8:1 Moreover, 1 brethren, we do you to wit of the a grace of
God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
(1) The sixth part of this epistle containing different
exhortations to stir up the Corinthians to liberality, with
which the poverty of the church of Jerusalem might be
helped at an appropriate time. And first of all he sets
before them the example of the churches of Macedonia, which
otherwise were brought by great misery to extreme poverty,
so that the Corinthians should follow them.
(a) The benefit that God bestowed upon the Corinthians.
8:2 How that in a b great trial of affliction the abundance of
their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of
their liberality.
(b) For those manifold afflictions with which the Lord tried
them did not stop their joyful readiness, but also made
it much more excellent and well-known.
8:3 For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their]
power [they were] c willing of themselves;
(c) Of their own accord they were generous.
8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the d
gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering
to the saints.
(d) He calls that "gift" which other men would have called a
burden. And this verse is to be explained by (2Co 8:6).
8:52 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.
(2) He amplifies the eagerness of the Macedonians in this, that
they also desired Paul to stir up the Corinthians to
accomplish the giving of alms by sending Titus to them
again.
8:83 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the e
forwardness of others, and to prove the f sincerity of
your love.
(3) Thirdly, he warns them to live up to the expectation which
Paul and his companions have conceived of them.
(e) At the request of the Macedonians.
(f) The naturalness of our love appears when we truly, and
that frankly and freely, help our brethren even for
Christ's sake.
8:94 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.
(4) The fourth argument taken from the example of Christ.
8:105 And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient
for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to
g be forward a year ago.
(5) He takes good heed that he seem not to wrest it out of them
by force, for unless it is voluntary, God does not accept
it.
(g) Not only to do, but also to do willingly: for he notes
out of a ready willingness, without any enforcement by
any other men. And much less did it come out of
ambition and vain glory.
8:126 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.
(6) Against those who excused themselves because they are not
rich, as though it were only the duty of rich men to help
the poor.
8:137 For [I mean] not that other men be eased, and ye
burdened:
(7) Christian liberality is mutual, so that one does not have
too much, and the other to little.
8:14 But by an h equality, [that] now at this time your
abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their
abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there
may be equality:
(h) That as now in your abundance you help others with a
share of your goods, so should others in the same way
bestow some of their goods upon you.
8:168 But thanks [be] to God, which put the same earnest care
into the heart of Titus for you.
(8) He commends Titus and his two companions for many reasons,
both that their credit might not be suspected, as though he
had sent them slyly to rob the churches, and also so that
they might be all the more ready to contribute.
8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise [is]
i in the gospel throughout all the churches;
(i) In the preaching of the Gospel.
8:19 And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the
churches to travel with us with this k grace, which is
administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and
[declaration of] your ready mind:
(k) These alms which are bestowed for the relief of the
church of Jerusalem.
8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this l
abundance which is administered by us:
(l) In this plentiful liberality of the churches, which is
committed to our trust.
8:23 Whether [any do enquire] of Titus, [he is] my partner and
fellowhelper concerning you: or our m brethren [be
enquired of, they are] the messengers of the churches,
[and] the n glory of Christ.
(m) The two companions of Titus.
(n) By whom the glory of Christ is set forth.
8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the o churches, the
proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
(o) All the churches in whose presence you are in will be
witnesses of this your godly behaviour, for these men
are the messengers whom they have chosen by common
consent, and sent to you.
