ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for 2 Corinthians 8

2 Cor. 8:1–9:15 Paul’s Appeal to the Repentant Church Regarding the Collection. In view of 7:2–16, Paul encourages the church to complete the collection that they had begun earlier for the suffering believers in Jerusalem (see Rom. 15:25–32; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; Gal. 2:9–10).

2 Cor. 8:1 the grace of God . . . given among the churches of Macedonia. A reference to the generosity of the churches in the region of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea (see Acts 16:9–17:15; 18:5; 19:21–22; 29; 20:1–4; 27:2). Paul calls the collection an act of “grace” because contributing to the needs of others is made possible by God’s gifts (2 Cor. 8:1, 4, 19; see also 8:9; 9:8).

2 Cor. 8:2–5 not as we expected. God’s grace was shown since the Macedonians gave even though they were poor. gave themselves first to the Lord. The Macedonians recommitted their lives. and then . . . to us. They offered money and any other personal help they could give Paul.

2 Cor. 8:7 faith . . . speech . . . knowledge. A reference to the Corinthians’ spiritual gifts (see 1 Cor. 1:5; 8:1–7; 12:8–10; 14:19).

2 Cor. 8:8–10 not as a command. Giving to the Lord’s work must be voluntary. was rich . . . became poor. A reference to Christ’s status as the eternal Son of God in heaven (John 1:1–3; Gal. 4:4; Phil. 2:6) and the humility of his life on earth, including his death (Phil. 2:7–8). He did these things so that believers might become rich (might have salvation and all its benefits).

2 Cor. 8:12 according to what a person has. Paul did not pressure people to give what they did not have or could not afford to give.

2 Cor. 8:13–14 fairness . . . fairness. Paul was asking that Corinth do its fair share in meeting the extreme needs of the Christians in Jerusalem. At the present time the Gentile believers can contribute financially, while the Jewish believers can contribute leadership and the ministry of the gospel (see Rom. 11:11–12, 25–26, 30–32).

2 Cor. 8:16 Once again, Paul’s thanks . . . to God begins a new section (compare 1:3; 2:14).

2 Cor. 8:18 The identity of the famous . . . brother is unknown.

2 Cor. 8:19–22 ministered by us. . . . administered by us. This same phrase appears in 3:3 to describe Paul’s new covenant ministry of the Spirit (“delivered by us”). This shows that the collection for the needy in Jerusalem was an essential part of the apostolic ministry of the gospel. so that no one should blame us. As Paul delivers the gift to Jerusalem, a team of men well known for their integrity will travel with him. Their presence will protect Paul from charges that he stole from the collection and also provide protection from robbers. See chart.

2 Cor. 8:23 the glory of Christ. The delegates’ love reflects Christ’s love for his people (v. 9). It results from their having encountered the glory of God through Christ (3:18; 4:4–6).