2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Parallels: Colossians 50

The apostle enters on the subject of the contributi forward for the relief of the poor Christians mends to the Corinthians the example of the minds them of the great grace of our blesse gives some advice as to the manner of collecting their bounty. 2 Cor. VIII. 1—15.

2 CORINTHIANS VIII. 1.

NOW we think it proper, brethren, to inform you of the happy and honourable effects of that abundant communication of the grace of God, which has been mercifully bestowed upon the churches planted here in Macedonia, at Philippi, Thessalonica, Beræa, and other places in this province: which has engaged them to exert themselves in a most liberal and generous contribution for the relief of the poor saints in Judea. And here it would be a pleasure to me more particularly to tell you, how in a great and extraordinary trial of affliction, which they met with from their persecuting enemies, who were always so ready to harass and plunder them, (compare Acts xvi. chap. xvii.) their overflowing joy for receiving the Christian religion, and with it, if I may so speak, the depth of their poverty amidst these distresses of their own, hath so abounded and furnished such supplies, to the riches of their liberality, that indigent as they are, they have done wonders for the relief of their yet poorer brethren. So that, I can testify for them, and I do attest it with pleasure, that to the utmost extent of [their] power; yea, and beyond what could have been expected, or on the usual principles of computation, judged to have been in [their] power,

a Grace of God.] As χερε sometimes signifies a gift, and things excellent and extraordinary in their kind, are in Hebrew often said to be things of God, or Divine; as trees of God, are great and flourishing trees; cities of God, great cities, (compare Psalm lxxx. 10, Acts vii. 20,) some have explained, χερε τε Θις, as if it signified the great, or liberal gift, which has been given in, or by the Macedonian churches; and Dr. Whitby very sufficiently proves, that χερε sometimes is put for gift. But considering what is the general sense of the word in St. Paul’s

writings, and what his sentiments evidently are, as to the doctrine of Divine influences on the heart, I chose to follow the plainest and most obvious and common interpretation, which indeed I generally think the best, and take this verse to be in sense much equivalent to that pious acknowledgment of David, 1 Chron. xxix. 14, who are we, that we should be able to offer so willingly, &c.

b To their power, yea, and beyond that.] This is a noble hyperbole, like that of Demosthenes, “I have performed all, even with an industry beyond my power.”

he like conduct on them by the example of Christ.

[they have been] willing of themselves, without my solicitation, to do the most generous things for the public service; At the same time entreating us with much importunity, that we would receive the gift which their bounty had prepared, and [take] a part of the ministration of the saints, as one of their commissioners to convey it to Jerusalem. And [this they did,] not merely as we expected and hoped, but even beyond all we could have imagined; for they first gave themselves, and all they had, entirely to the honour and service of the Lord; and having thus surrendered all they were, and all they possessed, to Christ and his cause, they in effect resigned themselves to us by the will of God, putting themselves in this respect under my direction, to do what I should in conscience think most advisable in present circumstances. Insomuch that, unable to withstand their pressing solicitation, we desired Titus, that as he had begun to do in other places, so he would also complete this instance of grace and liberality among you, and finish what yet remains to be done, as to collecting the intended contribution.

Therefore, my brethren, as ye abound in every other [gift,] (1 Cor. i. 4—7, chap. xii. 8—10,) and particularly in faith, which rises to the fullest persuasion of the truth of the gospel, and in all utterance and ability to instruct others, and in the clearest knowledge of Divine things, and in all active diligence, and in your affectionate love to us; so [we exhort] and entreat [you,] that ye would take this opportunity of shewing, that ye abound also in this grace of Christian liberality. And here, you will observe that I speak not by way of command, so as to take upon me to determine how much, or in what proportion, ye shall give; but that I may prove, by what I have just been saying of the diligence of others, that is the Macedonians, the genuine sincerity of your love in its most substantial effects.

And I may well expect, that you should exert yourselves on such an occasion, in consequence

• Complete this grace among you.] I doubt the English reader more sensible of the not, that Xaṟṟa here signifies gift, or present, or liberality; but I thought, that retaining the word grace here, might make ambiguity and emphasis of the word usually rendered grace.

