2 Corinthians 8:4-5

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

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

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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:5

Not as we hoped - They far exceeded our expectations, for they consecrated themselves entirely to the work of God; giving themselves and all they possessed first unto the Lord; and then, as they saw that it was the will of God that they should come especially forward in this charitable work, they gave themselves to us, to assist to the uttermost in providing relief for the suffering Christians 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

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:5

Verse 5 5.And not as He expected from them an ordinary degree of willingness, such as any Christian should manifest; but they went beyond his expectation, inasmuch as they not only had their worldly substance in readiness, but were prepared to devote even themselves. They gave themselves, says he, first to God, then to us. It may be asked, whether their giving themselves to God, and to Paul, were two different things. It is quite a common thing, that when God charges or commands through means... 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

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