2 Corinthians 8 - Show Me the Money!

Click Here to Read or Listen to 2 Corinthians 8

The Collection for the Lord’s People

The collection Paul is referring to was a collection taken for the poor and the widows in the church of Jerusalem. Though Paul is going to talk about the generosity of the church at Philippi, he starts, "We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches."

Our generosity always starts with God's grace given to us. What is so special about the giving from the churches in Macedonia is that they were giving even during an extremely difficult time. They struggled with being poor themselves. 

We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.  - Guzik

Paul then states that they give first to the Lord, and then also to Paul to bring to Jerusalem. This could mean that they first gave their offerings to the temple in Philippi as part of their tithe, and then gave a special offering to the churches in Jerusalem. They first gave locally and then globally. 

The Corinthians had been given a lot of spiritual gifts, which they used effectively, but Paul also urges them to excel in in this grace of giving.

Again notice that just as we offer our spiritual gifts by serving in ministry to build up the church, we also use the "grace" of giving to offer our financial support to the church. Traditionally this has been called the stewardship of our time, talents, and treasures. 

 Now, for the fourth time since the beginning of the chapter, Paul refers to giving money as a grace (grace of God… receive the gift… complete this grace). The fact that Paul uses the ancient Greek word charis to describe financial giving means a few things.

The ability to give and the heart to give is a free gift from God. Giving is a work of God’s grace in us. When you see a believer who is truly generous, a great work of God has been done in their heart. We should never say, “Well, they just want to write the checks and not get involved.” No, giving is getting involved, and it demonstrates a true work of God’s grace in the heart. - Guzik

Paul then gives the example of Jesus, the richest man in the world, who gave everything he had so that we who were poor might become rich. Jesus is the greatest example of sacrificial giving, as he gave everything to God on the cross. 

Paul then gets practical and commends them for being the first to pledge their gift, but now he challenges them to complete their gift. Though the Corinthians were giving out of their surplus now to those who are in need, there would be a day when they would be in need and someone could supply them for where they were lacking. 

Titus Sent to Receive the Collection

Titus and another man, who we don't know, are sent to collect the final pledge of the Corinthians. Titus was a man of good reputation and his excitement shows his passion to be used by God to help build the Church. Collecting money from a church might not seem that exciting, but Titus knew it was going to be used for work in the kingdom of God. He realized that this was an investment that would pay eternal dividends. 

Paul also stresses his desire for them to be "above board" in regard to these financial matters. 

We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man.

Also in the sight of men is a reminder that all things financial in the church should be conducted above board and properly. Paul took whatever steps were necessary so no one could blame him with financial impropriety. Paul could write like a poet and think like a theologian; but he could also act with the meticulous accuracy and integrity of the best accountant.

As you think about this passage, do you "excel" in the grace of giving? Do you see giving financially as important as the giving of your time and talents? Why or why not?  Why is it always important to think beyond our own individual churches? What are the benefits of helping to give resources to churches that are challenged financially?  Is there someone in your life right now who is need of financial help?

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