The Generosity of the Churches of Macedonia With Regard To The Collection (2 Corinthians 8:1-6).
‘Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, how that in much testing by (proof of) affliction the abundance of their joy and their in depth poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality (singleness of heart, genuine sincerity).'
We should note here the oblique way in which Paul introduces the question of the Collection, so much so that to begin with we are not aware of what he is doing. The first appearance is simply of giving admiring testimony concerning the generosity of the Macedonians in giving, which has clearly moved him deeply. It is an impulsive introduction rather than a thought out one, and as 2 Corinthians 9:1 reveals, one which he came to realise was a little tactless. But his own selflessness and dedication and admiration for what they had done prevented him at first from recognising his lack of tact.
He draws attention to the generosity out of poverty of the Macedonian churches, which has clearly stirred him deeply. This is described as being as a direct result of the grace of God, God at work within them in unmerited favour (Philippians 2:13). Compare the ‘gift of giving' in 1 Corinthians 13:3.
And yet these churches were suffering affliction and persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:3; Philippians 1:29-30), and were themselves in dire poverty, literally ‘down to the depths'. They had almost reached rock bottom. Yet from that affliction they found abounding joy in Christ, and this had resulted in their rich liberality to others in need.