2 Corinthians 8:23 King James Version with Strong's Concordance (STRONG)

23 Whether G1535 any do enquire of G5228 Titus, G5103 he is my G1699 partner G2844 and G2532 fellowhelper G4904 concerning G1519 you: G5209 or G1535 our G2257 brethren G80 be enquired of, they are the messengers G652 of the churches, G1577 and the glory G1391 of Christ. G5547

Cross Reference

Philippians 2:25 STRONG

Yet G1161 I supposed G2233 it necessary G316 to send G3992 to G4314 you G5209 Epaphroditus, G1891 my G3450 brother, G80 and G2532 companion in labour, G4904 and G2532 fellowsoldier, G4961 but G1161 your G5216 messenger, G652 and G2532 he that ministered G3011 to my G3450 wants. G5532

Philemon 1:17 STRONG

If G1487 thou count G2192 me G1691 therefore G3767 a partner, G2844 receive G4355 him G846 as G5613 myself. G1691

2 Corinthians 8:6 STRONG

Insomuch G1519 that we G2248 desired G3870 Titus, G5103 that G2443 as G2531 he had begun, G4278 so G3779 he would G2005 also G2532 finish G2005 in G1519 you G5209 the same G5026 grace G5485 also. G2532

Luke 5:7 STRONG

And G2532 they beckoned G2656 unto their partners, G3353 which G3588 were in G1722 the other G2087 ship, G4143 that they should come G2064 and help G4815 them. G846 And G2532 they came, G2064 and G2532 filled G4130 both G297 the ships, G4143 so G5620 that they G846 began to sink. G1036

Luke 5:10 STRONG

And G1161 so G3668 was also G2532 James, G2385 and G2532 John, G2491 the sons G5207 of Zebedee, G2199 which G3739 were G2258 partners G2844 with Simon. G4613 And G2532 Jesus G2424 said G2036 unto G4314 Simon, G4613 Fear G5399 not; G3361 from G575 henceforth G3568 thou shalt G2071 catch G2221 men. G444

2 Corinthians 7:6 STRONG

Nevertheless G235 God, G2316 that comforteth G3870 those that are cast down, G5011 comforted G3870 us G2248 by G1722 the coming G3952 of Titus; G5103

2 Corinthians 8:16 STRONG

But G1161 thanks G5485 be to God, G2316 which G3588 put G1325 the same G846 earnest care G4710 into G1722 the heart G2588 of Titus G5103 for G5228 you. G5216

2 Corinthians 8:19 STRONG

And G1161 not G3756 that only, G3440 but G235 who was G5500 also G2532 chosen G5500 of G5259 the churches G1577 to travel G4898 with us G2257 with G4862 this G5026 grace, G5485 which G3588 is administered G1247 by G5259 us G2257 to G4314 the glory G1391 of the same G846 Lord, G2962 and G2532 declaration of your G5216 ready mind: G4288

2 Corinthians 12:18 STRONG

I desired G3870 Titus, G5103 and G2532 with him I sent G4882 a brother. G80 Did G4122 G3387 Titus G5103 make a gain G4122 of you? G5209 walked we G4043 not G3756 in the same G846 spirit? G4151 walked we not G3756 in the same G846 steps? G2487

Philippians 4:3 STRONG

And G2532 I intreat G2065 thee G4571 also, G2532 true G1103 yokefellow, G4805 help G4815 those women G846 which G3748 laboured G4866 with me G3427 in G1722 the gospel, G2098 with G3326 Clement G2815 also, G2532 and G2532 with other G3062 my G3450 fellowlabourers, G4904 whose G3739 names G3686 are in G1722 the book G976 of life. G2222

Colossians 1:7 STRONG

As G2531 ye G3129 also G2532 learned G3129 of G575 Epaphras G1889 our G2257 dear G27 fellowservant, G4889 who G3739 is G2076 for G5228 you G5216 a faithful G4103 minister G1249 of Christ; G5547

