by. Greek. kata. App-104 . commandment. Greek. epitage. See Romans 16:20 . by occasion of . = through. Greek. dia , as in 2 Corinthians 8:5 . forwardness . Same as "diligence" in 2 Corinthians 8:7 , others. Greek. heteros. App-124 . sincerity = genuineness. Greek. gnesios. Occurs elsewhere, Philippians 1:4 , Philippians 1:3 . 2 Timothy 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:4 . read more
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.The sincerity also of your love ... A glance at 2 Corinthians 8:7 reveals that Paul had just said that they abounded "in their love." How can this be anything else except a gentle reminder that their "abounding love" needed proving by their deeds? It is thus evident that scholarly objections to 2 Corinthians 10, founded on the premise that Paul was already perfectly satisfied with... read more
2 Corinthians 8:8. And to prove the sincerity of your love.— The genuine temper, &c. Locke. Taking as we may, without violence to the words, the original, δοκιμαζων for drawing out a proof, and the word γνησιον for genuine, the passage may be well rendered shewing the world a proof of the genuine temper of your love; and thus properly express St. Paul's obliging way of stirring up the Corinthians to a liberal contribution: for his discourse briefly stands thus: "The great liberality of the... read more
8. not by commandment—"not by way of commandment." but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and &c.—rather, "But by (mention of) the forwardness of others (as an inducement to you), and to prove (literally, 'proving') the sincerity of your love." The Greek is "by means of," not "on account of the forwardness," &c. BENGEL, ELLICOTT, and others translate, "By means of the forwardness of others, proving the sincerity of your love ALSO." The former is the simpler construction in the... read more
III. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE COLLECTION FOR THE POOR SAINTS IN JUDEA 8:1-9:15The New Testament reveals that Paul was actively collecting money for "the poor among the saints in Jerusalem" (Romans 15:26) for about five years (A.D. 52-57). He solicited funds from the Christians in Galatia (Acts 18:23; 1 Corinthians 16:1), Macedonia (Acts 19:22; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 9:4), Achaia (Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9), and Asia Minor (Acts... read more
Paul wanted his readers to understand that he did not want them to take the following exhortation incorrectly. It was not an apostolic command since obedience to a command is an inferior motive for giving to others. Rather he hoped that the good example of others would motivate them. The others in view are the Macedonians, the Corinthians’ themselves in their initial efforts, and Jesus Christ.Paul claimed full apostolic authority (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10), which his critics... read more
B. The supreme motive for giving 8:8-15Paul cited the example of Jesus Christ’s gift of Himself for needy humanity to motivate his readers further to finish their work of assembling the collection. read more
(a) 8:1-9. The Example of Macedonia1-5. Paraphrase. ’I wish you to know how liberally and spontaneously the Churches of Macedonia have contributed to the relief of their fellow-disciples in Jerusalem, having first of all presented themselves to God’s service.’1. Do you to wit] RV ’make known to you.’ The grace of God] the inspiration to give liberally. The churches of Macedonia] i.e. Philippi, Beroea, and Thessalonica, with, perhaps, others unknown to us: cp. Acts 16:12 to Acts 17:14; Acts... read more
(8) I speak not by commandment.—The English, and, indeed, the Greek also, is to some extent ambiguous, and leaves us uncertain whether he disclaims merely the tone of command or the sanction of a divine authority. The former seems the preferable meaning, but ultimately the one runs into the other. He gives no commands in this matter to others because he has received no commandment from the Lord Himself. (Comp. 1 Corinthians 7:6; 1 Corinthians 7:12; 1 Corinthians 7:25.) read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
8:1-9:15 COLLECTION FOR THE POOR IN JERUSALEMAbout a year earlier Paul had given instructions to the Corinthians about the collection of money he was organizing for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). The Corinthians had made a start (see 9:2), but in the meantime they became so concerned with their own difficulties that they neglected their responsibilities in the matter. Now that they have cleared up their local troubles, Paul reminds them of the importance of this... read more