8:14 But by an {h} equality, [that] now at this time your abundance [may be a supply] for their want, that their abundance also may be [a supply] for your want: that there may be equality:(h) That as now in your abundance you help others with a share of your goods, so should others in the same way bestow some of their goods upon you. read more
Chapters 8 and 9 deal with the subject of proper care for poor saints on the part of the assembly. The wisdom and delicacy with which the apostle writes is both admirable and beautiful. He avoids absolutely anything like the demands of law with its system of tithing; and yet encourages every activity of grace, every motive of faith and love, so that each individual will be free to willingly and cheerfully give as directly to the Lord, and as the Lord lays upon his heart. He first makes known... read more
CONTRIBUTION FOR THE SAINTS The mother church at Jerusalem was passing through stormy days, and its common chest was replenished by all the daughter churches. Macedonia, in poverty, had contributed liberally, but the wealthy, flourishing Corinthians had been backward. Paul uses nearly one-sixth of his present letter to argue and plead for greater generosity on their part. He enjoins the duty of giving: 1. By the example of the churches in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8:1-4 ). They were poor,... read more
Paul on Almsgiving 2Co 8:7 We should read the eighth chapter and the ninth chapter right through; they really concern themselves with one subject. The Apostle Paul wants to carry a point, and it will be an education to us to watch how he does it. There never was a greater man. He had all qualities. In a sense, the Christian or religious mind found its consummation in Paul. It ought to be a lesson to you, young business men, and to you, leaders of society, to watch the Apostle cunningly,... read more
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. (12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (13) For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: (14) But by an equality, that... read more
This present time, let your abundance, &c. The sense, according to some interpreters is, that the time may perhaps come, when they in Judea may supply the wants of those in Achaia in the same kind. Others rather understand it of a communication of spiritual for temporal goods, that your alms, by the assistance of those who will pray for you, and your charities, may obtain for your the spiritual riches of grace, which every one stands chiefly in need of. (Witham) read more
10-15 Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good... read more
2Co 8 HAVING OPENED HIS HEART to the Corinthians, both as to his own experiences and as to their need of separation from the world of unbelievers, and having expressed his joy in their obedience to the Word of God, and the confidence as to them which this gave him, Paul now felt ready to write to them more particularly concerning the collection then being made amongst the various Gentile assemblies for the benefit of poor saints in Jerusalem. He had alluded to it briefly in the closing chapter... read more
The principle of equality: v. 11. Now, therefore, perform the doing of it, that, as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. v. 12. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. v. 13. For I mean not that other men be eased and ye burdened; v. 14. but by an equality, that now, at this time, your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24
II. THE MINISTRY OF GIVING. Chapters 8-9 1. The Examples and Principles of Giving. CHAPTER 8 1. The Grace of God Manifested in the Churches of Macedonia. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7 ) 2. The Great Example. (2 Corinthians 8:8 ) 3. The Advice, Principles and Administration. (2 Corinthians 8:9-24 .) There is to be a practical ministry in giving, especially in remembering the poor of the flock. He is anxious now to lay this responsibility upon their hearts. In the first epistle he had written them... read more