He exhorts them to give with a willing mind.

of your acquaintance with the great and most fundamental principles of the gospel, in which you have been so faithfully instructed. For you know in some measure, though it is impossible for you fully to know, and distinctly to conceive in its utmost extent, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich in the glories of the heavenly world, and in supreme dominion and authority there, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through this his voluntary poverty, might not only be discharged from that dreadful debt you had contracted to the Divine justice, by which you were become obnoxious to everlasting ruin and condemnation; but that you might also become rich in the favour of God, and in the graces of the Holy Spirit now, and at length for ever rich in the treasures and glories of the heavenly world: And as I cannot but desire, that the servants of so excellent a Master may herein imitate his example, and take the most effectual methods to advance his honour and interest in the world, I give [my] advice to you in general, to dispatch this affair vigorously; for this is evidently expedient for you, and consistent with what you have already in a manner bound yourselves to, as you have begun, not only to do something, but also to exert yourselvesᵈ resolutely and determinately, a year ago. I now therefore entreat you not to be offended, if I urge you to complete your undertaking, that according to the readiness which you expressed to determine, and resolve upon this good scheme, there may also be the accomplishment of that determination, in proportion to what you have. The smallest contribution from such a principle will be pleasing to God, and most assuredly draw its reward after it; for if there be first a readiness of mind, according to what a man hath, [he is] accepted of God, [and] not according to what he hath not: a little in proportion to his abilities, is pleasing to God; yea, more pleasing, than it would be, if this proportion were less prudently observed. [I say this] not by any means, that [there should be] a rest to others, and affliction to you, that they should be eased, and you overburdened;

ᵈ To exert yourselves.] It is evident that, that it must signify a resolute and vigorous. To St. John, is an advance upon, as usual. So determination. Compare 1 Cor. xvi. 2.

tions on the liberality of the Macedonians.

But that of an equality, on just and equitable principles, your abundance [may be] at this time, wisely and happily employed, as [a supply] to their want: that at some other time, if Providence give the occasion and opportunity, their abundance also may be [so] to your want; that there may be such an equality in the distribution of the good things of this life, as our mutual relation to each other may require. For the bountiful Providence of God hath furnished them out in such an abundance, and given to some of you such a superfluity, that there is room for a liberal distribution, without injuring the original possessor; and if such a distribution be made, we shall find that, as it is written concerning the manna, (Exod. xvi. 18.) He that [had] much did not abound, when all came to be divided, and h that [had] little did not lack; so he that has the greatest abundance of this world, may find necessitous objects enough, and he that is most destitute, will be competently supplied, if his richer brethren do their duty in this respect.

IMPROVEMENT.

How peculiarly amiable does the Christian liberality of these verse Macedonians appear, when considered as abounding in a great trial of affliction, and in the depth of their poverty; yet a poverty, mingled with an abundance of joy, on account of that rich and happy state into which the gospel had brought them, and the first fruits of that glorious inheritance to which they were entitled by the tenor of it. They were willing of themselves to contribute, even beyond their power, as persons of common generosity would have estimated it. Nor did they on their dying beds repent such a use of their property, or wish that it had been spent in gratifying their appetites, or hoarded for those they were to leave behind them. Nor do they now regret these liberalities, or complain that their expected harvest is perished.

That their abundance, &c.] It might seem obvious to object, that the Corinthians were rich and prosperous, the Jews poor and oppressed; so that there was no room to expect that this should happen. But it might be replied, “all human affairs are uncertain; Corinth itself, from great prosperity, had been utterly undone in the Roman war by Mnemius some time before: or particular persons might be distressed, or the whole

body of Christians there reduced by persecutions, though their city continued to flourish.” He that had much, &c.] Perhaps nothing could more illustrate the powerful agency of the Divine Providence, in events which seem most contingent, than this, that though such different quantities of manna were gathered by different persons, yet on an average there should be an omer for each.

