2 Corinthians8
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 We to , , about the of that has been the of ,
2 a of , their have a on their part.
3 they gave their , as I can , their , of their own ,
4 the of the of —
5 this, we , they to the and the of to .
6 , he had , he should act of .
7 you —in , in , in , in , our — see you act of .
8 I as a , to prove the of is genuine.
9 you the of , , yet he , so by might become .
10 in this I my : , a to this work to to do it.
11 So it as well, so in it may be matched by your it out what you .
12 the readiness is , it is a person , according to he have.
13 I do mean that be and , that as a matter
14 the should , so , there may .
15 it is , Whoever , .
16 be to , the of the I have .
17 he not only our , himself very he is of his own .
18 we are the who the for his preaching the .
19 that, he has the to with as we act of is being , the of himself to .
20 We this so that should is being ,
21 for we what is in the Lord’s in the of .
22 with we are we tested and , who is than ever because of his .
23 As , he is for your . And as , they are of the , the of .
24 the of of these .
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2 Corinthians 8Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Corinthians 8. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle reminds them of charitable contributions for the poor saints. (1–6). Enforces this by their gifts, and by the love and grace of Christ. (7–9). By the willingness they had shown to this good work. (10–15). He recommends Titus to them. (16–24).
vv1-6
The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. So far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving him what is his own. All we give for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord. By ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to him whose due it is, but also show men where their strength is. Abundant spiritual joy enlarges men's hearts in the work and labour of love. How different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work, unless urged into it!
vv7-9
Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God, Heb 11:6, so those who abound in faith, will abound in other graces and good works also; and this will work and show itself by love. Great talkers are not always the best doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk well. To all these good things the apostle desires them to add this grace also, to abound in charity to the poor. The best arguments for Christian duties, are drawn from the grace and love of Christ. Though he was rich, as being God, equal in power and glory with the Father, yet he not only became man for us, but became poor also. At length he emptied himself, as it were, to ransom their souls by his sacrifice on the cross. From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty didst thou descend for our sakes! and to what riches hast thou advanced us through thy poverty! It is our happiness to be wholly at thy disposal.
vv10-15
Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Ex 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them.
Key Words
ὑμῖν (hymîn): to (with or by) you
γνωρίζω (gnōrízō): to make known; subjectively, to know
ἀδελφός (adelphós): a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))
χάρις (cháris): graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude)
θεός (theós): figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
δίδωμι (dídōmi): to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía): a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both)
Μακεδονία (Makedonía): Macedonia, a region of Greece
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Cross References
2 Corinthians 8Explicit quotation of the manna distribution in the wilderness to illustrate the principle of spiritual and physical equality.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Parallels Paul's exhortation to provide things honest and reputable in the sight of both God and men.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
The formal apostolic mandate to remember the poor at Jerusalem, which Paul was eager to fulfill.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Historical record of the contribution made by Macedonia and Achaia for the poor saints in Jerusalem.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Reminds the Corinthians of their abundance in spiritual gifts like utterance and knowledge, as noted previously.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Paul's previous instruction to this same church regarding the weekly collection for the saints.
Supported by John Calvin
The model of true spiritual service: first giving ourselves to God as a living sacrifice.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The dedication of the Gentile offering to the Lord, mirroring the Macedonians giving themselves first.
Supported by JFB
Paul offers his judgment/advice rather than a direct commandment, similar to his approach in 1 Corinthians.
Supported by JFB
An earlier example of believers contributing to relief according to their individual ability.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The widow's mite demonstrates how deep poverty can abound unto the riches of liberality.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Verbal echo of Paul speaking by permission/advice rather than by absolute apostolic commandment.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallels the 'earnest care' and like-minded concern for the saints shown by Titus and Timothy.
Supported by JFB