Chapters 8-9
In keeping with the theme of Christian ministry in this epistle, Paul proceeds to speak of a different kind of service—the ministry of giving. Having fellowship in a practical way with those who are in need or those engaged in preaching the Word is a ministry indeed. The context that Paul uses to teach this is the sending of a monetary gift to “the poor saints” which were “at Jerusalem” (Rom. 15:2626For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. (Romans 15:26)). Hebrews 13:1616But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. (Hebrews 13:16) speaks of this ministry as, “communicating of your substance.” It is a ministry that all the saints can be engaged in—as individuals and as assemblies.
There is logic in the order of subjects that the Apostle addresses in this second letter. Since the Corinthians had set right the things that were wanting in the assembly, Paul was now free to encourage them in this practical ministry of giving. It is unlikely that he would have done this if they hadn’t responded to his correction in the first letter. But now, with those matters cleared up, he is free to speak to them about this very practical way of showing fellowship with other members in the body of Christ. They had shown a genuine care for the glory of the Lord (chap. 7:11) and a care for the fellowship of the Apostle (chap. 7:12), now he stirs them up to have a care for the Lord’s needy people (chaps. 8-9).
This subject of giving required some diplomacy on Paul’s part because it might have been construed that he was seeking the Corinthians’ money, even though he told them he wasn’t. This being the case, Paul wisely waited until there was a need among the saints that didn’t involve the support of labourers, such as himself. In this way, he could distance himself from any immediate implications while speaking on this subject. No one could accuse him of pandering after their wealth because it wasn’t for himself. He would not take money from the Corinthians for himself, but he would take it from them if it was for others.
However, the principles Paul gives in these two chapters have a broad application, and can be applied to giving out of our substance to those who labour for the Lord in ministering the Word, as well as to any of the Lord’s people who have a need.
The situation here was that many assemblies were putting together a collection which certain designated brethren would take on to Jerusalem. Paul’s desire was that the Corinthians would make up their part of the collection before he reached the city on his way to Judea. In doing so, Paul lays out some guiding principles in regards to Christian giving.
If the Old Testament tithing were for the Church, Paul would have indicated it in these chapters. However, there is nothing of it here or anywhere else in the New Testament. Paul doesn’t tell the saints to give a tenth of their income, but desires that grace would work in their hearts, and allow it to exercise them to give whatever they felt before the Lord.