2 Corinthians 8 - Introduction

Give Yourself To The Lord

Second Corinthians Eight

Paul wrote about churches in Macedonia and their example in giving. The churches of Macedonia included Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul was raising money to help the Christians in Jerusalem. Many of them were very poor at this time. The brethren of Macedonia gave to their ability and then they went far beyond their ability in their giving. Paul did not have to beg them to give; rather they begged him to accept their gift. These brethren saw giving as a privilege. They gave beyond what Paul had ever hoped for. “And this they did not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” (2 Corinthians 8:5)

Titus was to be sure that these brethren did in fact follow through on what they had promised to do earlier. It was time for the Corinthians to act on what they had promised concerning giving to help the poor. Paul spoke of giving as "a grace." By giving we prove the sincerity of our love. We should be like Jesus in our giving. He gave and we should give also. God judges our giving based on what resources we have.

Paul wanted to be sure that there was no question about honesty in handling this money. He avoided any gossip about his role in the collection by sending Titus and his companion to collect it, and accompany Paul in carrying it to Jerusalem. He also sent a third brother that had great concern for the brethren and for this work to help make sure that things were done correctly. This offering was a great proof of Christian love from many standpoints.