Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 8

Tactfully, Paul begins with an example, not a plea. Although they were facing a severe ordeal involving persecution (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14), the Macedonian churches (e.g., those at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) had contributed generously. As Paul expresses it, their “rich generosity” resulted from “overflowing joy” (v.2). Their “extreme poverty” no more impeded their generosity than their tribulation diminished their joy. This liberal giving by destitute Christians to fellow believers not personally known to them Paul traces to the influence of God’s “grace” (charis; GK 5921; this word occurs 10 times in chs. 8–9, with varying meanings). The apostle was not concerned about the actual size of the gift but about the attitude of the givers (cf. Romans 12:8) and the relation between the size of the gift and the resources of the givers (cf. Mark 12:41–44).

Tactfully, Paul begins with an example, not a plea. Although they were facing a severe ordeal involving persecution (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14), the Macedonian churches (e.g., those at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) had contributed generously. As Paul expresses it, their “rich generosity” resulted from “overflowing joy” (v.2). Their “extreme poverty” no more impeded their generosity than their tribulation diminished their joy. This liberal giving by destitute Christians to fellow believers not personally known to them Paul traces to the influence of God’s “grace” (charis; GK 5921; this word occurs 10 times in chs. 8–9, with varying meanings). The apostle was not concerned about the actual size of the gift but about the attitude of the givers (cf. Romans 12:8) and the relation between the size of the gift and the resources of the givers (cf. Mark 12:41–44).

In describing the nature of the Macedonians’ generosity, Paul makes several observations. First, they gave far more generously than their slender means and adverse circumstances permitted. Their eagerness to contribute led them to surpass all expectations.

Second, acting on their own initiative, they “urgently pleaded” with Paul for the “privilege of sharing” (Gk. koinonia, “fellowship”; GK 3126) in the collection. Since 1 Corinthians 16:1 mentions only “the Galatian churches,” not the Macedonian churches, and since 1 Corinthians 16:5 makes no reference to the collection, it seems likely that the collection in Macedonia began after the spring of A. D. 55. One reason for Paul’s sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia (Acts 19:22) may have been to introduce the collection project there, though Paul was reluctant to encourage the poor Macedonians to contribute (v.2). A third reason why the Macedonians exceeded Paul’s expectations was that they did not restrict their contribution to financial aid. Rather, they dedicated themselves to Christ first and then also to Paul for the performance of any service in connection with the collection. They recognized that dedication to Christ involved dedication to his servants. All was part of God’s will.

In describing the nature of the Macedonians’ generosity, Paul makes several observations. First, they gave far more generously than their slender means and adverse circumstances permitted. Their eagerness to contribute led them to surpass all expectations.

Second, acting on their own initiative, they “urgently pleaded” with Paul for the “privilege of sharing” (Gk. koinonia, “fellowship”; GK 3126) in the collection. Since 1 Corinthians 16:1 mentions only “the Galatian churches,” not the Macedonian churches, and since 1 Corinthians 16:5 makes no reference to the collection, it seems likely that the collection in Macedonia began after the spring of A. D. 55. One reason for Paul’s sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia (Acts 19:22) may have been to introduce the collection project there, though Paul was reluctant to encourage the poor Macedonians to contribute (v.2). A third reason why the Macedonians exceeded Paul’s expectations was that they did not restrict their contribution to financial aid. Rather, they dedicated themselves to Christ first and then also to Paul for the performance of any service in connection with the collection. They recognized that dedication to Christ involved dedication to his servants. All was part of God’s will.

In describing the nature of the Macedonians’ generosity, Paul makes several observations. First, they gave far more generously than their slender means and adverse circumstances permitted. Their eagerness to contribute led them to surpass all expectations.

Second, acting on their own initiative, they “urgently pleaded” with Paul for the “privilege of sharing” (Gk. koinonia, “fellowship”; GK 3126) in the collection. Since 1 Corinthians 16:1 mentions only “the Galatian churches,” not the Macedonian churches, and since 1 Corinthians 16:5 makes no reference to the collection, it seems likely that the collection in Macedonia began after the spring of A. D. 55. One reason for Paul’s sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia (Acts 19:22) may have been to introduce the collection project there, though Paul was reluctant to encourage the poor Macedonians to contribute (v.2). A third reason why the Macedonians exceeded Paul’s expectations was that they did not restrict their contribution to financial aid. Rather, they dedicated themselves to Christ first and then also to Paul for the performance of any service in connection with the collection. They recognized that dedication to Christ involved dedication to his servants. All was part of God’s will.