Acts and Epistles by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: epistles, acts, churce, holy spirit, religion, christianity
Publisher: David C. Cook
Published: 2018-02-10T18:35:30+00:00

III. Gracious Giving (chaps. 8-9)

Having explained his changed plans (1:12-2:11) and having described the nature and orientation of his ministry (2:12-7:16), Paul now turned to the subject of gracious giving. This was no abstract topic; it concerned the collection for the poor in Jerusalem which Paul had been organizing for several years (cf. Gal. 2:10; Rom. 15:25-28). The Corinthians, hearing about “the collection,” asked Paul what part they might have in it (cf. 1 Cor. 16:1). Paul instructed them concerning these arrangements (1 Cor. 16:2-3). Good intentions had not been translated into fruition, however, so Paul asked Titus to look into the matter (2 Cor. 8:6).

What factors interrupted the Corinthians’ good intentions? No one knows. But one likely possibility was the presence of the false apostles who received support from the church and may have diverted to themselves some of the monies intended for that collection (cf. 2:17; 11:20). As a result, Paul’s refusal to accept support was a sore point with the Corinthians (cf. 11:7-12; 12:13-18).

Titus had found the Corinthians in need of an encouraging word which Paul delivered in chapters 8-9 of this letter. This-in conjunction with Titus’ work and that of unnamed assistant? (8:23; cf. Acts 20:1-4), climaxed by Paul’s visit (Acts 20:3)-brought the collection in Corinth to a successful conclusion (cf. Rom. 15:26; Acts 24:17).

A. Examples of liberality (8:1-9)

Whenever possible, Paul preferred to motivate and instruct by deed as well as by words. He did not hesitate to urge the Corinthians and others to imitate his manner of life (cf. 1 Cor. 4:16; 11:la; 1 Thes. 1:6; 2 Thes. 3:7-9). But he was also quick to point to other worthy examples, including Timothy (1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 2:19-20), Epaphroditus (Phil. 2:18), and of course, Christ (Phil. 2:5; 1 Cor. 11:lb; 1 Thes. 1:6) and God the Father (Eph. 5:1). Paul gave the Corinthians two examples of liberality: the Macedonian churches and Christ.

8:1-2. The Macedonian churches those in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea-had initially experienced the grace of God in the person of Paul and his proclamation of the gospel (Eph. 3:2-12) during his second missionary journey. In Philippi (Acts 16:12-40), Thessalonica (Acts 17:1-9), and Berea (Acts 17:10-15), the apostle preached the gospel and founded churches. The believers in these places suffered because of their faith (Phil. 1:29-30; 1 Thes. 1:6), but they remained steadfast (Phil. 1:5; 1 Thes. 1:7). They even contributed at that early juncture to Paul’s material support (Phil. 4:15).

While their material welfare apparently deteriorated (cf. Phil. 4:10), their spiritual well-being increased commensurately. Paul attributed this to the grace of God, His unmerited favor. They had ample reason to be sorrowful (severe trial is lit., “in much testing of troubles” [thilpse ōs; cf. 2 Cor. 1:4]), but they rejoiced. Though in extreme poverty, they could make others rich. Though they had nothing, they possessed everything that really matters (6:10). Like Paul, the Macedonian churches had learned that God’s grace is sufficient to take their weaknesses and through them to display God’s power (4:7-12; 12:9; Phil.

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