Bullet Point Bible - 2 Corinthians 8

The Generosity of the Macedonians

¹ Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia,² that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity.³ For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily,⁴ begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints.⁵ And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

Paul highlights the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) as models of generosity.
Their giving is attributed first to the "grace of God," emphasizing divine enablement.
Paradoxically, their generosity flowed from "severe ordeal" and "extreme poverty," not abundance.
This challenges the notion that one must be wealthy to be generous.
Their giving was sacrificial, going "beyond their ability."
They viewed giving not as a duty but as a "privilege" (Greek: *charis*, grace/favor) and actively sought to participate.
True Christian giving starts with dedicating oneself ("gave themselves first") to the Lord.
Their submission to God's will extended to submitting to apostolic leadership ("then to us").
This example serves as both encouragement and gentle rebuke to the wealthier Corinthians.

Exhortation to the Corinthians & Christ's Example

⁶ Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you.⁷ But as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you -make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.⁸ I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others.⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.

Titus, a trusted associate of Paul, had initiated the collection in Corinth earlier.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete what they started, framing generosity as an "act of kindness" or "grace" (*charis*).
He appeals to their desire to "excel," linking generosity to other spiritual virtues they valued (faith, speech, knowledge).
Paul avoids a direct command, preferring that their giving stem from genuine love, tested against the Macedonians' example.
The ultimate motivation and example for giving is the "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 8:9).
Christ's pre-incarnate "richness" refers to His divine glory and status.
His "becoming poor" encompasses the incarnation, humiliation, and sacrificial death.
The believers' "richness" is spiritual: salvation, inheritance in Christ, and relationship with God.
Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) provides the theological foundation for Christian self-giving.
This verse is a profound summary of the gospel and its implications for believers' conduct.

Completing the Collection with Willingness and Fairness

¹⁰ So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give,¹¹ to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means.¹² For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.¹³ For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality.¹⁴ At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality,¹⁵ as it is written: " The one who gatheredmuch did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little ."

Paul shifts from example to direct advice ("I am giving advice").
He reminds the Corinthians of their initial enthusiasm ("began last year... to have the desire").
The key is to translate good intentions ("eagerness in desiring") into concrete action ("complete the doing").
Giving should be proportional ("according to your ability"). God values the willingness behind the gift based on one's means.
God does not expect people to give what they do not possess.
The goal is "equality" (Greek: *isotēs*), meaning fairness or mutual support, not absolute uniformity of wealth.
This principle involves reciprocal sharing: the Corinthians' current abundance meets others' needs, anticipating a future reversal where others might help them.
Paul grounds this principle in Scripture, quoting Exodus 16:18 regarding the gathering of manna.
Just as God provided enough manna for each Israelite regardless of how much they gathered, He ensures sufficiency within the community of faith through mutual sharing.
This collection was for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem, demonstrating church unity across ethnic and geographic lines.

Titus and His Companions: Ensuring Integrity

¹⁶ But thanks be to God who put in the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you,¹⁷ because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, he is coming to you of his own accord.¹⁸ And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his work in spreading the gospel.¹⁹ In addition, this brother has also been chosen by the churches as our traveling companion as we administer this generous gift to the glory of the Lord himself and to show our readiness to help.²⁰ We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering.²¹ For we are concernedabout what is right not only before the Lord but also before men .²² And we are sending with them our brother whom we have tested many times and found eager in many matters, but who now is much more eager than ever because of the great confidence he has in you.²³ If there is any question about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you; if there is any question about our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, a glory to Christ.²⁴ Therefore show them openly before the churches the proof of your love and of our pride in you.

Paul expresses gratitude for Titus's shared commitment ("same devotion") to the Corinthians.
Titus's willingness to go was voluntary ("of his own accord"), demonstrating his personal investment.
Paul sends two unnamed companions with Titus to handle the collection.
The first companion was well-regarded ("praised by all the churches") for gospel ministry and officially "appointed by the churches" as a delegate for the collection.
Sending multiple delegates ensured transparency and accountability in handling finances.
Paul proactively guarded against potential criticism or suspicion ("so that no one will be able to criticize us").
Financial integrity is crucial, considering what is right "not only before the Lord but also before men" (cf. Proverbs 3:4).
The second companion was also tested and proven "diligent," further reinforcing the trustworthiness of the delegation.
Paul strongly endorses his team: Titus as his "partner," the others as "messengers (apostles) of the churches" and the "glory of Christ."
He urges the Corinthians to receive these delegates warmly, thereby validating Paul's confidence in the Corinthians' love and generosity.
This section underscores the importance of practical wisdom and ethical conduct in ministry, especially concerning finances.

The Bullet Point Bible

2 Corinthians 8