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2 Corinthians 8
8:1-8
How did the Macedonian church give beyond what they were able?
[8:2]
Paul commended the Christians in Macedonia because they not only gave as much as they were able, but many gave even more. That is, they even gave money they needed. Scholars think the Macedonian Christians gave this way and then trusted that God would take care of them.
See: Romans 15:26-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
See Map: Macedonia
How did people give of their own free will?
[8:3]
People gave of their own free will. The Macedonian Christians decided to help the Christians in Jerusalem. The Macedonian chose to do this and were happy to do it.
See: Exodus 35:29; Acts 11:27-30
How did these Christians first give themselves to the Lord?
[8:5]
When Paul said that the Christians “first gave themselves to the Lord,” he meant that the Christians were completely devoted to God. That is, they were committed to serve God in all ways. Scholars think these Christians, because of their desire to follow God, prepared themselves to give generously to the Christians in Jerusalem.
See: Psalm 116:12-14
See: Lord
What was the act of grace?
[8:6]
Paul wrote about an act of grace. He was writing about the money the Christians sent. They did this graciously.
See: Grace
What was Titus doing in Corinth?
[8:6]
Titus was in Corinth helping the Christians to finish collecting money that were to be sent to the Christians in Jerusalem.
See: Introduction to 2 Corinthians; Titus
How did Christians abound in everything?
[8:7]
Paul wrote about Christians abounding in everything Some scholars think Christians had more than other people and more than they expected to have. God blessed them greatly. However, God did not make them rich. Since God blessed the Corinthian Christians, Paul wanted these Christians to give money to other Christians.
See: 1 Corinthians 1:4-7, 15:58; Colossians 2:6-7
8:9-15
What happened one year ago?
[8:10]
Paul wrote about something that happened one year ago. At this time, the Christians in Corinth promised that they would begin collecting money to give to the Christians in Jerusalem. See: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4
Why did Paul want these Christians to give in fairness?
[8:13]
Paul wanted these Christians to give in fairness. Paul wanted the Christians in Corinth to give money to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. However, he did want them to give so much that the poor Christians in Corinth suffered.
Why did Paul write the same thing Moses wrote?
[8:15]
Paul wrote the same thing Moses wrote (see: Exodus 16). Some scholars think Moses wrote about how the people gathered manna. Some people gathered much manna and other people did not gather much manna. Then, they shared the manna (see: Exodus 16:14-18). Scholars think Paul wanted Christians to remember how God provides for everyone. He wanted Christians to share with people who needed help.
See: Manna
8:16-24
How did Titus go of his own free will?
[8:17]
Titus went to Corinth of his own free will. That is, he wanted to go to Corinth.
How was someone honorable before people?
[8:21]
Paul wrote about someone being honorable before people. Scholars think Paul was speaking about doing things that honored God and honored other people.
See: Romans 12:16-17; 1 Peter 2:12