The apostle blesseth God for the zeal of Titus in this affair :

Lect us remember their example for imitation; nor let any, who have a mite to spare, be wholly deficient, how low soever their circumstances may be; remembering that gracious complacency, with which where there is a willing mind, the smallest tribute to the treasury of God, is accepted according to what a man hath, and not according to what he hath not. To animate us to the most generous efforts of overflowing benevolence, may we ever bear in our mind that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, of which we all know something, but which it is impossible we should ever fully know; because it passeth knowledge: that grace which engaged him, when rich, for our sakes to become poor, that we might be enriched by his poverty. What have we that deserves to be called a possession, which we do not hold by an act of Divine bounty and grace?

Let us consider ourselves as under indispensable engagements in consequence of it, to consecrate our all to him, conscious that our all is but a low return for the infinite obligations under which he has laid us. He hath contrived and determined, that the poor in some form or another we should have with us always, that we may do them good, as a token of our gratitude to him. Let us faithfully aim to supply their need, and he who hath most, will have no superfluity to throw away upon the lusts or vanities of life; and he who hath least, will have no unsupplied lack: but the poor will rejoice in the relief of their necessities; and the rich, in the happiest and most delightful use of their abundance.

2 Corinthians 8:16

Parallels: Colossians 50

The apostle expresses his joy for the readiness of Titus to assist in finishing the collection; and speaks of the honourable character of other Christian brethren, whom he had joined with him in the same commission. 2 Cor. VIII. 16, to the end.

2 CORINTHIANS VIII. 16.

BUT while I speak of this collection, which I am desirous of promoting, [I] would [return] my humble thanks to God, who gave that same diligent care for you in the heart of Titus, and formed him to these generous and

Christian sentiments. For indeed he not only cheerfully accepted, and complied with the exhortation I gave him; but being more forward than I thought to have found him, he went to you freely of his own accord, though he must see that some pressing and peculiar difficulties would attend the undertaking.

Cor. VIII. 16.

BUT thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

whom he sent also Luke and Apollos;

And we have also sent together with him, that excellent Christian brother a and friend, Luke, whose praise in the gospel [is] in all the churches, in account of the various and eminent services that he has done for the interests of Christianity, wherever his influence has extended, both by his writing and exhortations. And not only is he so b much esteemed on these accounts, but he was also ordained and appointed by the stretching forth of the hand, in token of the common consent of the churches, whom we consulted on this occasion, particularly in Macedonia, to be our fellow traveller, with this grace which is now administered and undertaken by us, purely for the glory of the same Lord, and for [the declaration of] your ready mind, in which I was desirous to let you know how heartily I concur.

And we now send him to you, and I have determined to join a man of his excellent character with me; carefully avoiding this, that any one should blame, or throw any reflection upon us, for the part we may take in the management of this abundance of your bounty, which is administered by us; lest any should be so unjust and cruel as to insinuate, that I have appropriated any part of it to my own use, or to any purpose whatsoever, different from that for which it was originally given: Therein providing things decent, honest and honourable, not only before the Lord, to whom it is our first, and chief care to approve ourselves, but also before men; that we may guard as much as possible, against any suspicion of our character,

a That brother, &c.] Some suppose this anonymous, though excellent person, to have been Mark, or Silas, or Barnabas; but I rather, with most commentators, suppose, it to have been Luke, who certainly attended St. Paul in this journey to Jerusalem. Some object, that the brother here spoken of was sent by St. Paul to Corinth, in company with Titus; whereas Luke went with St. Paul to Troas, and from thence to Corinth, Acts xx. 4, 6. But Dr. Whitby replies, I think with some considerable weight, that it is possible St. Paul might go from Philippi to Corinth, and from thence to Troas, and so persons sent before to prepare his way, might come

and bring word to St. Paul that the collection was ready, and go back with him to receive it. See Whitby on chap. ii. 12. Many ancient Christians thought that expression, whose praise in the gospel is in all the churches, refers to the universal applause with which St. Luke’s gospel was every where received; and I have paraphrase it so as to include that, though I think the apostle’s meaning more extensive. See Gurdon at Boyle’s Lect p. 482.

b And not only so] This 19th verse is to be included in a parenthesis, and the continued sense of verses 18 and 20 will be, we have sent that brother—to avoid blame, &c.

