2 Corinthians 8:1-2 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

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, 2 Cor. 8:1. Some think the words should be rendered, the gift of God given in or by the churches. He certainly means the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

8:1-15 Brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God which was given in the Churches of Macedonia. We want you to know that even when they were going through a severe test of their faith when things were pressing sorely on them, their overflowing happiness and their poverty which reached the very depths of destitution combined to overflow into the wealth of their generosity. For, I bear witness, they gave according to their ability, yes, beyond their ability, quite spontaneously,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1

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,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:2

How that in a great trial of affliction ,.... The apostle proceeds to show the condition these churches were in when, and the manner in which, they contributed to the relief of others. They were in affliction: they received the Gospel at first in much affliction, as did the church at Thessalonica, which was one of them; and afterwards suffered much from their countrymen for the profession of it, by reproaches, persecutions, imprisonments, confiscation of goods, &c.; They were under... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1

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,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:2

In a great trial of affliction - The sense of this verse is the following: The Macedonians, though both poor and persecuted, rejoiced exceedingly that an opportunity was afforded them of doing good to their more impoverished and more persecuted brethren. We can scarcely ever speak of poverty and affliction in an absolute sense; they are only comparative. Even the poor are called to relieve those who are poorer than themselves; and the afflicted, to comfort those who are more afflicted than... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1

Verse 1 As, in the event of the Corinthians retaining any feeling of offense, occasioned by the severity of the preceding Epistle, that might stand in the way of Paul’s authority having influence over them, he has hitherto made it his endeavor to conciliate their affections. Now, after clearing away all occasion of offense, and regaining favor for his ministry, he recommends to them the brethren at Jerusalem, that they may furnish help to their necessities. He could not, with any great... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:2

Verse 2 2.In much trial — In other words, while they were tried with adversity, they, nevertheless, did not cease to rejoice in the Lord: nay, this disposition rose so high, as to swallow up sorrow; for the minds of the Macedonians, which must otherwise have been straitened, required to be set free from their restraints, that they might liberally (661) furnish aid to the brethren. By the term joy he means that spiritual consolation by which believers are sustained under their afflictions; for... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1

We do you to wit; rather, we make known to you . The phrase is like the modern "I wish to inform you." In this and the next chapter St. Paul, having fully spoken of the joy which had been caused to him by their reception of his first letter, and having said as much as he then intended to say in answer to the charges insinuated against him, proceeds to give directions about the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem. He had already spoken of it ( 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 ), but feared... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1

By these we are to understand the Churches at Thessalonica, Philippi, and Beroea. There is a sense in which we speak of the Church of Christ as one, and also a sense in which we speak of it as many . It is correct to say, "the Church," and it is also correct to say, "the Churches." All who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and have surrendered their will and life to his ruling, and have made open profession of their devotion to him, make together the one catholic and apostolic Church, and may... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-6

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:2

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:2

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:2

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1

Group of Brands