Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:1

"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;" — 2 Corinthians 8:1 (ASV)

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).