1 Thessalonians 2:2 STRONG

But G235 even G2532 after that we had suffered before, G4310 and G2532 were shamefully entreated, G5195 as G2531 ye know, G1492 at G1722 Philippi, G5375 we were bold G3955 in G1722 our G2257 God G2316 to speak G2980 unto G4314 you G5209 the gospel G2098 of God G2316 with G1722 much G4183 contention. G73

Philemon 1:24 STRONG

Marcus, G3138 Aristarchus, G708 Demas, G1214 Lucas, G3065 my G3450 fellowlabourers. G4904

3 John 1:8 STRONG

We G2249 therefore G3767 ought G3784 to receive G618 such, G5108 that G2443 we might be G1096 fellowhelpers G4904 to the truth. G225

Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8 Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible


CHAPTER 8

2Co 8:1-24. The Collection for the Saints; the Readiness of the Macedonians a Pattern to the Corinthians; Christ the Highest Pattern; Each Is to Give Willingly after His Ability; Titus and Two Others Are the Agents Accredited to Complete the Collection.

1. we do you to wit—we make known to you.

the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia—Their liberality was not of themselves naturally, but of God's grace bestowed on them, and enabling them to be the instrument of God's "grace" to others (2Co 8:6, 19). The importance given in this Epistle to the collection, arose as well from Paul's engagement (Ga 2:10), as also chiefly from his hope to conciliate the Judaizing Christians at Jerusalem to himself and the Gentile believers, by such an act of love on the part of the latter towards their Jewish brethren.

2. trial of affliction—The Greek expresses, "in affliction (or, 'tribulation') which tested them"; literally, "in a great testing of affliction."

abundance of their joy—The greater was the depth of their poverty, the greater was the abundance of their joy. A delightful contrast in terms, and triumph, in fact, of spirit over flesh.

their deep poverty—Greek, "their poverty down to the death of it."

abounded unto the riches of their liberality—another beautiful contrast in terms: their poverty had the effect, not of producing stinted gifts, but of "abounding in the riches of liberality" (not as Margin, "simplicity"; though the idea of singleness of motive to God's glory and man's good, probably enters into the idea); (compare Ro 12:8, and Margin; 2Co 9:11, Margin; see on 2Co 9:13; Jas 1:5).

3-5. they were willing—rather, supply from 2Co 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power … yea, and beyond their power, THEY GAVE."

of themselves—not only not being besought, but themselves beseeching us.

4. that we would receive—omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Translate therefore, "Beseeching of us … the grace and fellowship of (that is, to grant them the favor of sharing in) the ministering unto the saints." The Macedonian contributions must have been from Philippi, because Philippi was the only church that contributed to Paul's support (Php 4:10, 15, 16).

5. And this they did, not as we hoped—Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hopes), but their own selves gave they first to the Lord." "First," not indicating priority of time, but first of all, above all in importance. The giving of themselves takes precedency of their other gifts, as being the motive which led them to the latter (Ro 15:16).

by the will of God—not "according to the will of God," but "moved by the will of God, who made them willing" (Php 2:13). It is therefore called (2Co 8:1), "the grace of God."

6. Insomuch that—As we saw the Macedonians' alacrity in giving, we could not but exhort Titus, that as we collected in Macedonia, so he in Corinth should complete the work of collecting which he had already begun there, lest ye, the wealthy people of Corinth, should be outdone in liberality by the poor Macedonians.

as he had begun—Greek, "previously begun," namely, the collection at Corinth, before the Macedonians began to contribute, during the visit to Corinth from which he had just returned.

finish in you the same grace—complete among you this act of grace or beneficence on your part.

also—as well as other things which he had to do among them [Alford].

7. in faith—(2Co 1:24).

utterance—(See on 1Co 1:5). Not as Alford, "doctrine" or "word."

knowledge—(1Co 8:1).

diligence—in everything that is good.

your love to us—literally, "love from you (that is, on your part) in us" (that is, which has us for its object; which is felt in the case of us).

8. not by commandment—"not by way of commandment."

but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and &c.—rather, "But by (mention of) the forwardness of others (as an inducement to you), and to prove (literally, 'proving') the sincerity of your love." The Greek is "by means of," not "on account of the forwardness," &c. Bengel, Ellicott, and others translate, "By means of the forwardness of others, proving the sincerity of your love ALSO." The former is the simpler construction in the Greek.

9. ye know the grace—the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Php 2:6, 7) for your sakes.

became poor—Yet this is not demanded of you (2Co 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self.

might be rich—in the heavenly glory which constitutes His riches, and all other things, so far as is really good for us (compare 1Co 3:21, 22).

10. advice—Herein he does not (as some misinterpret the passage) disclaim inspiration for the advice he gives; but under the Spirit, states that it is his "opinion" [Alford] or "judgment" [Ellicott, and others], not a command, that so their offering might be free and spontaneous.

this—my giving you an advice, not a command.

who have begun before—"seeing that ye have begun before" the Macedonian churches; "a year ago" should be connected with this clause.

not only to do, but also to be forward—There were three steps: (1) the forwardness, more literally, "the will"; (2) the setting about it, literally, "doing it"; (3) completion of it [Alford]. In the two former, not only the act, but the intention, the Corinthians preceded the Macedonians. Bengel explains, "Not only to do" FOR THE PAST YEAR, "but also to be forward" or willing FOR THIS YEAR. Ellicott translates, "already," instead of "before": "Ye began already a year ago, not only to do, but also to be forward." It appears hence, that something had been done in the matter a year before; other texts, however, show the collection was not yet paid (compare 2Co 8:11 and 2Co 9:5, 7). This agrees with one, and only one supposition, namely, that every man had laid by in store the fund from which he was afterwards to contribute, the very case which is shown by 1Co 16:2 to have existed [Paley, Horæ Paulinæ].

11. perform—"complete the doing also" (see on 2Co 8:10).

a readiness to will—Greek, "the readiness of will"; referring to 2Co 8:10, where the Greek for "to be forward," ought to be translated as here, "to will."

performance—"completion" [Alford], The godly should show the same zeal to finish, as well as to begin well, which the worldly exhibit in their undertakings (Jer 44:25).

12. For—Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (2Co 8:11), and no more.

a willing mind—rather, as Greek, "the readiness," namely, to will, referring to 2Co 8:11.

accepted—Greek "favorably accepted."

according to that a man hath—The oldest manuscripts omit "a man." Translate, "According to whatsoever it have"; the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, is personified [Alford]. Or better, as Bengel, "He is accepted according to whatsoever he have"; so 2Co 9:7, The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Compare as to David, 1Ki 8:18. God accepts the will for the deed. He judges not according to what a man has the opportunity to do, but according to what he would do if he had the opportunity (compare Mr 14:8; and the widow's mite, Lu 21:3, 4).

13. For—Supply from 2Co 8:8, "I speak." My aim is not that others (namely, the saints at Jerusalem) may be relieved at the cost of your being "distressed" (so the Greek for "burdened"). The golden rule is, "Love thy neighbour as thyself," not more than thyself.

14. by an equality—"by the rule of equality" [Alford]: literally, "Out of equality."

now at this time—Greek, "at the present juncture" or season.

that their abundance also—The Greek being distinct from the previous "that," translate, "in order that," namely, at another season, when your relative circumstances may be reversed. The reference is solely to temporal wants and supplies. Those, as Bengel, who quote Ro 15:27 for interpreting it of spiritual supplies from the Jews to the Gentiles, forget that Ro 15:27 refers to the past benefit spiritually, which the Jews have conferred on the Gentiles, as a motive to gratitude on the part of the latter, not to a prospective benefit to be looked for from the former, which the text refers to.

15. (Ex 16:18; Septuagint). As God gave an equal portion of manna to all the Israelites, whether they could gather much or little; so Christians should promote by liberality an equality, so that none should need the necessaries of life while others have superfluities. "Our luxuries should yield to our neighbor's comforts; and our comforts to his necessities" [J. Howard].

16, 17. Returning to the subject of 2Co 8:6.

for you—Translate, "Which put the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus," as was in myself. My care for you led me to "desire" him (2Co 8:6, 17, "exhortation," the same Greek); but Titus had of himself the same care, whence he "accepted (gladly) my exhortation" (2Co 8:17) to go to you (2Co 8:6).

17. being more forward—more earnest than to need such exhortation.

he went—Greek, "went forth." We should say, he is going forth; but the ancients put the past tense in letter writing, as the things will have been past by the time that the correspondent, receives the letter. "Of his own accord," that is, it is true he has been exhorted by me to go, but he shows that he has anticipated my desires, and already, "of his own accord," has desired to go.

18. the brother, whose praise is in the gospel—whose praise is known in connection with the Gospel: Luke may be meant; not that "the Gospel" here refers to his written Gospel; but the language implies some one well known throughout the churches, and at that time with Paul, as Luke then was (Ac 20:6). Not a Macedonian, as appears from 2Co 9:4. Of all Paul's "companions in travel" (2Co 8:19; Ac 19:29), Luke was the most prominent, having been his companion in preaching the Gospel at his first entrance into Europe (Ac 16:10). The fact that the person here referred to was "chosen of the churches" as their trustee to travel with Paul in conveying the contribution to Jerusalem, implies that he had resided among them some time before: this is true of Luke, who after parting from Paul at Philippi (as he marks by the change from "we" to "they," Ac 16:11) six years before, is now again found in his company in Macedonia. In the interim he had probably become so well known that "his praise was throughout all the churches." Compare 2Co 12:18; Phm 24. He who is faithful in the Gospel will be faithful also in matters of inferior importance [Bengel].

19. not that only—not only praised in all the churches.

chosen—by vote: so the Greek.

of the churches—therefore these companions of Paul are called "messengers of the churches" (2Co 8:23).

to travel—to Jerusalem.

with this grace—Greek, "in the case of this grace," or "gift."

to the glory of the same Lord—The oldest manuscripts omit "same."

declaration of your ready mind—The oldest manuscripts read, "our," not your. This and the previous clause, "to the glory of the same Lord," do not follow "administered by us," but "chosen of the churches to travel," &c. The union of the brother with Paul in this affair of the collection was done to guard against suspicions injurious "to the glory" of the Lord. It was also done in order to produce a "readiness" on the part of Paul and the brother to undertake the office which each, by himself, would have been less ready to undertake, for fear of suspicions arising (2Co 8:20) as to their appropriation of any of the money.

20. Avoiding—taking precautions against this.

in this abundance—in the case of this abundance.

21. The Septuagint (Pr 3:4; Ro 12:17). The oldest manuscripts read, "For we provide."

honest things—"things honorable."

22. This second brother, Birks supposes to be Trophimus: for a Macedonian is not meant (2Co 9:4) probably the same as was sent before with Titus (2Co 12:18); and therefore sent from Ephesus, and probably an Ephesian: all this is true of Trophimus.

oftentimes … in many things—Join and translate as in the Greek, "many times in many things."

upon the great confidence which I have in you—"through the great confidence WHICH HE HAS towards you" [Alford]. Bengel better supports English Version, "We have sent … through the confidence WHICH WE FEEL in regard to your liberality."

23. fellow helper concerning you—Greek, "fellow worker towards you."

our brethren—the two mentioned in 2Co 8:18, 22.

messengers—rather, as the Greek, "apostles": in the less strict sense (Ac 14:14).

of the churches—sent by the churches, as we are by the Lord (Php 2:25). There was in the synagogue an ecclesiastical officer, called "the angel of the Church," whence the title seems derived (compare Re 2:1).

24. The oldest manuscripts read "[continue] manifesting to them in the face of the churches the manifestation of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf."