Chapter 8
Paul Encourages Generosity
8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
Paul reports that the churches in Macedonia (which would include the churches in Berea, Philippi, and Thessalonica) that while they are enduring affliction and experiencing extreme poverty have joyfully given generously to a special collection that is likely for the believers in Jerusalem (see 1 Corinthians 16:1-4).
8:3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
He testifies that they gave beyond their means without being asked or persuaded. And that they also begged him and his fellow workers to take the collection as a gift to those in need of relief. We read in his first epistle that he requested the churches in Galatia and those in Corinth (see 1 Corinthians 16:1) but not those in Macedonia, knowing their poverty Paul probably didn’t ask, but they did respond nonetheless, and they collected more than Paul expected. As their first priority was to give to the Lord Jesus (that being the needs of the believers in Jerusalem) and then by God’s direction, to them (being Paul and his entourage).
8:6 Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. 7 But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
Paul informs them that they have urged Titus to continue collecting among them in Corinth as he had started to do, and fully participate in this act of grace. He commends their ability to excel in everything, be it in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in their diligence, in their love for others, and then tells them that he expects them to excel in this act of grace of giving as well.
8:8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 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.
Paul clarifies that this request for a collection is not a command, as giving of money should be an act of love and not compulsion. He identifies giving as evidence of their genuine love, and reminds them of the grace of Jesus. That though He was (and is) truly rich (as creator and King over all things, He lacks nothing physical, see also Psalm 45), yet for their (and ours) sake, He became poor and humble during His ministry on earth, so that by His poverty, they (and us), might become rich (blessings in abundance in this life, but way more when we later are living with Him in eternity).
8:10 And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”
Paul reminds them that a year ago they started this collection process, something they desired to do, so now he is encouraging them to complete it. To let the same enthusiasm they had starting to now move them forward again, and give according to what each person has to offer, if some had more then they should give more. Paul clarifies that he doesn’t want them to give so much that the recipient would gain an easy life, and that they would now have a burdened life, but it should be fair. To give out of their abundance at this time, and perhaps those receiving the money can help them later if they ever need help in the future. Paul then quotes Exodus 16:18, that whoever gathered much (manna) had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had enough, in other words, God faithfully provides!
Prepare to Receive Titus and Special Guests
8:16 But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.
Paul is excited that Titus is not only willing to come to them in Corinth, but also is truly enthusiastic to go himself. Along with him they are sending a well-known believer who has a reputation for preaching the gospel message. This person is not identified, however, that has not slowed down the ongoing speculations offered by theologians, commentators, and church leaders! We don’t know who, he is unknown to us.
8:19 And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man.
This unknown preacher has been asked to travel with Paul and his fellow workers to bring the collection to Jerusalem. Being in a larger group, the traveling and any disbursing of money, will not only be more secure, it will minimize any accusations regarding keeping any of the money for themselves as well as fairness in the distribution (no one-person partiality). Being honest and impartial in both God’s and man’s sight.
8:22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
Paul informs them that they are also sending another unidentified believer with Titus and the unidentified preacher, someone they know well and have confidence in. He reiterates that Titus is his partner and fellow worker for their benefit, and as for the others, they represent the churches, the glory of Jesus, so he asks them to prove to these men that what he has been boasting about them is true, to love them.