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Matthew Henry

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

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

In these verses the apostle uses several cogent arguments to stir up the Corinthians to this good work of charity. I. He urges upon them the consideration of their eminence in other gifts and graces, and would have them excel in this of charity also, 2 Cor. 8:7. Great address and much holy art are here used by the apostle. When he would persuade the Corinthians to this good thing, he commends them for other good things that were found in them. Most people love to be complimented, especially... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

In these verses the apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them to collect their charity; and as it were, gives them letters credential, that, if they were enquired after (2 Cor. 8:23), if any should be inquisitive or suspicious concerning them, it might be known who they were and how safely they might be trusted. I. He commends Titus, 1. For his earnest care and great concern of heart for them, and desire in all things to promote their welfare. This is mentioned with thankfulness to... 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

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:16-24

8:16-24 Thanks be to God who has put into the heart of Titus the same earnestness for you as there is in mine. His earnestness is proved by the fact that he not only welcomed my invitation, but that also, with characteristic earnestness, he is going to you of his own choice. Along with him we send the brother whose praise in the gospel is in all the Churches. Not only does he enjoy universal praise, but he has also been elected by the Churches to be our fellow-traveller in this act of charity... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:3

For to their power, I bear record ,.... They gave according to their ability, to the utmost of it, which is the most that can be desired, or be given; for no man can give more than he has, nor is he required to do more than he is able: yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves ; not that they did or could do beyond their power; but they were "willing" beyond their power; their hearts were larger than their purses; they would gladly have done more than they had ability... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much entreaty ,.... They not only gave freely, being unasked by the apostles; but they sought to them, and earnestly entreated them, that they would receive the gift ; the beneficence, what they had so freely and generously collected: and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints ; what they had communicated for the service of the poor saints at Jerusalem, in which they testified their having and holding fellowship with the churches of Christ; and that they... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

And this they did not as we hoped ,.... All this was unexpected by the apostles, who knew their great affliction and deep poverty, and therefore could not have hoped for such a collection from them; or that they would have desired the apostle to have ministered it for them: but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God ; the sense of which is not barely, or only, that they committed themselves to the care of Providence in all their afflictions and poverty,... read more

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