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2 Corinthians Chapter Eight

                             

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Riches of Their Liberality

A.   The testimony in the churches of Macedonia (v.1-5);

B.   The calling of liberality (v.6-15);

1.    The perfect fulfillment (v.6-7);

2.    The example of Christ (v.8-9);

3.    The acceptance of the willing mind (v.10-12);

4.    The equality in the guidance of God (v.13-15);

C.   The messengers who sent the gift (v.16-24);

1.    They themselves are is diligent (v.16-17);

2.    The church praises them (v.18-20);

3.    They provide honorable things (v.21);

4.    They have been proved in many things (v.22);

5.    The conclusion (v.23-24);

 

II. Verse by Verse Commentary

 

2Cor. 8:1 Moreover brethren we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

YLT: “And we make known to you brethren the grace of God that hath been given in the assemblies of Macedonia

Meaning of Words: “grace”: graciousness liberality pleasure favor thankworthy;

Literal Meaning:brethren such form of address seems to purposefully stimulate the brotherly love among them (see v.7-8).

“We make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia” “the churches of MacedoniaMacedonia is the name of a province. The churches of Macedonia include the churches in Philippi Thessalonica Berea Nicopolis and etc. (see Acts 16:9 12; 17:1 10-11; Titus 3:12).

“The grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia” it refers to “their riches of liberality” (see v.2). Believers in the churches of Macedonia have overcome the power of the uncertain riches (see 1Tim. 6:17) and helped the poor saints in Jerusalem liberally (see 1Cor. 16:3-5).

“Make known to you”: declare to you;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Devotion is the response to the grace of God. Meanwhile it also shows that it is the grace of God that motivates believers to devote the gift.

2)     He who offers his money does not give gift to others but is gifted by God. And it is by no means loss but profit.

3)     He who devotes his money is the manifestation of grace. The more one offers the more grace there will be. Contrarily the more the grace is given the more man shall sacrifice.

4)     Things concerning money can easily test our spiritual condition. If one is intimate with the Lord he will be generous to others. If he grows away from the Lord he will be increasingly stingy and even regard money as everything to him.

 

2Cor. 8:2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

YLT: “because in much trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty did abound to the riches of their liberality;”

Literal Meaning:that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy” the “trial” and “affliction” that believers in Macedonia were mainly caused by the persecutions of unbelievers (see Phil. 1:29-30; 1Thess. 1:6-7; 2:14; 2Thess. 1:4). “The abundance of their joy”: the joy because of the grace of God (see Rom. 5:2-3);

“And their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.” “Deep poverty”: they were in utter destitution. “Abound…liberality”: it described their generosity. It was just like the poor widow the Lord Jesus praised who of her destitution had cast in all that she had the whole of her living (see Mark 12:42-44; Luke 21:3-4).

“Riches”: have found great favor before God; that believers offer his money is for the sake of the divine grace because: 1) we cannot overcome the occupation of money by ourselves without the grace of God. 2) God shall remember and reward us all that we have offered to Him in a true heart (see Matt. 6:1-4).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The true internal joy of believers has nothing to do with the external environment. Though we are in the great trial of affliction we can still enjoy the full joy.

2)     The external smoothness in the environment and the internal peace and joy are two things. Though we believers have tribulation in the world we have peace in the Lord (see John 16:33).

3)     “Their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality” it tells us that the offering of money is not loss but the rich grace of God. Because when we offer our money to God our heart will also be unto Him and thus find favor in spirit. Meanwhile God will not stint us in money and yet give us richer blessing (see Mal.3:10). May we not let such rich grace of God slip!

4)     If believer offers money or substances it is not because of his external riches in material things but of the internal abundance of the divine grace. The offering is due to God who grants grace not the one who offers.

5)      In the sight of man all that is offered is loss. However in the spiritual sight all that is offered is laid up in the heavens (see Matt. 6:20; 19:21).

6)     The trial of the churches of Macedonia is “great” and their poverty is “deep” but their joy is “abundant” and their liberality is “exceedingly” “rich”. Therefore the more believers suffer in the affliction the more will the excellence of the life in them be manifested.

 

2Cor. 8:3 For I bear witness that according to their ability yes and beyond their ability they were freely willing

YLT: “because according to power I testify and above power they were willing of themselves ”

Literal Meaning: “for I bear witness that” Paul bears witness according what he has seen in his eyes.

“According to their ability yes and beyond their ability it indicates that they do by the power from on high (see Luke 24:49) not their own power at all.

   

2Cor. 8:4 imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

YLT: “with much entreaty calling on us to receive the favour and the fellowship of the ministration to the saints ”

Meaning of Words: “much”: often abundant; “implore”: it is composed of two words in the original ---- the first is comfort and the second is entreat; “minister”: serve; “gift”: grace graciousness favor; “fellowship”: communion distribution intercourse;

Literal Meaning:imploring us with much urgency”: entreat and beg earnestly and repeatedly; it shows that the communication of money to help the saints is of their willingness not of the exhortation of the apostle. Possibly Paul had not demanded saints in Macedonia to devote money in view of the impoverished condition of them. Therefore they “implored with much urgency”.

“That we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” it shows that: 1) the gift to the saints is a kind of grace; 2) he who has part in such grace is a kind of privilege which is not owned by everyone; 3) the servants of God should have sound judgment and make sure who can have fellowship with such grace.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    It is indeed that the gift of money is a good thing but it does not mean that he who gives the gift is superior. God does not see whether you have given but why you give (see Matt. 6:1-4).

2)    The gift of money in the church is a kind of spiritual fellowship (see Phil. 4:15). The condition of believers’ spiritual fellowship can be seen from the gift to the saints.

3)    In the early church the gift is mainly used in “ministering to the saints”. However the gift today is mostly used in “works” and “buildings” and etc.

 

2Cor. 8:5 And not only as we had hoped but they first gave themselves to the Lord and then to us by the will of God.

YLT: “and not according as we expected but themselves they did give first to the Lord and to us through the will of God ”

Meaning of Words: “hope”: expect confide and trust;

Literal Meaning: “and not only as we had hoped it means that what they have done is beyond our expectation.

“But they first gave themselves to the Lord by the will of God” it means that one’s giving himself to the Lord is the will of God. God in His will desires the persons of the believers further more than the substance of them (see Rom. 12:1-2). To firstly present the believer himself is the foundation and principle for him to give the gift.

“And then to us” “to” it does not mean “”. Someone thinks wrongly according to this verse that the Lord’s workers are superior to the common saints and can dictate to others. However here it tells us that the saints in Macedonia have devoted them to the Lord as well as to the Lord’s workers so as to have part in the works of the Lord’s workers and fulfill the Lord’s will with one accord.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    We can see from this verse that what God desires to gain is the believers rather than the believers’ substance.

2)    All that man wants is often the peace and blessing of God. But all that God desires is the man. If God wants something of us we have nothing to present to him. God desires to gain man.

3)    The spiritual foundation of gift is “first giving oneself to the Lord”. Only when one has confessed the Lord’s authority can he follow and do according to the will of the Lord. If one preserves himself he cannot keep up with the will of God.

4)    Paul never likes to be too lifted up by others (see 1Cor. 4:6) so here “to us” has no meaning of self-upholding. We believers should not uphold ourselves (see 1Cor. 3:4-5).

5)    He who has firstly been given to the Lord according to the will of God can give himself to the Lord’s workers according to the will of God. If one remains himself or give the gift according to his own will he will walk according to his will and go against the workers who are really keeping the will of God.

 

2Cor. 8:6 So we urged Titus that as he had begun so he would also complete this grace in you as well.

YLT: “so that we exhorted Titus that according as he did begin before so also he may finish to you also this favour ”

Meaning of Words: “begin”: commence already; “grace”: graciousness favor;

Literal Meaning: “so we urged Titus possibly when Paul met Titus in Macedonia and then asked him to accomplish the unfinished work in Corinth (see v.18 22; 12:18) after hearing his message (see v.6-7).

“That as he had begun so he would also complete this grace in you as well” “this grace”: the grace of giving the gift to the saints (see v.4). The whole verse shows that Paul encourages Titus to continue to deal with the things of money collection to the poor saints in Jerusalem until the fulfillment of this work.

Enlightenment in the Word: no matter for what purpose the devotion of believers’ money should be motivated by grace instead of persons.

 

2Cor. 8:7 But as you abound in everything--in faith in speech in knowledge in all diligence and in your love for us--see that you abound in this grace also.

YLT: “but even as in every thing ye do abound in faith and word and knowledge and all diligence and in your love to us that also in this grace ye may abound;”

Literal Meaning:in faith in speech in knowledge in all diligence” “faith speech knowledge”: they are all spiritual gifts (see 1Cor. 12:8-9). “Diligence” is also relevant to gift (see Rom. 12:8 the original). Believers in Corinth come short in no gift (see 1Cor. 1:6-7).

“But as you abound in everything-- and in your love for us--” “in your love for us”: the love out of the apostles enters into believers. It is “your love you in us” in some old scriptures. Love is the more excellent gift (see 1Cor. 12:31; 13:13).

“Abound”: be abundant; believers in Corinth did not love Paul much previously but now they abounded in love. Probably Paul’s love to them stimulated their love to Paul.

“See that you abound in this grace also” Paul here seems to remind them on purpose and grow up from “gift” to “grace”.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    If one has only spiritual faith speech knowledge and diligence and yet no reality of love he has a big loophole in spiritual life.

2)    Let us not love with word nor with tongue but in deed and in truth (1John 3:18).

3)    The church in Corinth has already abounded in everything--in faith in speech in knowledge in all diligence and in your love”. And Paul still leads them to “abound in this grace also”. It is the fully perfection. May the church become perfect in everything so as to truly manifest that the church is the fullness of Christ. This is the goodwill of God the Father to the church as well as the mark of all ministers in the church.

4)    Such things of grace show the true love. The true love is not only the manifestation of generosity to those who know or get in touch with but also the willingness of devotion of money to brothers who have little strength to reward.

5)    Some Bible exegetes think gift is the unit of grace. And grace is the sum of gifts (see Eph. 3:7). Therefore since gifts are rich grace is also rich.

6)    We believers should keep balance in many aspects so that we are wholesome before God. Any condition lacking in balance exposes the holes in spiritual life.

 

2Cor. 8:8 I speak not by commandment but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

YLT: “not according to command do I speak but because of the diligence of others and of your love proving the genuineness ”

Meaning of Words:sincerity”: genuine legitimate true;

Literal Meaning:I speak not by commandment Paul suggests that the true love and generosity are not produced by man’s commandment.

“But I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.” “The diligence of others” it refers to the good example of the churches of Macedonia (see v.1-5). “Test”: give the opportunity to approve; “the sincerity of your love”: it is proved by the generous and ready devotion of money.

 

2Cor. 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor that you through His poverty might become rich.

YLT: “for ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that because of you he became poor -- being rich that ye by that poverty may become rich.”

Literal Meaning: “for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ the word “for” shows that the following words explain why Paul does not command them ---- because of the grace of the Lord Jesus.

“That though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor the “riches” of the Lord Jesus is His glory honor and power in the heavens before His incarnation; “poor”: he emptied himself and took a bondman’s form and died on the cross (see Phil. 2:6-8).

“That you through His poverty might become rich” “become rich” it refers to every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies that we have obtained in Christ (see Eph. 1:3).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    How great the grace of the Lord Jesus is! He humbled Himself and suffered the affliction and poverty for us unto death so that we become rich before God. May we give Him thanks with our whole hearts!

2)    The apostle in this verse points out the spiritual value and true significance of devotion of money are the manifestation of the principle of Christ and the model of Christ ---- “was rich yetbecame poor that you through His poverty might become rich”.

3)    The Lord Jesus was rich yet for your sakes He became poor. It is grace to us. Likewise if we are willing to devote our money or substance for the sake of others it is grace to them.

4)    “Grace” is loss to oneself and yet profit to others. If one only gives what is redundant or unnecessary to others it is not grace but almsgiving. Is it that we are “gracious” to others or we give alms to them because of their “painfulness”?

5)    The devotion of money makes men rich. This is the work of the Lord Jesus for us for He makes us rich.

 

2Cor. 8:10 And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;

YLT: “and an opinion in this do I give: for this to you expedient who not only to do but also to will did begin before -- a year ago ”

Literal Meaning: “and in this I give advice: It is to your advantage” “advice”: this is the personal opinion of Paul. And as he gives it in the inspiration of the Spirit (see 1Cor. 7:25 40) it can be regarded as the will and desire of the Lord which is profitable to all the saints.

“Not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago” “be doing what you began”: put it into practice; “were desiring to do”: have such desire in a earlier time; here Paul seems to remind believers in Corinth. It is not Paul that imposes the devotion on them but they themselves to that takes the initiative.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     If our desire is correspond to the will of God it will be profitable to men. In other words if it is not it will be of no profit to men and cause loss.

2)     We shall not hold back anything of what is profitable even though men lack knowledge or men mistake us (see Acts 20:20).

3)     The liberality is profitable to men for it edifies both those who are given and those who give.

 

2Cor. 8:11 but now you also must complete the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to desire it so there also may be a completion out of what you have.

YLT: “and now also finish doing that even as the readiness of the will so also the finishing out of that which ye have ”

Literal Meaning:but now you also must complete the doing of it” “now” it is opposite to “a year ago” in the previous verse showing that it should not be delayed any more.

“That as there was a readiness to desire it so there also may be a completion out of what you have” here this verse points out the two great elements of liberality: 1) “a readiness to desire”: it is the willingness of earnest desire in the original; 2) “out of what you have” (see v.3): they need not force them to do beyond their power lest they should delay it again.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     If man does not put a good will into practice the will is just like a castle in the air.

2)     “Out of what you have” it is not only a good principle in devotion but also in all the service. God gives every believer different gifts and wants us to use what He has given to us instead of burying them under the earth (see Matt. 25:24-30).

3)     And to whomsoever much is given of him shall much be required: and to whom they commit much of him will they ask the more (Luke 12:48). He gives first and asks afterwards. He to whom God gives more shall much be required of. He to whom God gives less shall be less required of.

4)     There is a same principle with this verse ---- “whereto we have attained walk in the same steps.” (Phil. 3:16). It is better for a believer not to do anything that is beyond his life condition.

 

2Cor. 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind it is accepted according to what one has and not according to what he does not have.

YLT: “for if the willing mind is present according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted not according to that which he hath not;”

Literal Meaning: “for if there is first a willing mind it is accepted” it indicates that the willing devotion must be accepted by God.

“According to what one has and not according to what he does not have.” Here it explains what is accepted by God. Man’s desires according to what he has can be accepted.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     This verse shows that all willing mind should be accepted by God. However God does not compel us for one presents according to the received grace ---- “what one has”. What do we have? Have we presented all that we have e.g. money time labor talent?

2)     Concerning the spiritual things the willing mind is often first and the performance afterwards. The measure of our mind will decide how much we will do. God does not like we have no willing mind in the church.

3)     We may often hear someone say “If I have much money I will give one million to the Lord”. Such mind is not according to what he has but what he does not have. Therefore it is of no value. If one day he was really become rich that mind would vanish all of a sudden.

4)     As long as we give according to “what we have” we will be accepted and used and blessed by God. And unconsciously “what we have” will become increasingly rich.

 

2Cor. 8:13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened;

YLT: “for not that for others release and ye pressured ”

Meaning of Words: “eased”: relaxed liberal relieved;

Literal Meaning: “others” it is not only other believers but also other churches; likewise you” does not relate to individual believers but the whole church in Corinth. Paul’s meaning is that the whole responsibility of money collection should not fall upon some believers or the church in a certain place for it is unjust.

 

2Cor. 8:14 but by an equality that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack that their abundance also may supply your lack--that there may be equality.

YLT: “but by equality at the present time your abundance -- for their want that also their abundance may be for your want that there may be equality ”

Literal Meaning:but by an equality --that there may be equality” some scriptures put “by an equality” in verse 13. Therefore taking the responsibility by an equality is also a kind of “equality”.

  “Equality” it is God’s principle of dealing with economics in the church. However the equality of God does not mean God distributes equal treasure to each believer.

