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2 Corinthians Chapter 8

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 24 Verses

What is 2 Corinthians 8 about?

Paul's defense of his apostleship and the theology of the ministry of reconciliation through weakness and suffering. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;
2how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
3For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, [they gave] of their own accord,
4beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
5and [this], not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.
6Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace also.
7But 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.
8I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
9For 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.
10And herein I give [my] judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.
11But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there may be] the completion also out of your ability.
12For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not.
13For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed;
14but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality:
15as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack.
16But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.
17For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord.
18And we have sent together with him the brother whose praise in the gospel [is spread] through all the churches;
19and not only so, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [the matter of] this grace, which is ministered by us to the glory of the Lord, and [to show] our readiness:
20Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in [the matter of] this bounty which is ministered by us:
21for we take thought for things honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
22and we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which [he hath] in you.
23Whether [any inquire] about Titus, [he is] my partner and [my] fellow-worker to you-ward, or our brethren, [they are] the messengers of the churches, [they are] the glory of Christ.
24Show ye therefore unto them in the face of the churches the proof of your love, and of our glorying on your behalf.
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What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God, etc..] The apostle having said everything that was proper to conciliate the minds and affections of the Corinthians to him, and the matter in difference being adjusted to the satisfaction of all parties concerned; he proposes what he had wisely postponed till all was over, the making a collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem; which he enforces by the example of the Macedonian churches, the churches at Philippi, Thessalonica, etc.. He addresses them in a kind and tender manner, under the endearing appellation of “brethren”, being so in a spiritual…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS; THE READINESS OF THE MACEDONIANS A PATTERN TO THE CORINTHIANS; CHRIST THE HIGHEST PATTERN; EACH IS TO GIVE WILLINGLY AFTER HIS ABILITY; TITUS AND TWO OTHERS ARE THE AGENTS ACCREDITED TO COMPLETE THE COLLECTION. (2Co. 8:1-24) we do you to wit--we make known to you. the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia--Their liberality was not of themselves naturally, but of God's grace bestowed on them, and enabling them to be the instrument of God's "grace" to others (Co2 8:6, Co2 8:19). The importance given in this Epistle to the collection, arose as well from Paul's engagement…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit - We make known to you; we inform you. The phrase “we do you to wit,” is used in Tyndale’s translation, and means “we cause you to know.” The purpose for which Paul informed them of the liberality of the churches of Macedonia was to excite them to similar liberality. Of the grace of God ... - The favor which God had shown them in exciting a spirit of liberality, and in enabling them to contribute to the fund for supplying the needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem. The word “grace” (χάρις charis) is sometimes used in the sense of gift, and the phrase “gift of God” some have…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“We declare to you the grace of God - Which evidently appeared by this happy effect. 2 Corinthians 8:2”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“8:1–9:15 Paul now turns his attention to the collection for the Jerusalem church (8:4; 9:1). This relief fund was intended to aid the poverty-stricken saints in the holy city (Acts 11:27-30; Rom 15:25-27, 31; Gal 2:10). Paul had earlier given instructions about this matter (1 Cor 16:1-2); now it was time to collect the funds (2 Cor 8:6). Paul hoped this gift from Gentile congregations to the Jewish church would cement relations between the two groups in the early Christian community. 8:1-2 The churches in Macedonia included the church in Philippi, which we know from Acts and Philippians was being tested by many…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“we: Co2 8:19 the grace: Co2 8:2-7, Co2 9:12; Act 11:23; Co1 15:10; Eph 3:8; Col 1:29 churches: Co2 9:2, Co2 9:4, Co2 11:9; Act 16:9; Rom 15:26; Th1 1:7, Th1 1:8, Th1 4:10 2 Corinthians 8:2”
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