2 Corinthians 8

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 8 of 13

1 But, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given among the assemblies of Macedonia,

2 that in much testing of trouble, the overflowing of their joy and the depth of their poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. 3Because I testify that according to their ability and beyond their ability, of their own accord.

3 Because I testify that according to their ability and beyond their ability, of their own accord.

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Chapter Summary

He stirs them up to a liberal contribution for the poor saints at Jerusalem.

Key Greek Words

χάρις grace, gracious gift G5485
ἁπλότης generosity, liberality G572
πτωχεία poverty G4432
διακονία ministry, service G1248
ἀγάπη love G26
σπουδή earnestness, diligence G4710

People & Context

Paul

The apostle urging the Corinthians to finish the collection for the saints, holding up Macedonia's example.

Titus

Paul's partner and fellow worker sent to complete the gracious gift among the Corinthians (vv. 6, 16, 23).

Corinthians

The believers exhorted to abound in the grace of giving and prove their love.

Macedonians

The assemblies of Macedonia whose joy amid poverty overflowed in rich generosity (vv. 1-5).

Jesus Christ

The Lord who, being rich, became poor so that the Corinthians might become rich (v. 9).

Timeline

The Macedonian Example

Paul highlights the assemblies of Macedonia, who, despite deep poverty and severe testing, begged to participate in the ministry to the saints with an overflowing abundance of generosity .

2 Corinthians 8:1-5
The Poverty of Christ

He encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their own giving, reminding them of the grace of Jesus Christ, who, though rich, became poor so that they might become rich .

2 Corinthians 8:9
Sending Titus for the Collection

Paul formally sends Titus and other proven brothers to the Corinthians to arrange the promised blessing in advance, avoiding any blame regarding the administration of the bounty [29-31].

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

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