2 Corinthianschapter 8

24 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 291 cross-references outward and receives 380 — heaviest partner: 2 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

The grace of God bestowed on the Macedonian churches — in a great trial of affliction, their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. They first gave themselves to the Lord. Paul urges the Corinthians to abound in this grace also. Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ — though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. Titus and a brother will gather the collection. JFB reads the chapter as the apostolic theology of Christian giving grounded in Christ's self-impoverishment.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 2 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

2 how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

3 For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

4 beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

5 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.

6 Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.

7 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.

8 I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

9 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.