II Corinthians 8
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit - In all our dignified version very few ill-constructed sentences can be found; however here is one, and the worst in the book. We do you to wit is in the original γνωριζομεν δε ὑμιν, we make known unto you. This is plain and intelligible, the other is not so; and the form is now obsolete. The grace of God bestowed - Dr. Whitby has made it fully evident that the χαρις Θεου signifies the charitable contribution made by the Churches in Macedonia, to which they were excited by the grace or influence of God upon their hearts; and that δεδομενην εν cannot signify bestowed on, but given in. That χαρις means liberality, appears from Co2 8:6 : We desired Titus that as he had begun, so he would finish την χαριν ταυτην, this charitable contribution. And Co2 8:7 : That ye abound εν ταυτῃ τῃ χαριτι, in this liberal contribution. And Co2 8:19 : Who was chosen of the Church to travel with us συν τῃ χαριτι ταυτῃ, with this charitable contribution, which is administered - which is to be dispensed, by us. So Co2 9:8 : God is able to make πασαν χαριν, all liberality, to abound towards you. And Co1 16:3 : To bring την χαριν, your liberality, to the poor saints. Hence χαρις, is by Hesychius and Phavorinus interpreted a gift, as it is here by the apostle: Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, Co2 9:15. This charity is styled the grace of God, either from its exceeding greatness, (as the cedars of God and mountains of God signify great cedars and great mountains, Psa 36:6; Psa 80:10); or rather, it is called so as proceeding from God, who is the dispenser of all good, and the giver of this disposition; for the motive of charity must come from him. So, in other places, the zeal of God, Rom 10:2; the love of God, Co2 5:14; the grace of God, Tit 2:…
Open source ↗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 (Gal 2:10), as also chiefly from his hope to conciliate the Judaizing Christians at Jerusalem to himself and the Gentile believers, by such an act of love on the part of the latter towards their Jewish brethren.
Open source ↗Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God,.... 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, &c. He addresses them in a kind and tender manner, under the endearing appellation of "brethren", being so in a spiritual relation; and takes the liberty to inform them of the goodness of God to some of their sister churches; "we do you to wit", or "we make known unto you". The phrase "to wit" is an old English one, and almost obsolete, and signifies to acquaint with, inform of, make known, or give knowledge of anything. The thing informed of here, "is the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia"; by which is meant, not any of the blessings of grace common to all the saints, such as regeneration, justification, adoption, forgiveness of sin, and the like; but beneficence, liberality, or a liberal disposition to do good to others, called "the grace of God"; because it sprung from thence, as all good works do when performed aright; they were assisted in it by the grace of God; and it was the love and favour of God in Christ, which was the engaging motive, the leading view, which drew them on to it. This was bestowed upon them, not merited, it was grace and free grace; God may give persons ever so much of this world's goods, yet if he does not give them a spirit of generosity, a liberal disposition, they will make no use of it for the good of others: and this was bestowed on the churc…
Open source ↗Observe here, I. The apostle takes occasion from the good example of the churches of Macedonia, that is, of Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and others in the region of Macedonia, to exhort the Corinthians and the Christians in Achaia to the good work of charity. And, 1. He acquaints them with their great liberality, which he calls the grace of God bestowed on the churches, Co2 8:1. Some think the words should be rendered, the gift of God given in or by the churches. He certainly means the charitable gifts of these churches, which are called the grace or gifts of God, either because they were very large, or rather because their charity to the poor saints did proceed from God as the author, and was accompanied with true love to God, which also was manifested this way. The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good that is in us, or done by us, at any time; and it is great grace and favour from God, and bestowed on us, if we are made useful to others, and are forward to any good work. 2. He commends the charity of the Macedonians, and sets it forth with good advantage. He tells them, (1.) They were but in a low condition, and themselves in distress, yet they contributed to the relief of others. They were in great tribulation and deep poverty, Co2 8:2. It was a time of great affliction with them, as may be seen, Act 18:17. The Christians in these parts met with ill treatment, which had reduced them to deep poverty; yet, as they had abundance of joy in the midst of tribulation, they abounded in their liberality; they gave out of a little, trusting in God to provide for them, and make it up to them. (2.) They gave very largely, with the riches of liberality (Co2 8:2), that is, as liberally as if they had been rich. It was a large contribution they made…
Open source ↗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 troubles and was very poor. Yet they were generous in sending gifts to Paul and in supporting the collection (8:4-5; Phil 1:5; 2:25-30; 4:15-20).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) γνωρίζω (gnōrízō, G1107) — to make known; subjectively, to know ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía, G1577) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation… Μακεδονία (Makedonía, G3109) — Macedonia, a region of Greece