  “That now at this time your abundance may supply their lack that their abundance also may supply your lack” here it explains “equality”: 1) he who is abundant supplies the lack of others so that no one is in want. 2) Men complement each other ---- no one is always the “giver” and no one is always the “receiver”. 3) He who is rich now may become insufficient later and he who is lacking may become rich in the future. 4) No matter abundance or lack they are not restricted in material things only and may also include physical and mental conditions opportunities of bringing one’s strong points into play provision of spiritual life and functions of the gifts and etc.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     The Lord’s words teach us that we shall help those who “are in want” if we are “abundant”. When we are “lacking” we will also obtain the help of others. We are brothers and sisters one another in the church and shall live out such condition.

2)     The normal condition of the church should manifest the principle of “equality” everywhere no matter the fellowship of treasure the demonstration of the gifts the opportunities of service the utterance of one’s feelings.

3)     The “equality” is different from our opinions concerning “equal wealth”. Men like the average distribution of money thinking that such even apportionment will not cause anyone too much or too little. However the “equality” in the Bible is that man is willing to supply the lack of others with his abundance according to the Spirit in him.

 

2Cor. 8:15 As it is written "He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack."

YLT: “according as it hath been written `He who much had nothing over; and he who little had no lack.'”

The Background: in the Old Testament the people of Israel took manna every morning according to what he can eat some much some little. And they measured with the omer: then he that gathered much had nothing over and he that gathered little wanted nothing. If someone took beyond his eating and did not give to others and left of it until the morning worms would breed in it and it would stink (see Ex. 16:16-20).

Literal Meaning: “as it is written the following words are quoted from the Book of Exodus (16:18).  

"He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack."” Though the measure of the manna that the children of Israel was different ---- the young might take over the set measure and the old might take less than the set measure if they were willing to help one another they would be all sufficient. 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     "He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack."” ---- God shepherds us according to such principle. Therefore we shall not have an itch for money nor be afraid of starvation but shall confide in God and have the restful and joyful life.

2)     “"He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack."” It is just like the scriptures in the First Epistle to the Corinthians “those of the body which we esteem to be the more void of honor these we clothe with more abundant honor; and our uncomely have more abundant comeliness”; God has “tempered” the body together “having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked” (1Cor. 12:23-24). If the unequal condition is manifested it proves that the spirit of the world has entered and the reality of the body of Christ has disappeared.

3)     If we believers let the authority of Spirit reign in everything there is by no means need of man’s distribution and will be the good equal condition ---- "He who gathered much had nothing left over and he who gathered little had no lack."

 

2Cor. 8:16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

YLT: “And thanks to God who is putting the same diligence for you in the heart of Titus ”

Literal Meaning: “but thanks be to God who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.” Titus was sent by Paul to visit the churches in Corinth and then fulfilled the work well (see 7:6-7). Here Paul attributes the good performance of Titus to the earnest care of God.

  “Who puts the same earnest care for you” “same”: the same as Paul; “earnest care” it is supposed to refer to the fulfillment of the liberality of believers in Corinth.

 

2Cor. 8:17 For he not only accepted the exhortation but being more diligent he went to you of his own accord.

YLT: “because indeed the exhortation he accepted and being more diligent of his own accord he went forth unto you ”

Literal Meaning: “for he not only accepted the exhortation here the “exhortation” is the same as “the exhortation” in verse six. Paul exhorts Titus to return to Corinth to complete the grace.

“But being more diligent he went to you of his own accord.” It indicates that Titus’s returning to Corinth was not only due to the exhortation of Paul but was also out of his own diligent desire.

 

2Cor. 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches

YLT: “and we sent with him the brother whose praise in the good news through all the assemblies ”

Literal Meaning: “and we have sent with him the brother” it was traditionally said that this brother was Luke who had appeared as one of the fellow workers (see the commentary of “we” in Acts 16:10) of Paul in Paul’s second journey from Troas. Since then Luke always accompanied Paul to journey many places to preach the gospel and build the church including the church in Corinth (see Acts 18:1-11). However since his name is not mentioned in the Scriptures here we’d better not make sure who he is. In a word this brother must be a brother that the church in Corinth is familiar with so Paul has not mentioned his name.

“Whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches” “in the gospel”: in the works of the gospel.

 

2Cor. 8:19 and not only that but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this gift which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind

YLT: “and not only so but who was also appointed by vote by the assemblies our fellow-traveller with this favour that is ministered by us unto the glory of the same Lord and your willing mind;”

Literal Meaning:and not only that but who was also chosen by the churches” it indicates that this brother did not volunteer to take part in the service of dealing with money and he was chosen by the churches.

“To travel with us with this gift which is administered by us” here “travel with” it is not only being a partner of Paul in his journey but also being the witness of sending the gift on behalf of the churches.

“To the glory of the Lord Himself and to show your ready mind” there are two purposes that the churches chose a brother to travel with them: 1) “to glorify the Lord”: to prevent anything that may humiliate the Lord’s name; 2) “to show your ready mind” it shows that they had done it in a clean mind.

 

2Cor. 8:20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us--

YLT: “avoiding this lest any one may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us ”

Literal Meaning:avoiding this: that anyone should in this lavish gift which is administered by us--” the money collection of this time covered the churches in some places like Macedonia Achaia and Asia and etc. Though the definite number has not been clearly recorded it must be very large.

  “Blame us” if there is no brother that travels with someone will probably attack this point.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     When the church chooses the “messenger” to manage money matters she should be sober and strict so as not to offend or corrupt others ---- “avoiding anyone blame us”.

2)     In order to avoid any blame for money matters it is better to have a third party to bear witnesses.

 

2Cor. 8:21 providing honorable things not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.

YLT: “providing right things not only before the Lord but also before men;”

Literal Meaning:providing honorable things” “honorable things” it is opposite to “the hidden things of shame” (see 4:2). Since we Christians are children of light we shall walk in light (see Eph. 5:8).

“Not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men.” This is the principle of dealing with money matters in the church of Christ ---- one shall not only be peace in his conscience before God but also walk honorably and uprightly before all.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Christians should walk in “light” “not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men”.

2)     This chapter shows that how bright and beautiful the fellowship of money in the church at that time was! How different the dark and greedy and corrupted condition concerning money in the corrupted Christianity today from the condition at that time!

 

2Cor. 8:22 And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things but now much more diligent because of the great confidence which we have in you.

YLT: “and we sent with them our brother whom we proved in many things many times being diligent and now much more diligent by the great confidence that is toward you ”

Meaning of Words:great confidence”: much assurance;

Literal Meaning: “and we have sent with them our brother” Paul did not mention the name of this brother. Possibly the brother was also a generally known brother who served the Lord faithfully (see v.18). Some Bible exegetes think it was Trophimus who was from Ephesus and accompanied Paul to preach in Europe and went to Jerusalem with him together (see Acts 20:1-4; 21:27-30).

“Whom we have often proved diligent in many things have often proved in many things” in many aspects and for many times; it shows that man’s diligence may not be pure and should be proved whether it is trustworthy.

“But now much more diligent because of the great confidence which we have in you.” “Confidence”: it is out confidence out of experience. The knowledge of someone and the acquaintance with him will yield trust in him. Meanwhile more confidence produces greater diligence.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     There is a principle in the society ---- “If you use a man don't suspect him. If you suspect him don't use him”. However in the church brothers and sisters should still be proved in secret so as not to humiliate the testimony of the Lord.

2)     If the church desires to stimulate the diligence of brothers and sisters it is better to provide them the condition in which they obtain confidence.

 

2Cor. 8:23 If anyone inquires about Titus he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about they are messengers of the churches the glory of Christ.

YLT: “whether -- about Titus -- my partner and towards you fellow-worker whether -- our brethren apostles of assemblies -- glory of Christ;”

Literal Meaning: “if anyone inquires about Titus he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. “My partner” refers to the fellow worker of Paul; “work”: labor;

Or if our brethren are inquired about they are messengers of the churches the glory of Christ.” “Messengers of the churches”: those who are chosen by the churches and sent to work on behalf of the churches; “the glory of Christ”: it means that their walking can manifest Christ so that all men will give glory to the Lord.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     “Fellow worker” means fellow laborer. “Labor” is a rather important condition for a worker of the Lord. He who is lazy cannot do the work of the Lord well.

