2020-11-12

2 Corinthians 8:1-24

Paul as a teacher of the gospel to the gentiles, is also concerned for his countrymen’s well-being- the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He collected money from churches in Macedonia during his missionary trip, in order to bring relief to the Christians in Jerusalem. He praised the Macedonian churches for their offerings . It is worthy to note that the Macedonians were:

• Giving out of hardship (v.2)
• Cheerful givers (v.2)
• Rich in generosity despite extreme poverty (v.2)
• Gave as much as they were able to and even beyond their ability (v.3)
• Gave entirely on their own (v.3)
• Ernest for the privilege in sharing (v.4)

No wonder Paul said what they did was unexpected! The Macedonian churches’ noble giving stemmed from their dedication to Christ. Their giving was spurred by their devotion to the Lord which then overflowed to their fellow believers in Christ (v.5). It is comparable to that of the widow’s mite in the book of Mark 12:41-42 where Christ said to his disciples: “Truly I tell you this widow has put more into the treasury than all the others”. Paul wrote this to encourage the Corinthians to do the same so that they may excelled in their giving as they had been in many aspects such as faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love (v.7).

For many it is not easy to write asking for money, and Paul clearly said he was not commanding the Corinthians to give (v.8). Paul however, was not ashamed to put it in a straightforward manner that their giving will prove the sincerity of their love. “… whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does the love of God remain in him?”- 1John 3:17. Just as Jesus compared the giving of the widow with the giving of others, Paul challenged the Corinthians to give against the backdrop of their poorer but earnest Macedonian counterparts. Paul also drew on the parallel of Christ richness (being the second person of the Trinity), He became poor (taken the human form) for their sake, so that through Christ’s poverty, the Corinthians might be rich (they now have a share of eternal wealth). This is all by the grace of God! Titus, Paul’s partner and fellow coworker was expected to visit the Corinthians to help them bring their “grace” in the form of their collection to Jerusalem (v.6).

Reflecting on the examples of the Macedonian churches and especially on the grace of God in his provision for us believers, it should stir us into becoming a channel of grace to others through our giving.

Paul reminded the Corinthians of their initiative and desire for collection in the earlier year. He encouraged them to bring it to fruition (v.10-11). Paul is not advocating giving to the point of self affliction, rather he desires believers should help each other in their needs, so that no one has too little while others live in abundance. At the same time, the poor need to be inculcated with the duty of self support to the best of their ability. This notion is supported by 1Thes 3:10 : “…the one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”.

Titus and another unnamed brother approved by the churches will carry the offerings as Paul wisely wanted to avoid any suspicion in the mishandling of financial gifts (v.20-21). Likewise in churches, the handling of offerings and financial affairs should be carried out by 2 or more persons approved by the church. Even though all monetary handlers are answerable to God for God sees everything, I’m reminded to be careful in doing what is right and proper in the eyes of men. Praise God for His teachings! —- Lai Yee Leong