2 Corinthians 8

I we do you to wit. Rather, as R.V., “we make known unto you.” The churches of Macedonia included those at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berœa.

The apostle speaks of their liberality in the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem, which he had already commended to the Corinthian church (1 Cor. xvi. 1-4).

2 the abundance of their joy, etc. The apostle strongly brings out the seemingly paradoxical nature of his assertion. Abundant joy may well overflow in abundant benevolence; but that it should exist with the deepest poverty, and that even that poverty should overflow in abundant worldly-minded people like the Corinthians; though it was happily shown to be possible by the example of the Macedonians.

4 praying us with much entreaty, etc. Rather, “with much entreaty begging of us the grace and the fellowship of the ministry (i.e., that they might take their part in ministering) to the saints.”

5 not as we hoped. Acting in the spirit of genuine Christian charity, they far exceeded our expectation; giving themselves as well as their alms, as those who were consecrated to the Lord, and ready to share our toils: see Acts xx. 4; Col. iv. 10; Phil. ii. 30.

6 insomuch that. That is, encouraged by this liberality.

8. I speak not by commandment. That is, “I do not command this, but I advise it (10); for I wish to stimulate you by the example of others, and to prove the genuineness of your love; for you well (9) know, from the matchless example of our Lord Jesus, how genuine love shows itself (Phil. ii. 5-8).

10 for this is expedient for you, etc. Rather, “this advice [rather than command] is suitable for you, as you began before [those other churches] not only to act but also to will [i.e., to take it up cordially] from last year.” They had probably done something towards it before they received the former epistle written in the spring, but then their zeal was increased: see 1 Cor. xvi. 1, and note.

14 that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want. If your circumstances should make it necessary.

15 as it is written, etc. Exod. xvi. 18 is adduced here, simply as an illustration of equality.

18 the brother. Unknown, but supposed by some to have been Luke, who so often appears as Paul’s companion. “His praise in the gospel” means, his repute as a preacher. A second “brother,” mentioned in ver. 22, is likewise unnamed.

19 who was also chosen of the churches, etc. He had been appointed by the churches of Macedonia to accompany Paul in making the collection and taking it to Jerusalem; the apostle having himself urged such companionship, to guard himself against any imputations of dishonesty (20, 21).

and [declaration of] your ready mind. R.V. has “[to show] our readiness”; i.e., that the business may be so administered as to glorify God and to show Paul’s readiness to help the Christians in Judæa (see Gal. ii. 10); and to show his uprightness by having a colleague.

21 providing for honest things. R.V., “for we take thought for things honourable.” The phrase is taken from Prov. iii. 4 (LXX).

22 which [I have] in you. “He hath,” should be supplied (R.V.), rather than “I have.”

23 messengers. Greek, “apostles”; i.e., men chosen (19) and sent by “the churches” (Phil. ii. 25); as Paul and his colleagues were by the Lord.

the glory of Christ. “Whoever excels in piety is the glory of Christ, because he has nothing which is not Christ’s gift” (Calvin).