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2 Corinthians · Chapter 8

2 Corinthians 8

Berean Standard Bible · Public domain · Source credits

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Generosity Commended

(Philippians 4:10–20)

1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.

2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

5And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

6So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.

7But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.*

8I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

10And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.

11Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means.

12For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.

14At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

15As it is written:“He who gathered much had no excess,and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”*

Titus Commended

(Titus 1:1–4)

16But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.

17For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.

18Along with Titus we are sending the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel.

19More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the offering —the gracious gift we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.*

20We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.

21For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.

22And we are sending along with them our brother whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.

23As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, to the glory of Christ.*

24In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.

Source notes

  1. 8:7 Or in your love for us
  2. 8:15 Exodus 16:18 Read Exodus 16:18
  3. 8:19 See 1 Corinthians 16:3–4. Read 1 Corinthians 16:3
  4. 8:23 Or apostles

Old Testament references

References from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge. Text from the Berean Standard Bible.

Exodus 16:18

When they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall. Each one gathered as much as he needed to eat.

Nehemiah 8:10

Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:11

And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.”

Nehemiah 8:12

Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.

Deuteronomy 15:4

There will be no poor among you, however, because the LORD will surely bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you to possess as an inheritance,

Proverbs 11:25

A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Isaiah 32:5

No longer will a fool be called noble, nor a scoundrel be respected.

Isaiah 32:6

For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.

Isaiah 32:7

The weapons of the scoundrel are destructive; he hatches plots to destroy the poor with lies, even when the plea of the needy is just.

Isaiah 32:8

But a noble man makes honorable plans; he stands up for worthy causes.

Exodus 35:5

Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Let everyone whose heart is willing bring an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze;

Exodus 35:21

And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.

Exodus 35:22

So all who had willing hearts, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings, rings and necklaces, and all kinds of gold jewelry. And they all presented their gold as a wave offering to the LORD.

Read the commentary on 2 Corinthians 8

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