Study notes
The churches in Macedonia included the church in Philippi. According to Acts and Philippians, this church faced many troubles and was very poor. Despite this, they generously sent gifts to Paul and supported the collection (8:4–5; Philippians 1:5; 2:25–30; 4:15–20).
Paul now focuses on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church (8:4; 9:1). This relief fund aimed to help the poor believers in the holy city (Acts 11:27–30; Romans 15:25–27, 31; Galatians 2:10). Paul had previously given instructions about this matter (1 Corinthians 16:1–2). Now it was time to gather the funds (2 Corinthians 8:6). Paul hoped this gift from non-Jewish congregations to the Jewish church would strengthen ties between the two groups in the early Christian community.
The believers in Macedonia were an example of giving freely to others. Paul called giving to others a grace. It’s based on the grace that Jesus showed. Jesus gave everything he had to help others.
Believers receive forgiveness, love and eternal life from Jesus. Because of this, they should show grace to others and give freely to them. The churches Paul had helped start were collecting an offering of money. It was for needy people in the church in Jerusalem. Paul, Titus and other workers would deliver it.
Paul wanted to make sure that the Corinthians had their money ready in time. This offering was a way for Gentile believers to take care of Jewish believers. It showed that God’s people are joined together as one.
When Titus returned to Corinth with this letter from Paul in Macedonia, he would begin collecting donations.
This verse is central to Paul's teaching on Christian giving (8:1–9:15). The Corinthians were known for their spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:5–7; 14:12). Now, they should lead in the generous act of giving, which shows true spirituality (see 1 Corinthians 13:1–13). God had been generous to the Corinthians, so they should help the Jewish believers in need (2 Corinthians 9:13). This would show unity in Christ.
The Lord himself is the model for generous giving. He was rich in the Father's presence (John 17:5, 24) but became poor by living as a human and dying on the cross (see Philippians 2:6–11). Through this selfless act, he made people rich with the blessings of salvation.
A year ago, you began collecting an offering for Jerusalem, inspired by 1 Corinthians 16:1–2. Therefore, this letter is written at least one year after 1 Corinthians.
Paul quotes from Exodus 16:18 to explain that Christians have a shared duty. Wealthy believers, like the Corinthians, should assist poorer believers in Jerusalem. This way, everyone will have enough.
Two other Christian men would travel with Titus to Corinth to prevent any criticism about managing the relief funds they collected (8:20–21). Titus and his companions would ensure proper handling of the money. The identities of the two companions are unknown.
the glory of Christ: Paul's last phrase is very expressive in Greek. They are examples of Christians who reflect the Lord’s splendor (3:1–18).
Verse notes: Adapted by Mission Mutual (Aquifer Open Study Notes) from Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. CC BY-SA 4.0. Section notes: Biblica Study Notes © 2023 Biblica, Inc. CC BY-SA 4.0, via BibleAquifer. About the sources