is a pilgrimage, it must be concluded, and if it is a race, it must be won. Derek Redmond, a twenty-six-year-old Briton, was favored to win the four-hundred-meter race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Halfway into his semifinal heat, a fiery pain seared through his right leg. He crumpled to the track with a torn hamstring. As the medical attendants were approaching, Redmond fought to his feet. "It was animal instinct," he would later say. He set out hopping, pushing away the coaches in a crazed attempt to finish the race. When he reached the stretch, a big man pushed through the crowd. He was wearing a T-shirt that read "Have you hugged your child today?" and a hat that challenged, "Just Do It." The man was Jim Redmond, Derek's father. "You don't have to do this," he told his weeping son. "Yes, I do," Derek declared. "Well, then," said Jim, "we're going to finish this together." And they did. Jim wrapped Derek's arm around his shoulder and helped him hobble to the finish line. Fighting off security men, the son's head sometimes buried in the father's shoulder, they stayed in Derek's lane to the end. The crowd clapped, then stood, then cheered, and then wept as the father and the son finished the race. What made the father do it? What made the father leave the stands to meet his son on the track? Was it the strength of his child? No, it was the pain of his child. His son was hurt and fighting to finish what he had started. So the father came to help him finish. Beloved, God does the same for the Christian. Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble sometimes, but the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not the one who says it. However, our prayers, faith, trust, and obedience do make a difference. All you have to do is be humble enough to turn your cares over to the Lord, be surrendered to Him and His will, and He will help you to finish what you have started. (Treasures From 2 Corinthians, Vol. 2) Jon Courson - II Corinthians 8:11 ‘You’ve expressed the desire to give,’ Paul says. ‘Now do it.’ Herein lies a great danger for us, for one of the great hazards of Bible study is thinking that by writing something in our notes or agreeing with it in our hearts, we’re actually doing whatever it is we’re writing down or agreeing with. James likens this to one who looks in a mirror and realizes there should be some changes made but doesn’t do anything about it (James 1:23–24). ‘Happy are ye if ye do these things,’ Jesus said (John 13:17). If you’re basically unhappy, melancholy, depressed, discouraged, or defeated, the reason could very well be that there is something the Lord has told you to do with which you agree theoretically, but which you have failed to work out practically. Her physical condition rendered her ceremonially unclean for twelve years. That is, her husband would divorce her; the community would shun her; she would not be allowed to worship in the temple. But then the Rabbi from Galilee walked through her city. Thinking if she could even touch the hem of His garment, she might be healed, she did just that—causing Jesus to call her something He never called any other women when He said, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you whole’ (Matthew 9:22). What faith? Just a simple touch. Forget the big plans, the high hopes, the visions of grandeur. Just do something now. Open your heart. Share with the person who’s struggling financially. Write a letter of encouragement. Pray for the person who’s hurting. Do something. Do anything. Just do it. The blessing is not in agreeing—it’s in doing. (A Day's Journey) 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. Amplified For if the [eager] readiness to give is there, then it is acceptable and welcomed in proportion to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. KJV 2 Corinthians 8:12 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. NET 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:12 εἰ γὰρ ἡ προθυμία πρόκειται, καθὸ ἐὰν ἔχῃ εὐπρόσδεκτος, οὐ καθὸ οὐκ ἔχει. NLT 2 Corinthians 8:12 Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. NIV 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:12 for if the willing mind is present, according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted, not according to that which he hath not; ASV 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according as a man hath, not according as he hath not. CSB 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if motivated to give, whatever one has is acceptable—not what he does not have. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have. NRS 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has-- not according to what one does not have. NAB 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if the eagerness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have; NJB 2 Corinthians 8:12 As long as the enthusiasm is there, the basis on which it is acceptable is what someone has, not what someone does not have. GWN 2 Corinthians 8:12 with whatever contributions you have. Since you are willing to do this, remember that people are accepted if they give what they are able to give. God doesn't ask for what they don't have. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:12 For if there is a ready mind, a man will have God's approval in the measure of what he has, and not of what he has not. For if the readiness is present,: 2Co 9:7 Ex 25:2 35:5,21,22,29 1Ch 29:3-18 2Ch 6:8 Pr 19:22 Mk 12:42-44 14:7,8 Lu 7:44-46 12:47,48 16:10 21:1-4 1Pe 4:10 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Mark 12:42-44+ (EXTREME GIVING AND QUALITY OVER QUANTITY) -A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. 43 Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44 for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on.” Acts 11:29+ (GIVING ACCORDING TO ONE'S ABILITY) And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. GOD'S CONCERN WITH GIVING QUALITY NOT QUANTITY In this passage Paul gives us the principle of proportionate giving just as in 1Co 16:2+ ("as he may prosper" - Amp = "as he has prospered [in proportion to what he is given],") It is not the portion but the proportion that God seeks. --Warren Wiersbe For (gar - term of explanation). What is Paul explaining? He has just stated "by your ability" or according to your ability and now will elaborate on that statement. If the readiness (prothumia - eagerness cf Acts 17:11+) is (present tense - continually) present (prokeimai - continually lies before them), it (NET - "the gift itself") is acceptable (euprosdektos) according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have - NIV = "For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have." Readiness speaks of how large a man's heart is, his heart attitude, not how large his bank account is! God always looks at the heart (quality), not the amount (quantity)! In context Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2Co 8:4–7). Obviously God does not expect one to give what he does not have! Give out of what you have, not out of what you do not have. When a person gives according to what he has, such giving is acceptable or well-pleasing to the Lord (2Co 5:9+).
2 Coríntios 8
Wiersbe - Verses 20–21 are the key: there should be no opportunity for accusation, either from God or men. It isn’t enough for the Christian worker to say “God knows my heart.” We must remember that others are watching us, and we dare not give the enemy any opportunity to accuse us of dishonesty. No Christian or local church should send money to works that are not financially sound. The fact that “there is a need” is not reason enough for giving; there must be proof that the money is handled honestly and spent wisely. We are not obligated to pay a debt we never incurred. (Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the New Testament) We have (present tense - continually) regard for (pronoeo - "take into consideration") what is honorable (kalos), not only in the sight of (enopion) the Lord (kurios), but also in the sight of (enopion) men - NLT - "We are careful to be honorable before the Lord, but we also want everyone else to see that we are honorable." Have regard means Paul was thinking about this beforehand, giving attention to taking careful above board precautions. He was not a man-pleaser (Gal 1:10+), but did care that men would see his actions as acts of integrity, especially regarding the handling of money. Henry