2 Corinthians 8:1. The Apostle having employed the seven fore-going Chapter s, in a considerable measure, in his own justification, and having in the close expressed the great satisfaction that he had in the Corinthians being all united again in their affection and obedience to him, exhorts them in this and the following chapter, by the example of the churches of Macedonia particularly, to unite in a liberal contribution for the poor Christians in Judea.
Instead of we do you to wit, &c. Mr. Locke and others read, we make known unto you the godly charity given by the churches of Macedonia. The word Χαρις, which is translated grace in our version, is here used by St. Paul for gift, or liberality, and is so used, 2 Corinthians 8:4; 2 Corinthians 8:6-7; 2 Corinthians 8:9; 2 Corinthians 8:19 and 1 Corinthians 11:3. It is called, the gift of God, because God is the author and procurer of it, moving men's hearts thereto by his grace.