A Study in II Corinthians Week 8

II Corinthians 8:1-24

Paul continues his response to the Church of Corinth by showing them how reconciliation is related to Christian giving.

Here in II Corinthians we have the most extended and complete section of Christian giving in the New Testament. Paul makes it clear that there are no rules for giving, but there are but there are clear-cut principles.

Paul will tell us that giving is a grace (Greek: charis – that which affords pleasure, joy, delight; expression of the loving kindness of God). The word, “grace,” related to giving, appears 7 times in this chapter.

The Verses

1-7 The church at Macedonia was very poor, yet they took up a more than generous offering for the church at Jerusalem. Jerusalem was their “mother” church. They were a mission of the church at Jerusalem. Usually it is the mother church that supports the mission, but in this instance, the tables are turned. This was an example of grace-filled giving.

Verse 3 tells us that they gave more than it seemed they were able “…to the saints” in verse 4 references their willingness to share the things of Christ with Jerusalem. And in verse 5 we learn that they were first of all sold out to Christ, and that’s why they gave.

In what grace does Paul urge Corinth to excel? _________________________ (giving)

8-9 True or false: Giving is commanded by God. ____True ____False. (The answer is that giving is a demonstration of grace.)

10-12 The church at Corinth had made a pledge, and Paul is encouraging them to fulfil their pledge. Giving is to be based on what we have, not on what we don’t have.

13-15 Paul tells us in verse 13 that we should all churches should give proportionately. This is much like our denomination’s Cooperative Program, in which churches give to missions as they are able.

16-21 “I thank God” The word, “thanks” is charis…GRACE. What we see here is that Titus was selected to accompany them as they took the offering to Jerusalem. Titus was chosen because of his faithfulness to the preaching of the gospel. Paul wanted to make sure that no one could criticize his integrity or his determination to deliver the gift. We are to take care of the monies given to God’s church with the utmost diligence. There should be no question whether they were honest in their handling of the money.

23-24 Titus was like a partner to Paul. They trusted each other. They would each make a report to Corinth of how much they delivered.

Giving is the way God has determined that we would express our love for Christ and
our appreciation for what He has done for us in giving us so great a salvation.