know . Greek. ginosko. App-132 . Jesus Christ . App-98 . for your sakes = on account of (Greek. dia. App-106 . 2 Corinthians 8:2 ) you. became poor. Greek. ptocheuo. Only here. Compare App-127 . read more
For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.Though he was rich ... Adam Clarke's perceptive comment on this should be remembered. He said:If Jesus Christ was only a man, in what sense could he be rich? Joseph and Mary were poor in Jerusalem, and poor in Nazareth; and, from the stable to the cross, Jesus never possessed any property among men, nor did he have anything at his death to... read more
2 Corinthians 8:9. Ye know the grace of our Lord, &c.— Rather, the munificence, or liberality;— the signification wherein St. Paul uses the word χαρις frequently in this chapter. Heylin renders it, the bounty. read more
9. ye know the grace—the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Philippians 2:6; Philippians 2:7) for your sakes. became poor—Yet this is not demanded of you (2 Corinthians 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self. might be... read more
III. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE COLLECTION FOR THE POOR SAINTS IN JUDEA 8:1-9:15The New Testament reveals that Paul was actively collecting money for "the poor among the saints in Jerusalem" (Romans 15:26) for about five years (A.D. 52-57). He solicited funds from the Christians in Galatia (Acts 18:23; 1 Corinthians 16:1), Macedonia (Acts 19:22; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 9:4), Achaia (Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9), and Asia Minor (Acts... read more
B. The supreme motive for giving 8:8-15Paul cited the example of Jesus Christ’s gift of Himself for needy humanity to motivate his readers further to finish their work of assembling the collection. read more
The incarnation of Jesus Christ is the greatest example of self-sacrificing liberality. He gave up the riches of glory in heaven when He became a man and died on the cross so that we might share His riches of glory in heaven (cf. Philippians 2:1-11). Gratitude to Him for His condescending grace should be the supreme motive for Christian giving."Paul depicts the glory of heavenly existence as wealth, in comparison with which the lowliness of earthly existence amounts to ’poverty.’ Thus it is not... read more
8:9 *his* (c-25) The 'his' is emphatic. 'the poverty of such a one as he.' read more
(a) 8:1-9. The Example of Macedonia1-5. Paraphrase. ’I wish you to know how liberally and spontaneously the Churches of Macedonia have contributed to the relief of their fellow-disciples in Jerusalem, having first of all presented themselves to God’s service.’1. Do you to wit] RV ’make known to you.’ The grace of God] the inspiration to give liberally. The churches of Macedonia] i.e. Philippi, Beroea, and Thessalonica, with, perhaps, others unknown to us: cp. Acts 16:12 to Acts 17:14; Acts... read more
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Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
8:1-9:15 COLLECTION FOR THE POOR IN JERUSALEMAbout a year earlier Paul had given instructions to the Corinthians about the collection of money he was organizing for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). The Corinthians had made a start (see 9:2), but in the meantime they became so concerned with their own difficulties that they neglected their responsibilities in the matter. Now that they have cleared up their local troubles, Paul reminds them of the importance of this... read more