2 Corinthians 8:4 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 8:4

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much entreaty - We had not to solicit them to this great act of kindness; they even entreated us to accept their bounty, and to take on ourselves the administration or application of it to the wants of the poor in Judea. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:4

Verse 4 4.Beseeching us with much entreaty. He enlarges upon their promptitude, inasmuch as they did not only not wait for any one to admonish them, but even besought those, by whom they would have been admonished, had they not anticipated the desires of all by their activity. (666) We must again repeat the comparison formerly made between the less and the greater. “If the Macedonians, without needing to be besought, press forward of their own accord, nay more, anticipate others by using... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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 8:4

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

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 8:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:4

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 8:4

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