2 Corinthians 8:1 - Meaning and Application

Notice here how the apostle uses the good example of the churches in Macedonia, that is, Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and other churches in that region, to encourage the Corinthians and the Christians in Achaia to give generously. He first tells them about the Macedonians’ great generosity, which he calls the grace of God given to the churches (2 Corinthians 8:1). Some think the phrase could be translated as the gift of God given in or through the churches. In any case, he is speaking about the gifts they gave to help others, and he calls them grace, or gifts from God, because they were generous and because their charity came from God as its source. It also showed their true love for God. The grace of God is the root and fountain of all good in us and all good done by us. It is also a great kindness from God when he makes us useful to others and ready for every good work.

Paul then praises the Macedonians’ charity and presents it in a strong light. First, they were in a low and troubled condition themselves, yet they still helped others. They were under severe suffering and deep poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2). This was a time of great hardship for them, as can be seen in Acts 18:17. The Christians in those areas were treated badly, and that had driven them into poverty. Yet, even in the middle of trouble, they had great joy, and with that joy they overflowed in generosity. They gave from very little, trusting God to supply what they needed and to make up for what they gave.

Second, they gave very generously, with the riches of their liberality (2 Corinthians 8:2). That means they gave as freely as if they were rich. Their gift was large when all the circumstances are considered, and it was according to their means, even beyond them (2 Corinthians 8:3). They gave as much as could reasonably be expected, and perhaps more. We may sometimes judge the wisdom of such giving, but God accepts the sincere zeal of those who, in real acts of worship and charity, give beyond what they can easily afford.

Third, they were eager and ready to do this good work. They were willing of themselves (2 Corinthians 8:3), and they did not need Paul to push them with many arguments. Instead, they begged him with much urging to accept the gift (2 Corinthians 8:4). It seems Paul was not eager to take on this responsibility, because he wanted to give himself to the word and prayer. Or he may have feared that his enemies would use the matter against him and accuse him of carelessness, favoritism, or even dishonesty in handling such a large sum. Ministers should be careful, especially with money, not to give anyone a reason to speak badly of them.

Fourth, their charity grew out of true devotion, and that was the best thing about it. They carried out this good work in the right order. First they gave themselves to the Lord, and then they gave their gifts to us, as God willed (2 Corinthians 8:5). That is, they gave in the way God wanted them to, and they offered their gifts for his glory. This seems to have gone beyond what the apostle expected. He had not looked for such warm and godly affection in these Macedonians, or for such a serious and devoted offering. They made a fresh and united surrender of themselves and all they had to the Lord Jesus Christ. They had done this before, and now they did it again in this special act, making their gifts holy by first giving themselves to the Lord.

We should give ourselves to God, because we cannot give ourselves to anyone better. When we give ourselves to the Lord, we also give him all we have, to be used as he wills. Anything we use or give for God is only returning to him what already belongs to him. And whatever we give for charity will not be accepted by God, or benefit us, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord.

Paul also tells them that Titus was asked to go and collect their gift (2 Corinthians 8:6). Titus would be welcome among them, because they had already received him warmly, and he had a strong affection for them. He had already begun this work among them, so he was asked to finish it. He was the right person for the task in every way, and since the work had already gone well in such good hands, it would be a shame if it were not carried through to completion. It is wise to use the right people for the work we want done well, and acts of charity often succeed best when trusted and suitable people are chosen to ask for gifts and manage them.