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… δοκιμή (dokimḗ, G1382) — test (abstractly or concretely); by implication, trustiness θλῖψις (thlîpsis, G2347) — pressure (literally or figuratively) περισσεία (perisseía, G4050) — surplusage, i.e. superabundance αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… χαρά (chará, G5479) — cheerfulness, i.e. calm delight καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… βάθος (báthos, G899) — profundity, i.e. (by implication) extent; (figuratively) mystery κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… πτωχεία (ptōcheía, G4432) — beggary, i.e. indigence (literally or figuratively) περισσεύω (perisseúō, G4052) — to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… δύναμις (dýnamis, G1411) — force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a… μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… αὐθαίρετος (authaíretos, G830) — self-chosen, i.e. (by implication) voluntary
Open source ↗δέομαι (déomai, G1189) — to beg (as binding oneself), i.e. petition ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… πολύς (polýs, G4183) — (singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial,… παράκλησις (paráklēsis, G3874) — imploration, hortation, solace ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively) χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… κοινωνία (koinōnía, G2842) — partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary)… διακονία (diakonía, G1248) — attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ἐλπίζω (elpízō, G1679) — to expect or confide ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) πρῶτον (prōton, G4412) — firstly (in time, place, order, or importance) δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) Τίτος (Títos, G5103) — Titus, a Christian ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that προενάρχομαι (proenárchomai, G4278) — to commence already οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō, G2005) — to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ταύτῃ (taútēi, G5026) — (towards or of) this χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative…
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ὥσπερ (hṓsper, G5618) — just as, i.e. exactly like περισσεύω (perisseúō, G4052) — to superabound (in quantity or quality), be in excess, be superfluous; also… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… γνῶσις (gnōsis, G1108) — knowing (the act), i.e. (by implication) knowledge σπουδή (spoudḗ, G4710) — "speed", i.e. (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἡμῖν (hēmîn, G2254) — to (or for, with, by) us
Open source ↗λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not κατά (katá, G2596) — (prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case… ἐπιταγή (epitagḗ, G2003) — an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) σπουδή (spoudḗ, G4710) — "speed", i.e. (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness ἕτερος (héteros, G2087) — (an-, the) other or different καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δοκιμάζω (dokimázō, G1381) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve γνήσιος (gnḗsios, G1103) — legitimate (of birth), i.e. genuine ὑμέτερος (hyméteros, G5212) — yours, i.e. pertaining to you ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… γινώσκω (ginṓskō, G1097) — to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as… χάρις (cháris, G5485) — graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being πλούσιος (ploúsios, G4145) — wealthy; figuratively, abounding with διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) πτωχεύω (ptōcheúō, G4433) — to be a beggar, i.e. (by implication) to become indigent (figuratively) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. τούτῳ (toútōi, G5129) — to (in, with or by) this (person or thing) δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… γνώμη (gnṓmē, G1106) — cognition, i.e. (subjectively) opinion, or (objectively) resolve (counsel, consent, etc.) γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing συμφέρω (symphérō, G4851) — to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce;… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὅστις (hóstis, G3748) — which some, i.e. any that; also (definite) which same προενάρχομαι (proenárchomai, G4278) — to commence already οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not μόνον (mónon, G3440) — merely ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Open source ↗νυνί (nyní, G3570) — just now δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἐπιτελέω (epiteléō, G2005) — to fulfill further (or completely), i.e. execute; by implication, to terminate, undergo ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ὅπως (hópōs, G3704) — what(-ever) how, i.e. in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence,… καθάπερ (katháper, G2509) — exactly as προθυμία (prothymía, G4288) — predisposition, i.e. alacrity θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. πρόκειμαι (prókeimai, G4295) — to lie before the view, i.e. (figuratively) to be present (to the mind), to stand forth… προθυμία (prothymía, G4288) — predisposition, i.e. alacrity εὐπρόσδεκτος (euprósdektos, G2144) — well-received, i.e. approved, favorable καθό (kathó, G2526) — according to which thing, i.e. precisely as, in proportion as ἐάν (eán, G1437) — a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) ἄνεσις (ánesis, G425) — relaxation or (figuratively) relief δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you θλῖψις (thlîpsis, G2347) — pressure (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἰσότης (isótēs, G2471) — likeness (in condition or proportion); by implication, equity νῦν (nŷn, G3568) — "now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you περίσσευμα (perísseuma, G4051) — a surplus, or superabundance εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἐκεῖνος (ekeînos, G1565) — that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed ὑστέρημα (hystérēma, G5303) — a deficit; specially, poverty ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”
For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.
For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.
When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts.
And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more
To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.