Read 2 Corinthians 8
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2%20Corinthians%208&version=NIV
8:1–7 Second Corinthians 8:1–6 was written as one sentence in the original Greek. Paul spoke of the offering here, just after his warm-hearted commendation of their repentance and just before he made a final attack on the false apostles (2 Cor. 10–13). The offering was a duty (Rom. 15:25–27; cf. Gal. 2:10, “the poor”). Paul had instructed the Corinthians concerning giving to the needs of the saints (1 Cor. 16:1–4; cf. Acts 11:29; Gal. 2:10). Now he encouraged them to complete the preparations for their gift to the Jerusalem church. Their positive response to this exhortation is evidenced in Romans 15:25–26.
The churches of Macedonia (2 Cor. 8:1), the province of northern Greece, included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. These churches were cited as examples in sacrificial giving (cf. Phil. 4:15–18). Paul’s concern was that the work on the collection for the Jerusalem church (2 Cor. 8:6), a project begun a year earlier (8:10), be brought to completion.
8:8–15 This exhortation to sincere love was based on a divine example (8:8–11). For an application of Christ’s selfless example in 8:9, see Paul’s experience in 6:10. The Corinthians were to continue that line of enriching and sacrificial giving.
Sincere love was also based on human equality (8:12–15). Paul’s quotation of Exodus 16:18 showed that God always intended for needs to be met on the basis of relative need. The one who needs much should receive much (cf. 1 Cor. 16:2). When God gave the Israelites manna in the wilderness, those who gathered more than others were not able to save it, and those who gathered less had a sufficient amount. Equality was a sign of divine intention and provision. Paul’s use of the term “equality” (8:13) did not mean that everyone had to have the same amount. Rather, everyone’s basic needs were to be met; those in need were to be helped by those with plenty.
8:16–8:24
The motivation of Titus, 8:16–23, came from God putting earnestness within him. The Macedonians’ motivation to give their offering also came from God (8:3). Paul continued to support his views with Old Testament Scripture (8:21, quoting Prov. 3:4). The “brother” (8:18) is not identified, although it has been suggested that he was perhaps Luke or Trophimus.
Discussion question
What does Paul mean by saying "the gift is acceptable according to what one has?"
Reflection question
What letter grade would you give your attitude and zeal for God by your giving
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All persons cannot give the same amount. God blesses different people with different amounts of riches. The key is not necessarily how much you give but the willingness to give what you can.
ReplyDeleteAgain I agree with Doug. God knows how much we can and cannot give and he blesses us by the giving, not the amount. Also, by our willingness to give and not by feeling resentment in our giving.
ReplyDeleteYes, that each one will give differently depending on what the person has. Paul tells to give what we can. Each person will be different. I think he means for us to do our best & give the best we can.
ReplyDeleteIf you are giving in proportion to your income, your gift will be acceptable, even if it isn't much. Malachi 3 asked for 10% of your increase. If your income is low, that can be very difficult. We are to control our expenses and do our best. I don't feel I have this completely conquered yet. Since I retired and my husband passed away, the "widow's mite" has taken on new meaning.
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