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Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 2 Corinthians 8:4

(4) Praying us with much intreaty . . .—The words “that we would receive” are not in the Greek, which literally runs: asking of us the grace (or favour) and fellowship in the ministry of the saints, i.e., asking to be allowed to share in it. read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

The Charm of Christ 2 Corinthians 8:9 I would take the text as showing the God-nature in the self-giving of Christ. I. The Divine Plenitude. 'He was rich' carries us up into the relation of the Son to the Father, and into the wealth He shared as Son with the Father. We have now to try and realise some of the great things which are of the essence of Deity, and to remember that they belonged to the riches of Christ as sharing in the nature of the Godhead. What, then, are the riches of God? (1)... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Chapter 20THE GRACE OF LIBERALITY.2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (R.V)WITH the eighth chapter begins the second of the three great divisions of this Epistle. It is concerned exclusively with the collection which the Apostle was raising in all the Gentile Christian communities for the poor of the Mother Church at Jerusalem. This collection had great importance in his eyes, for various reasons: it was the fulfillment of his undertaking, to the original Apostles, to remember the poor; {Galatians 2:10} and... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

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

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:4

8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the {d} gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.(d) He calls that "gift" which other men would have called a burden. And this verse is to be explained by 2 Corinthians 8:6 . read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

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

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

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

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

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

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

(1) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; (2) How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. (3) For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; (4) Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. (5) And this they did, not... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:4

Begging of us the grace, &c. We may translate, benevolence, or charity, meaning their charitable alms or contributions. It also may be called a grace, a favour, or a charity, which they did for the poor. He exhorts them to these charitable contributions by the example of Christ, who being the God of glory, made himself the lowest and poorest of men to enrich us with grace and glory. (Witham) --- Towards the saints. The saints whom St. Paul is here speaking of, are the faithful of... read more

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