Who were deputed by the churches on this occ

which might hinder our usefulness. And we have sent with them, that is, with Luke and Titus, our other friend, and well beloved brother, Apollos, whom we have often proved in many other affairs, to be in a very extraordinary degree diligent; but who will now, I doubt not, approve himself much more diligent, and exert himself to the utmost in carrying on this collection, on account of the great confidence [I have] in you, as to your goodness and liberality: on which consideration he has changed his resolution against making you a visit, which, while he had any apprehension you might make him an occasion of quarrelling and contending, he would by no means be persuaded to do.

And if [there be any question] concerning Titus, [he is] my partner and my fellow labourer with respect to you; one, who sincerely shares my care for you, and is always ready to act in concert with me, in any attempt to correct what is amiss among you, and to promote your improvement in real Christianity. Or if the question be [concerning] any other of our brethren, whom I have mentioned above, [they are] the messengers of the churches, whom several Christian societies have chosen to send about this business; and they are persons of so valuable a character, [and] do so great a credit to their profession, that I may not improperly call them the glory of Christ in the world. Shew therefore to them, I entreat you, even in the sight of all the churches, to which they are related, and to whom they will undoubtedly make their report concerning you, the demonstration of your love, and the reasonableness of our boasting over you; that it may appear to be as well founded as I assuredly believe that it is.

The messengers of the churches.] I can think of nothing more unreasonable, than to translate this word, apostles; as the English word apostles, is now by long use appropriated to what is only a part of the signification of the original. As an apostle of Jesus Christ is one sent forth by him, so an apostle of any church must surely signify, one sent forth by that society. And if I believed that there was so early as at this time a minister in every church, superior to a common pastor, which the most able advocates for

Diocesan episcopacy seem not generally to think, I could not imagine it consistent with the dignity and importance of their office, that they should be parted with on such an errand, which any common deacon might with sufficient propriety have performed. It is indeed true, that St. Paul was charged with this trust; but then it seems to have been after he had determined on this journey to Jerusalem, and not to have been the occasion of that journey.

Reflections on St. Paul’s caution in managing the collection.

IMPROVEMENT.

THE tenderness of ministers, in all points, where the comfort and edification of the church is concerned, is indeed matter of the highest moment; and where it is remarkable in its degree, it affords just cause of thanksgivings to God: for it is he who puts into their hearts that earnest care, who excites and maintains every sentiment of benevolence, when they offer themselves willingly to any generous and charitable service. It is grace that has communicated whatever good is done; and it ought to be ascribed to the glory of the same Lord from whom it comes; and it loses much of its value, if it be not directed to this ultimate, this supreme end.

When the Corinthians desired to deposit their alms in the hands of St. Paul, they certainly acted a very wise part; as no man living could have rendered them more secure, as to the fidelity or the discretion of the distribution. Yet we see, that high as the apostle’s character stood, and though he had so often given, and was daily renewing such striking demonstrations both of his wisdom and integrity; yet he would not undertake the trust alone, but used all proper methods to approve his exactness in the management thereof, even to strangers; providing things honest and laudable, not only in the sight of God, but of all men.

May ministers be often thus employed, as the almoners of persons richer than themselves; (as their readiness to help the poor in their temporal affairs, may greatly promote their usefulness in spirituals;) and may they be found to manage their trust with the like conscious and delicate honour. May they shew a disposition, like that of St. Paul, to assist in establishing and advancing the characters of their younger brethren, and introducing them into esteem and confidence. Thus will they indeed most effectually strengthen their own hands, and edify and comfort the churches; will prove the glory of Christ themselves in the present age, and be the means of raising up others, who may eminently deserve that illustrious title, in succeeding generations.

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The apostle professes his confidence in their re