2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9
These two chapters are lessons in giving. Paul is the instrument in the Lord’s hand to bring about a collection for the poor saints in Judea, Jerusalem specially as the center. There were two reasons for the collection: the one is that it is good to remember the poor (Gal. 2:10); the other is mentioned in Romans 15:25 to 28, specially verse 27.
“It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.” It was a debt of gratitude for the gospel which had been sent to them from Jerusalem, “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22), and the like lesson is taught in Galatians 6:6. There had been help sent once before by Barnabas and Saul (Acts 11:27-30). The apostle had already instructed them in his first letter to have the collection ready (1 Cor. 16:1-4).
The Macedonian gatherings had already responded, and Paul tells of their loving and hearty liberality, willing even beyond their power, and begged the apostle to take charge of their grace gift, for though in great poverty, yet their joy and love made them do all they could, and he presses this on the Corinthians—that God accepts our gift and values it by His measure of our willingness, accepting what a man is able to do, and not putting more upon him than he can do. These Macedonians gave themselves first to the Lord, and then to His service by the will of God, so that all was in harmony, and there was equality—the rich making up for the poor after the principle of the widow’s two mites.
The Corinthians had refreshed Titus’ heart in the way they received the first epistle, and the apostle desired him to go again and finish this grace in them likewise—a service he was glad to undertake, having such confidence in them. They had abounded in every way, in faith, and word, and knowledge and all diligence and in love to him. He did not command them, but counted on the genuineness of their love. Then he brings in that wonderful eclipsing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we all love to go over and over, “Who though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.”
Rich in glory, Thou didst stoop,
Thence is all Thy people’s hope;
Thou wast poor, that we might be
Rich in glory, Lord, with Thee.
The stars all disappear with the rising of the sun.
Verses 10-14. He advises them to get their gift ready out of what they had, without delay. It would show that his boasting of them was true, so that no shame would come to him or to them.
It is good to notice that Paul would not go alone in money matters, so that no reproach could be brought in, that would dishonor the Lord, so he has those approved of by the gatherings, the messengers of the assemblies to go with him—a good lesson for us in our assemblies always to have others to help in the care of the assembly, or disposing of their ministration of love and fellowship.
Paul wanted it to be a matter of blessing from them, and not a forcing it from them—a matter of bounty, and not covetousness. Then he reminded them that if they sowed plentifully, they would reap plentifully; and if they sowed sparingly, they would reap sparingly; so each as he had purposed in his heart was to give, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work. As it is written, “He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor; his righteousness remaineth forever” (Psa. 112:9). And after all, what we have, rightly comes from Him, being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth thanksgiving to God, and this thanksgiving would also ascend from the poor who received the help, and make them afresh to bless God for sending the gospel also to the far off Gentiles; and by their prayer for you, which long after you, for the exceeding grace of God in you.
This subject closes with, “Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.” He gave His Son, God delights to give. We can but render our heart’s praise, and thanksgiving offerings in acknowledgment of all His great love.