2 Corinthians 8
DortI. Paul propounds to the Corinthians the example of the churches of Macedonia, who had made a liberal contribution for the poor believers at Jerusalem, 6. and declares that he had given command to Titus to promote the like with them also. 9. sets also before them the example of Christ, who became poor, by his poverty to make us rich, 10. and exhorts them now well to finish that which they had well begun for a year ago. 13. Yet not so that they should distress themselves to ease others, but out of their abundance to supply others wants, 15. as was done in the gathering of Manna. 16. Testifies further that Titus was gone unto them, to bring this over, 18. with one brother more who was chosen by the churches for this purpose, 20. to prevent all slanderous reports, 22. and yet a third whose faithfulness had now been tried divers times, as well by himself as by the churches.
1. Furthermore we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God [That is, the bounty by the grace of God, which moved their hearts, to make so liberal a contribution to the poor at Jerusalem, as the following verse declares] which is given in the churches of Macedonia: [or by.]
2. That in much trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy [Namely, springing from their faith in Christ, notwithstanding all tribulation. See Romans 5:3.] and their very deep poverty [that is, although by their great afflictions they seemed to be come to the extremist poverty, notwithstanding they were abundant in giving] was abundant unto the riches [that is, unto abundant liberality, as the following verse sets forth] of their bounty. [or simplicity, uprightness, namely, in giving.]
3. For according to ability (I testify it) yea beyond ability, they were willing.
4. Beseeching us with exhortation [Or consolation] that we would receive [that is, taken upon us] the gift [Gr. the grace, i.e. the benevolent gift] and the communion of this ministration [that is, the care well to dispose of this collection, and to cause it to come to the right hands, as a token of their communion with them] which is done for the Saints. [namely, at Jerusalem. See 1 Cor. 16. 3, 4. Romans 15:26.]
5. And (did) not (only) as we had hoped, [That is, did more than we had hoped or expected] but gave themselves [namely, yet more diligently and abundantly] first to the Lord, and (afterward) to us by the will of God.
6. So that we exhorted Titus, that like as he had begun before [Namely, to stir you up to all spiritual virtues, as is declared in the following verse] so also he would finish [that is, would bring to a good end] yet this gift [Gr. this grace, i.e. this gift of liberality, as v. 1, 7, 19.] with you.
7. So then as ye are abundant in all things, in faith, and in word, and in knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, look that ye be abundant in this gift also.
8. I say not (this) (as) commanding, [Gr. according to command] but (as) by the diligence of others, [that is, by the example of the diligence and liberality of the churches in Macedonia] proving the uprightness of your love also.
9. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that he for your sakes became poor, [Namely, when he made himself as nothing, taking on him the form of a servant, Philippians 2:5, & c.] when he was rich, [namely, a Lord of all things, see Hebrews 1:2.] that ye by his poverty might become rich. [that is, be made partakers of all his spiritual and heavenly good things, 1 Corinth. 1. 30.]
10. And I speak [Gr. I give, as 1 Cor. 7. 25.] in this (my) opinion. For this is expedient for you, as who have begun not only the doing, but also the willing [that is, doing with diligence and willingness: for that is more than only to will, or only to do] for above a year ago.
11. But now finish also the doing: that like as there was the readiness of the mind to will, there may be also the finishing, out of which ye have. [That is, according to the measure of that which ye have.]
12. For if before there be the readiness of the mind, once is accepted [Namely, by God in the distributing of his gifts. See Mark 12:43. 2 Cor. 9. 7.] according to that which he hath, not according to that which he hath not.
13. For (I speak this) not that others should have ease, and you oppression. [That is, that others should obtain abundance by your gifts, and ye have want, or too much straiten yourselves.]
14. But (that by equality, in this present time your abundance (may be to supply) their want: that their abundance also may be (to supply) your want, [Namely, when in the time of persecution: or otherwise ye also may have need for their help. Others take it for the abundance of spiritual gifts, which they of Jerusalem might the more diligently and the more fitly to impart to the Gentiles, when they should not be necessitated to trouble themselves for a temporal livelihood] that there may be equality. [namely, in giving or receiving according to the need and abundance of every one. Or that the one member do not too much abound, and the other be not too much straitened: which agrees all as well with the following verse]
15. As it is written [Namely, Exodus 16:18, in the gathering of the manna. For they that had gathered much, took out of it but each a gomer for their sustenance, they that had little, filled the same gomer out of that which was gathered by others, that which any one brought home more corrupted and perished.] He that (had gathered) much, had nothing over: and he that (had gathered) little, had not too little.
16. But thanks be to God, who gave the same diligence for you, [That is, this carefulness to exhort and move you also hereunto as the following verse declares] in the heart of Titus.
17. That he took upon him the exhortation, and being very diligent, willingly traveled unto you. [Gr. went forth.]
18. And we have also sent with him the brother, [This many ancient Teachers think to have been Luke, who wrote the Gospel of Christ: but seeing here is not spoken of writing the Gospel, but of preaching the same, that is uncertain, as also that it was Barnabas] who hath praise in the Gospel through all churches.
19. And not only that, but he was also chosen by the churches [The Greek word properly signifies a choice which is made by lifting up or stretching forth of hands: so that Paul had not only ordained this person himself hereunto, but also the churches of Macedonia. See of this word also Acts 14:23.] to travel with us with this gift [that is, benefit, bountiful contribution, as divers times before] which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord himself, and the readiness of your mind. [that is, for a demonstration of your benevolence and liberality.]
20. Avoiding this [Namely, by adjoining others who have taken this charge upon them together with us, as that which follows declares] that n o man may reproach us [or blame, burden us with evil suspicion, if we had brought over such abundant alms alone, which might easily have been done by the false Apostles, and other Enemies of the Gospel] in this abundance, which is administered by us.
21. As who take care for that which is beseeming, not only before the Lord , but also before men.
22. We have also sent with them our brother, [This some think to have been Apollo’s. But it is also uncertain] whom we have often in many things proved to be diligent: and now much more diligent through the great confidence that (he hath) unto you. [Or that we have]
23. Whether (therefore) Titus, [Gr. of Titus, i.e. would men know who Titus is] he is my companion, and fellow-labourer towards you: whether our brethren, [namely, who together with Titus are chosen hereunto by the churches of Macedonia, whereof he had spoken, v. 18. 22.] they are Messengers of the churches [Gr. Apostles, as this word is also sometimes taken for all manner of Teachers and Messengers, See Romans 16:7.] (and) an honour of Christ. [Gr. a glory of Christ, i.e. such persons whereby the honour of Christ is singularly promoted.]
24. Show then unto them the demonstration of your love, and of our glorying you, even before the face of the churches. [That is, as who shall have all the churches for witness of this your love and bounty, which shall get notice of it.]