Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 8
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Corinthians 8
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Corinthians 8
"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia; how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, [they gave] of their own accord, beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints: and [this], not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also." — 2 Corinthians 8:1-6 (ASV)
The grace of God must be acknowledged as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favor from God if we are made useful to others and eager for any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians.
So far from Paul needing to urge them, they pleaded with him to receive the gift. Whatever we use or spend for God, it is only giving Him what is His own. All we give for charitable purposes will not be accepted by God, nor will it benefit us, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord.
By ascribing all truly good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to Him to whom it is due, but also show people where their strength lies. Abundant spiritual joy enlarges people's hearts in the work and labor of love. How different this is from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work unless they are urged into it!
"But as ye abound in everything, [in] faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and [in] all earnestness, and [in] your love to us, [see] that ye abound in this grace also. I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich." — 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 (ASV)
Faith is the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God (Hebrews 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. Finally, he emptied himself, as it were, to ransom their souls by his sacrifice on the cross.
From what riches, blessed Lord, to what poverty did you descend for our sakes! And to what riches have you advanced us through your poverty! It is our happiness to be wholly at your disposal.
"And herein I give [my] judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will. But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there may be] the completion also out of your ability. For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not. For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed; but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality: as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack." — 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 (ASV)
Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to see, and give hope of good fruit; but they are lost and mean nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are good; but we lose the benefit unless there is perseverance. When people intend what is good and endeavor according to their ability also to perform it, God will not reject them for what is not in their power to do.
But this scripture will not justify those who think good intentions are enough, or that good purposes and the mere profession of a willing mind are enough for salvation. Providence gives more of the good things of this world to some and less to others, so that those who have abundance might supply others who are in need. It is God's will that by mutually supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not a leveling that would destroy property, for in such a case, there could be no exercise of charity.
All should consider it their concern to relieve those in need. This is shown by the gathering and distributing the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:18). Those who have the most of this world, have no more than food and clothing; and those who have but little of this world are seldom entirely without them.
"But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel [is spread] through all the churches; and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [the matter of] this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and [to show] our readiness: Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us: for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. and we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which [he hath] in you. Whether [any inquire] about Titus, [he is] my partner and [my] fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [they are] the glory of Christ. Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf." — 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 (ASV)
The apostle commends the brothers sent to collect their charitable offering, so that it might be known who they were and how safely they could be trusted.
It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently and, as far as we can, to prevent all unjust suspicions. It is necessary, first, to act uprightly in the sight of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be addressed. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is required for usefulness.
These individuals brought glory to Christ as instruments and had obtained honor from Christ to be considered faithful and employed in His service. The good opinion others have of us should be a motivation for us to do well.
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