RSV ~ 2 Corinthians 8 Notes
2 Cor 8:1-9 | ISB Notes
The central section of the letter deals with a collection of money that Paul and his associates took up among Gentile Churches during his third missionary journey (Acts 18:23-21:16). The proceeds were gathered to help the poor Christians in Jerusalem (Rom 15:25-27; 1 Cor 16:1-4). The donation was a practical gesture of charity toward fellow believers in need, as well as a symbolic token of unity expressed by Gentile Churches on behalf of their Jewish Christian brethren. Years earlier Paul had delivered similar relief to Judean Christians stricken with famine (Acts 11:28-30).
2 Cor 8:1 | ISB Notes
Macedonia: A Roman province in upper Greece, just north of Corinth.
The Book of Acts indicates that Paul planted the gospel in at least three cities of this region: Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea (Acts 16:11-17:14).
2 Cor 8:2 | ISB Notes
a wealth of liberality: Paul praises the Macedonians for contributing abundantly to the Jerusalem collection despite their destitute circumstances. He thus challenges the Corinthians, who are comparatively wealthy, to follow the lead of their northern neighbors by giving alms in proportion to their prosperity. These contributions are to be set aside every Sunday when they gather for worship (1 Cor 16:2) (CCC 1351).
2 Cor 8:3 | ISB Notes
according to their means: Giving alms to the poor is prescribed as a work of mercy in the OT (Tob 12:8-9) as well as in the NT (Mt 6:2-4). Here Paul tries to stimulate a healthy rivalry, hoping that the generous example of the Macedonians will draw forth an even greater gift from the Corinthians.
• The standard Paul erects for almsgiving is the standard tradition adopts for offerings to the Church. This is stated in the fifth precept of the Church, which obliges us to give a part of our earnings to the Lord, each according to his means (CCC 2043).
2 Cor 8:6 | ISB Notes
Titus: A close associate of Paul who is coming to oversee the fund-raising efforts that began a year earlier but were never completed (8:10; 9:2). The campaign probably slowed or came to a halt because of the recent tensions that had arisen between Paul and the Corinthians.
2 Cor 8:7 | ISB Notes
you excel in everything: The Corinthians were blessed in many ways, spiritually and economically. The collection affords them a prime opportunity to (1) express thanksgiving to God for what they have and (2) to lend a helping hand to those who have not.
2 Cor 8:8 | ISB Notes
not as a command: Donating money to the Jerusalem fund was voluntary, not mandatory. Paul does not force them into charitable giving but invites them to “do” it because they “desire” it (8:10; 9:7).
2 Cor 8:9 | ISB Notes
he was rich: The life of Jesus Christ is a lesson in generosity. Though infinitely perfect and self-sufficient in his divinity, he became man in the “form of a servant” (Phil 2:7) to save us from sin and enrich us with divine life (Jn 10:10). The contrast between Christ’s wealth (divinity) and poverty (humanity) means, not that he divested himself of glory in the Incarnation, but that he disguised it behind the veil of his human flesh (Col 1:19; 2:9) (CCC 517, 2546).
2 Cor 8:12 | ISB Notes
not … what he has not: Paul does not want the Corinthians to overextend themselves, zealously pledging money they are unable to give.
2 Cor 8:14 | ISB Notes
equality: Paul envisions a fair distribution of burdens and blessings. Since the spiritual blessings of Israel have spread to all nations in Christ, the Gentiles are obliged to return material blessings in gratitude (Rom 15:27). In this case, the prosperity enjoyed by Corinthian Gentiles should help to alleviate the poverty of Jewish Christians in Jerusalem (CCC 2833).
2 Cor 8:15 | ISB Notes
He who gathered much: A citation from Ex 16:18.
• The Exodus generation of Israel lived on daily rations of manna provided by the Lord. Because he ensured a fair amount of bread to each family, there was no need to hoard it or store it away. To do so would have displayed a lack of trust in his Providence. Paul is urging believers to imitate the Lord by distributing their resources so that no one in the family of faith will lack basic necessities. Prosperity is a blessing meant to be shared.
2 Cor 8:18 | ISB Notes
the brother who is famous: Unidentified, but apparently well-known.
preaching of the gospel: The Greek is simply “in the gospel”. Some ancient writers identified this “famous” brother with the evangelist Luke and the “gospel” in question with the Gospel of Luke. This is uncertain, and to an extent improbable, since in Paul’s letters the word “gospel” refers to the message of salvation, not to a written narration of Jesus’ life and ministry. It is true, in any case, that Luke was one of Paul’s missionary associates (2 Tim 4:11; Philem 24).
2 Cor 8:19 | ISB Notes
appointed: Delegates were specially commissioned to deliver the charitable donations of the Gentile Churches to the poor of Jerusalem. The Jewish theologian Philo uses this same Greek expression for the appointment of envoys to deliver the firstfruits offering of the Diaspora synagogues to the Jerusalem Temple (Special Laws 1, 78). For the possibility that Paul viewed the relief offering in a similar way, see note on Acts 20:16.
2 Cor 8:21 | ISB Notes
what is honorable: Paul sends a delegation of trusted men to manage the Jerusalem collection in Corinth (Titus and two unnamed brothers; see 8:16-18, 22). This strategy is meant to eliminate suspicions that Paul had initiated the collection because of greed or selfish motives. Entrusting the task to men of proven character ensures that the money will be collected properly, handled honestly, and delivered safely.
2 Cor 8:22 | ISB Notes
sending our brother: Another anonymous companion of Paul (8:18).