コリント人への第二の手紙 8:1-12 JC

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

Grace prepares the way for grace. Denial of self in one direction leads to cross-bearing in other forms. Duty is a spirit, not a mechanical thing; a life, and not a mere performance. If the Corinthians had shown such a "godly sorrow," they would now be eager to demonstrate their renewed Christian strength by a more faithful regard to all obligations. Carefulness, zeal, vehement desire, had characterized their repentance, and these would not expire with the occasion that had called them into... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

The charity commended is that of the Macedonian Churches. I. THEY GAVE UNDER VERY UNFAVOURABLE CIRCUMSTANCES . 1 . They were in much affliction . ( 2 Corinthians 8:2 .) This might have suggested special care of themselves rather than of others. Suffering often produces selfishness. Our pain often prevents us from realizing the pains of others. 2 . They were in deep poverty . ( 2 Corinthians 8:2 .) How could they give? Charity must begin at home, and does... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

"Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God," etc. The subject of these words is genuine beneficence, and they suggest certain general truths concerning it. I. THAT ALL GENUINE BENEFICENCE IN MAN IS FROM GOD . "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of [we make known to you] the grace of God." All that is loving and generous in all moral beings is from one Source, and that is God. He is the primal Font whence all flows. Wherever you see love, in young or... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

These two chapters (8 and 9) form an independent section of the Epistle. The plural alone ("we") is used throughout; participial and unfinished constructions abound; the style is a little embarrassed; and various words, such as "grace," "blessing," "righteousness," "simplicity," occur in somewhat unusual shades of meaning. All this arises: 1 . From St. Paul's natural delicacy in alluding to pecuniary subjects. 2 . From a desire to conciliate the Corinthians, while at the same... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:2

In a great trial of affliction; rather, in much testing of affliction ; i.e. in an affliction which put to the proof their Christian character. "They were not simply afflicted," says St. Chrysostom, "but in such a way as also to become approved by their endurance." (For the word rendered "trial," see Romans 5:4 , and in this Epistle, 2 Corinthians 2:9 ; 2 Corinthians 9:13 ; 2 Corinthians 13:3 .) "Affliction" seems to have befallen the Churches of Macedonia very heavily ( 1... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:3

They were willing of themselves. "Of their own accord," as in 2 Corinthians 8:17 . The verb in the original is energetically omitted, with the "they gave" of 2 Corinthians 8:5 . St. Paul does not mean that the notion of making the collection originated with them ( 2 Corinthians 9:2 ), but only that they displayed a voluntary energy in carrying it out. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us. The entreaties came from them, not from me. That we would receive. These words are almost certainly an explanatory gloss. The translation then is, "begging us for the grace of participation in this ministration to the saints." They were so willing in the matter that they entreated me, as a favour ( χάρις ), to allow them to have a share in this contribution, because it was to be given to the saints, that is, the suffering peer in the Church of Jerusalem. This Church suffered... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

Not as we hoped; rather, not as we expected . They were so poor that it was impossible to expect much from them, but they surpassed my expectations in every way. The Church of Philippi, perhaps under the influence of Lydia, was remarkable for generosity, and was the only Church from which St. Paul would accept any personal help ( Philippians 2:25 ; Philippians 4:15-18 ). First . "They gave themselves to the Lord, which is the best of all, and they gave themselves as helpers to us... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

If it seems strange to us that a large portion of an inspired Epistle should be occupied with directions as to a charitable collection which was going forward at the time, it should be remembered; that Christianity introduced into human society new and more powerful principles of benevolence, and further, that the new and Divine revelation was one which laid the foundation for this as for all human duties in the character and action of God himself. I. THE PRIMARY AND ALL - ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

Praise from St. Paul was worth having. He was a serious man, who could not pay empty compliments, and having a high sense of the Christian calling, he would never think of praising a Church merely to please the people or ingratiate himself with them, if he had not judged it worthy of commendation. Here are two marks of a Church on which the grace of God has been bestowed. I. CONSECRATION OF ITS MEMBERS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST . Before they made their contribution to the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:2

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:3

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

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