2)     The messenger chosen by the churches should provide honorable things in the sight of both God and men (v.21) and become “the glory of Christ” and bear the testimony of Christ.

 

2Cor. 8:24 Therefore show to them and before the churches the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.

YLT: “the shewing therefore of your love and of our boasting on your behalf to them shew ye even in the face of the assemblies.”

Literal Meaning: “therefore show to them and before the churches Titus represents the fellow worker of Paul. And the two brothers represent the churches. The walking of believers in Corinth equals their walking before the churches.

“The proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf” Paul asks believers in Corinth to manifest two things by this chance: 1) “the proof of your love” that is to say to prove the sincerity of their love (see v.7-8); 2) and of our boasting on your behalf” do not let Paul’s boasting about them in vain (see 7:14; 9:3).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)     Every local church helps and encourages one another in the pursuit of spiritual growth for all of them have part in the body of Christ.

2)     The work in a local church is not done for resolving the problems therein only but also for the churches thus confirming the way and direction of the testimony of God on the earth.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Four Aspects of Grace

A.   The grace of God ---- who provides believers in Macedonia and works in them so that they can give liberally (v.1-2);

B.   The grace of the apostle ---- who allows believers to present the gift and enjoy the fellowship of the ministering to the saints (v.4);

C.   The grace of believers ---- who supplies the poor saints (v.6-7);

D.   The grace of Christ ---- He became poor for the sake of us so that we through His poverty might become rich (v.9); 

 

The Riches of Liberality of the Church in Macedonia in the Fellowship of the Gift

A.   It is not abundantly surplus but “in a great trial of affliction and “in their deep poverty abounded…” (v.2). It is totally the provision of life out of death.

B.   It is not “according to their ability” but “beyond their ability” (v.3). It has not only satisfied the righteous demand but has also manifested the perfect grace.

C.   They have not done it compulsively but are “freely willing” and even “implore with much urgency” with the hope of “giving the gift and having the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (v.3-4). Therefore they have not suffered any loss or done what Christians are supposed to do (the principle of the law) but implore with much urgency because of the spiritual vision and knowledge of the glorious blessing.

D.   It is not only “as man hoped” but more “by the will of God” (v.5) thus attaining unto the standard of God and manifesting Christ (v.9).

E.   The devotion of money is according to that of men ---- “first gave themselves” (v.5) because what God really desires is man not money. Money or substance is temporary and material and yet men have eternal and spiritual value in the hands of God.

 

Things Concerning Money Collection That We Shall Pay Attention to

A.   Finish what is started ---- “according as one has begun so he will also complete it” (v.6);

B.   He who has spiritual gifts shall also have the reality of grace (v.7).

C.   He who has love must have the reality of love (v.8).

D.   We shall learn the example of the Lord Jesus who became poor for the sake of us (v.9).

E.   As there was a readiness to desire it so there also may be a completion out of what you have (v.10-11).

F.    It is according to what one has and not according to what he does not have (v.11-12).

G.   It should be done by equality ----it is not this one should be eased and that one burdened (v.13).

H.   Another equality: he who is abundant supplies the lack of others ---- that there may be equality (v.14-15);

 

The Best Person for the Treasurer in the Church

A.   Who is diligent in the services of the church (v.16-17);

B.   Who has a good testimony in the gospel (v.18);

C.   Who provides honorable things without making the Lord’s workers blamed by others (v.19-21);

D.   Who is diligent in many things especially things concerning money collection (v.22);

E.   Who is the fellow worker of the Lord’s workers and labors with them together (v.23);

F.    Who is loved by the churches (v.24);

 

The Principles of Ministrations in the Body

A.   The purpose of ministrations is glorifying God (v.19).

B.   Those who serve should be firstly proved (v.18 22).

C.   Those who serve should stand in the position of the body ---- the praise of the churches the selection of the churches and the messengers of the churches (v.18-19 23).

D.   Those who serve should walk in light (v.21).

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou