Keraia
2 Corinthians 8

2 Corinthians 8:2

Generosity Commended · 2 Corinthians 8:1–15
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Translations

Modern
In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
Traditional
How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Literal
…that in much proof of tribulation, the abundance of their joy and of their deep poverty abounded into the riches of their generosity.
Latin
…quod in multo experimento tribulationis abundantia gaudii ipsorum fuit, et altissima paupertas eorum, abundavit in divitias simplicitatis eorum:

Original

Greek
English
In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

Notes

2 Corinthians 8:1–2

The churches in Macedonia included the church in Philippi. According to Acts and Philippians, this church faced many troubles and was very poor. Despite this, they generously sent gifts to Paul and supported the collection (8:4–5; Philippians 1:5; 2:25–30; 4:15–20).

2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15

Paul now focuses on collecting funds for the Jerusalem church (8:4; 9:1). This relief fund aimed to help the poor believers in the holy city (Acts 11:27–30; Romans 15:25–27, 31; Galatians 2:10). Paul had previously given instructions about this matter (1 Corinthians 16:1–2). Now it was time to gather the funds (2 Corinthians 8:6). Paul hoped this gift from non-Jewish congregations to the Jewish church would strengthen ties between the two groups in the early Christian community.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Christian Giving

Parallels

Philippians 4:10–20

Glossary

Alms Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Body of Christ First Letter to the Corinthians Macedonia Riches Second Letter to the Corinthians Titus, Letter to

Topics

Alms: Giving: The Early Christians Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Emulation: General Scriptures Concerning Joy of Saints should be Abundant Joy of the Macedonian Christians, when They Made a Contribution for the Christians at Jerusalem Joy: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Macedonia: The Congregation In, Sends Contributions to the Poor Saints in Jerusalem Poor: Kindness to Congregations Poor: Kindness to Congregations of Macedonia and Achaia Religious Zeal: Exemplified Tact: Paul in Stimulating Benevolent Giving The Macedonian Empire: Liberality of the Churches of The Poor: Offerings of, Acceptable to God The Poor: Regard For: Churches of Macedonia and Achaia Titles and Names of Ministers: Messengers of the Church