2 Corinthians 8 explained: An Appeal to Share With the Poor

The poor churches who gave (vv. 1-7)

The churches of Macedonia in northern Greece, such as Philippi and Thessalonica, were poor and facing hard times, yet they begged to join Paul's collection for needy believers in Jerusalem. Paul sees their generosity as a gift from God, and asks Corinth to complete the giving that Titus had already started there.

Not an order (vv. 8-9)

Paul says plainly he is not commanding them; he wants their giving to show their love is real. Christians read verse 9 as meaning Jesus left the glory he shared with God to live a humble human life, so that others could share in God's riches.

Finish what you began (vv. 10-12)

A year earlier Corinth had been first to want to give and to start setting money aside, but the gift was not yet complete. Paul asks them to follow through, and says a gift counts by what a person actually has, not by what they lack.

Enough for everyone (vv. 13-15)

Paul does not want Corinth to suffer so others can be comfortable; the aim is balance, since one day the situation might be reversed. He recalls the story of manna in the wilderness, the food God provided Israel, where everyone ended up with just what they needed.

Trusted people carry the money (vv. 16-24)

Titus is coming eagerly, along with two respected believers, one chosen by the churches to travel with the gift; the text does not name them, and guesses such as Luke are uncertain. Paul arranges this so no one can accuse him of mishandling the money, wanting to be honest in people's eyes as well as God's.

Key verse: 2 Corinthians 8:9

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether Paul's call for equality sets a lasting principle for how believers should share wealth, or mainly describes voluntary relief for one particular crisis.

Something to think about

When you have given or received help, what made it feel like a real gift rather than an obligation?