2 Corinthians 8 - Spurgeon’s Verse Expositions of the Bible

Although this is rather a practical than a spiritual chapter, I hope that we shall get profit out of it by the teaching of the Spirit of God who inspired Paul to write it. Paul was writing to the church at Corinth to commend the churches of Macedonia, that he might stir up the one church by the example of the others. The saints at Jerusalem were starving because of a famine, and it came into the mind of certain Gentile churches to send help to the mother-church at Jerusalem. It was regarded as a very wonderful thing that Gentiles should be sending help to Jews. I hope it would not be thought wonderful now, but it was then; and Paul, who loved the saints at Corinth, and saw that they were a little backward in this matter stirred them up to greater diligence. He did not like the churches in Macedonia to go so far ahead of the church in Corinth which was richer, and more endowed with gifts, and therefore he set to work to stimulate their generosity. Thus he begins:

2 Corinthians 8:1. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

That is a quaint old expression, «We do you to wit.» It means, «We would let you know, we would tell you, we would inform you of what the Macedonia saints have done;» and he does not at first say, «We would let you know of the liberality which the Macedonia churches have shown;» but, «of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia.» What we do for God, God's grace has first bestowed upon us. If there be any virtue, if there be any zeal, if there be any faith, if there be any love, it is the result of the grace of God bestowed upon us. Always look upon things in that light, for then you will not grow proud. Give what you may, and do what you may, you may regard it as the elect of the grace of God bestowed upon you.

2 Corinthians 8:2. How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of the joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

They were very poor people in Macedonia but they loved God so much that they abounded in liberality. Considering how little they possessed, and how much they were tried and persecuted, they had been wonderfully generous.

2 Corinthians 8:3. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

They were willing to give even beyond their power. They gave up to the full limit of what they could do, and then wished that they could give even more. And notice that «they were willing of themselves.» Paul had not to stir them up to do this, nor even to mention the subject to them: «They were willing of themselves.» That is the best kind of service to God which a man ever does, that in which he is willing of himself. It is the slave who is flogged to his work, the child is willing of himself. Oh, that on the altar of God, you and I may gladly place our offerings because we have been made willing of ourselves!

2 Corinthians 8:4. Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Paul did not have to beg them to give, but they begged him to take their gifts; and when the saints of God are in a right state, they come forward voluntarily, as Paul says that these Macedonian Christians did, «praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints» by going to Jerusalem and giving away this money where it was needed.

2 Corinthians 8:5-6. 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. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

Paul said, «Titus, do not let the Corinthians be behind the Macedonians in this matter. Go and show them how they may receive similar grace.»

2 Corinthians 8:7. Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound to this grace also.

These Corinthians were an instructed people, they were so well taught that they were able to carry on an open meeting for years without a minister, and the natural consequences followed, they fell into sixes and seven, and there were divisions among them, so that Paul had to counsel them to have a minister: «I beseech you, brethren, ye know the house of Stephanas that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.» They were a notable church, people of standing among them; Paul admits all that, but he says, «Do not be behindhand in your liberality to the canoe of God.»

2 Corinthians 8:8. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

And, Christian men and women, whenever you see other Christians excelling you in any grace, seek to catch up with them; why should you be in the rear rack? You are to run with patience the race that is set before you, so do not be outstripped by your fellow-runners. If God has given to one Christian much of any grace, he can, if he pleases, give as much to you.

2 Corinthians 8:9. For ye know-

These are most precious words, worthy of being written in letters of gold: «Ye know»

2 Corinthians 8:9. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

«You know the wonderful story of how you are rich through Christ's poverty. What a charge it was for him from the riches of heaven to the poverty of his manhood here, and what a change it is for you from the poverty of your sin and ruin to the riches of his grace! Now you know this,

you do not need anybody to tell you about it, so imitate it, distribute to the poor, and especially to the poor saints, as you have the power and the opportunity.»

2 Corinthians 8:10. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

They had started a year ago, but the project had hung fire, as such things often do. Many a man is good at resolving and starting, but not so good at going on to the end.

2 Corinthians 8:11. Now therefore perform the doing of it;

«Do not let your good resolves be buried, let them be turned into action: ‘Now therefore perform the doing of it.'» so I might say to who are here. «You have purposed, you have determined, you have resolved a great many times; ‘Now therefore perform the doing of it.' If it is a good resolve, it will be best to carry it out at once.»

2 Corinthians 8:11-12. That as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

This is how we should always act, see what we can do, and do it, not wait till we can do twice as much. There is a great waste of holy effort and of holy giving because so many people are ashamed to do a little, and therefore do nothing because they cannot do much. That is not the way for God's children to act. With your willing mind do what you can, and God will help you to do more.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

Paul would have the rich church at Corinth give to the poor church at Jerusalem for the Corinthians themselves might be in need some day, and then the church at Jerusalem would in turn give to them. This is the law of the kingdom; if God prospers you, help another who is not being prospered just now; and then, one of these days, he also may help you in your time of necessity.

2 Corinthians 8:15. As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

That was the law of the manna in the wilderness. Some people brought in a good deal, for they had a great many children, and so it was all eaten up. Some brought in a little, but God multiplied it, so that there was no lack. So, if, in providence, God gives you a large supply of good things, divide it among a large number of needy ones; and if he gives you only a small measure, be content, and do your best with it.

2 Corinthians 8:16. But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

Titus thought of them as Paul did; they were like-minded in this as in many other matters.

2 Corinthians 8:17-18. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

I do not know who «the brother» was. There have been many guesses but perhaps none of them were right. You see that human praise, even in the church, is not a very lasting thing. There was somebody whom all Christians praised; yet, now, nobody knows him. So, if you get to be esteemed among men, you may be unknown, even as this good man is; but if you have the praise of God, he will never forget you.

2 Corinthians 8:19. And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, Paul did not like handling the money at all. They had to press him to do it, and then he sent Titus and somebody else to take charge of it, and to keep a strict account so that they should never be blamed in the matter of this distribution. So, beloved, see that you so serve God that even the devil cannot find fault with you. Be so exact, especially with what is given to God's cause, that no man shall ever even think that you have taken any of it to yourselves.

2 Corinthians 8:19-21. Which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

The apostle is very particular and careful, and herein he sets an example to all of you who have anything to do with any work for God. Do not let it rest on yourselves alone; have others associated with you to share the responsibility, and help you to look after it.

2 Corinthians 8:22-23. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but not much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you:

«If anybody outside wants to know who Titus is, say that I have sent him to be the leader in this particular work. If you want to know who he is, he is ‘my partner and fellow helper concerning you.'» Well said, Paul.

2 Corinthians 8:23. Or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ.

This is the reply to any inquiry about the other brethren, they were probably poor men, humble men, plain preachers of the Word, yet Paul calls them «the glory of Christ.» What a wonderful thing it is that any man should be the glory of Christ! An honest, upright character a holy gracious conversation does bring glory to Christ. Men say, «If that man is a follower of Christ, he does credit to his Master.» Dear brothers and sisters, let us think of this; and if we are not the messengers of the churches, we may be «the glory of Christ.»

2 Corinthians 8:24. Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

The apostle is writing concerning a certain collection which was being made for the poor saints of Jerusalem. It was from Jerusalem that the gospel had spread into Greece, and, therefore, those who had received spiritual things from the poor Jews at Jerusalem were bound by every tie of holy brotherhood to remember their benefactors in the time of famine. The apostle stirs up the Corinthian Church about this contribution.

2 Corinthians 8:1. Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit

Or «we make you to know.»

2 Corinthians 8:1-2. Of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia. How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

It is good to stir one Christian up by the example of another, and Paul excites those at Corinth by the example of the churches in Macedonia especially, no doubt, the church at Philippi. He says that they were in great affliction, and they were very poor, but yet they had been so filled with the grace of God that their very poverty had enabled them to «abound to the riches of their liberality,» for what they gave became more in proportion because they were so poor.

2 Corinthians 8:3. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves:

Without any pressure: without even a hint spontaneously.

2 Corinthians 8:4. Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

«Take upon us the communion,» for that blessed word «Koinonia,» communion, is applied not only to the Lord's supper, and to such fellowship as that but to communion with poor saints fellowship with them by helping their necessities. And Paul says that the Macedonian Churches pressed it upon him that he should take their money, and go with it to Jerusalem, and distribute it. He appears to have been very reluctant to do this, but they pressed it upon him.

2 Corinthians 8:5. And this they did, not as we hoped,

That is, «according to our hopes.»

2 Corinthians 8:6. But first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

They first gave of themselves to God, and then asked Paul to take it that he might use it for God in the distribution of Christian charity among the poor saints at Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 8:6-7. Inasmuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

They were a famous church this church at Corinth, having gifted men in abundance more than other churches, insomuch that they did not use to have one man for a pastor, because they so abounded in brethren able to edify; and he urges them, as they were forward in all things, not to be backward in their liberality.

2 Corinthians 8:8. I speak not by commandment,

«I do not wish to put it upon you as a law. I want it to be spontaneous on your part.»

2 Corinthians 8:8-9. But by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

What a touching argument! How could he find a better? Help your brethren in Jerusalem that are in need, even though that help should pinch you, for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and what he did, and what he gave that you might be rich.

2 Corinthians 8:10. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

They had begun last year perhaps not a year ago, but some months ago in the previous year to talk the matter over, and to make promises; and they had been among the first to undertake the work, but as yet they had not done it.

2 Corinthians 8:11. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

They had not a minister, you see, and what is everybody's business is nobody's business, and so the contribution was not carried out. And in general the church at Corinth is about the worst in the New Testament, and that for this very reason that it had not any oversight. It was the pattern church of certain brethren whom we have among us this day in the very example of them, and they quote this as an example, whereas it is put here as a beacon, and a very excellent beacon, too, to warn us against any such thing. Everything was sixes and sevens, good people as they were. Seeing that they had no order and no discipline, nothing got done, and they wearied the apostle's life because of that. God would have things done decently and in order, and he gives to his churches pastors after his own heart, and when he does, then is the church able to carry out her desires and her activities with something like practical common-sense. But here a year ago, months ago, they had talked the matter over, and made a promise, and now he has to say to them, «Now therefore, perform the doing of it.» They had no deacons to look them up, I will be bound to say.

2 Corinthians 8:12-14. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want: that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

It is in the Christian Church alone that we shall ever find liberty equality, and fraternity thoroughly represented. There, by the life of Christ within his people spiritually, that shall be realized, and the apostle backs up this thought of his, which Bengel has beautifully put when he says «We ought to minister of our luxuries to the comfort of others, and of our comforts to the necessities of others.» So we should, to keep up a balance that, when one suffers wants and another abounds, there may be an equality made.

2 Corinthians 8:15. As it is written, He that had gathered much

Much manna

2 Corinthians 8:15-17. Had nothing over: and he that had gathered little had no lack. But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

Or «he is going unto you,» for he bore this letter unto them.

2 Corinthians 8:18. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches:

And what brother was that? Nobody knows. And a brother who has praise in all the churches may be well content to have his name forgotten. Oh! it would be a sweet thing to have praise in all the churches anonymously, so that it all might go up to God. It may have been Luke. Probably it was. It may not have been Luke. Probably it was not. We do not know who it was. But it does not signify. What matters it? As Mr. Whitfield used to say, «Let my name perish, but let Christ's name last for ever.» «And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches.»

2 Corinthians 8:19. And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace,

Or «with this gift.»

2 Corinthians 8:19-20. Which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

He had other brethren associated with him, lest anybody should even hint that Paul was benefited thereby. And, oh! in the distribution of the Lord's money, it becomes us to be exceedingly careful. Paul adds this.

2 Corinthians 8:21. Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

That the thing might be so clear and transparent that, while God knew that Paul was honest, everybody else might know it too, for others had been associated with him.

2 Corinthians 8:22-23. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you: or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messenger of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

How beautiful to see Paul so praising his brethren very humble, commonplace persons as compared with himself, but he admires the grace of God in them. How very different from the general spirit of depreciation that you find even among Christian men afraid to praise anybody, lest they should be exalted above measure. You might leave that to the devil. He will take care that they are not exalted above measure but you need not be as particular about that. Often the best thing that can be done for God's servant is to encourage him, for, though you may not know it, he may have a multitude of depressions, heavy toil and earnest care, and much watching, which may bring him down. Paul speaks well of the brotherhood: let us try to do the same. But how does he call these simple-minded men, who are going with him to distribute this money? Does he call them the glory of Christ? Yes; Christ is the glory of God, and his people are the glory of Christ. He glories whenever he is glorified by them. They are the result of the travail of his soul, and in that sense they are his glory.