2 Corinthians 8:2
Verse
Context
Generosity Commended
1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
Sermons
Jackie Pullinger
John Piper
Anton Bosch
C.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In a great trial of affliction - The sense of this verse is the following: The Macedonians, though both poor and persecuted, rejoiced exceedingly that an opportunity was afforded them of doing good to their more impoverished and more persecuted brethren. We can scarcely ever speak of poverty and affliction in an absolute sense; they are only comparative. Even the poor are called to relieve those who are poorer than themselves; and the afflicted, to comfort those who are more afflicted than they are. The poor and afflicted Churches of Macedonia felt this duty, and therefore came forward to the uttermost of their power to relieve their more impoverished and afflicted brethren in Judea.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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 Rom 12:8, and Margin; Co2 9:11, Margin; see on Co2 9:13; Jam 1:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
How that in a great trial of affliction,.... The apostle proceeds to show the condition these churches were in when, and the manner in which, they contributed to the relief of others. They were in affliction: they received the Gospel at first in much affliction, as did the church at Thessalonica, which was one of them; and afterwards suffered much from their countrymen for the profession of it, by reproaches, persecutions, imprisonments, confiscation of goods, &c. They were under trying afflictions, which tried their faith and patience, and in many of them. Now for persons in prosperity, when all things go well with them, to be liberal is no such great matter; but for persons in adversity, under trying dispensations of Providence, amidst many afflictive ones to communicate generously to the relief of others, is something very remarkable, and worthy of notice and imitation, which was the case of these churches: for notwithstanding this, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality; so that it appears likewise that they were not only in great afflictions, but in deep poverty; had but an handful of meal in the barrel, and a little oil in the cruse, their purses almost empty, and their coffers almost exhausted; they had gotten to the bottom of their substance, had but very little left; and yet freely gave, with joy, even with an abundance of it. The allusion seems to be to the words of David, in Ch1 22:14 now behold, which the Septuagint render by , "according to my poverty, I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold", &c. for by "the abundance of their joy", is not so much meant the joy they felt in the midst of their afflictions, so that they could glory in them, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, as the cheerfulness of their spirits in contributing to the necessities of others; glad at heart they were that they had hearts to do good, and an opportunity of doing it; which they gladly laid hold on, observing the divine rule, "he that sheweth mercy", let him do it "with cheerfulness": and this they did, considering the small pittance they were possessed of, very largely; for though their poverty was deep, and their purses low, their hearts were large and full, and their hands ready to communicate; so that their poverty "abounded to the riches of their liberality": though their poverty was great, their liberality was rich and large; though it might be but little they gave in quantity, it was much in quality, much in liberality; like the poor widow, who, of her want and penury, cast in more than all the rich besides, not in quantity, but in liberality; they only giving some, and a disproportionate part, she her all.
2 Corinthians 8:2
Generosity Commended
1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.3For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,
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Testimony - Part 8
By Jackie Pullinger3.7K09:55Testimony2CO 8:2In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a man who was sentenced to prison for possessing a large amount of opium. The speaker visited the man in prison and prayed with him, leading him to accept Jesus into his life. Despite facing numerous challenges, including his wife leaving him and his brother being arrested for murder, the man's faith in Jesus remained strong. The speaker also mentions how the man's gang brothers, who were also arrested, came to know Jesus except for his own brother. The speaker emphasizes the transformative power of Jesus and shares how the man's brother eventually agreed to believe in Jesus after five years of staying off drugs. However, the brother initially hesitated because he believed that following Jesus would require him to give up his criminal activities and financial support for his family. The speaker concludes by highlighting the man's commitment to Jesus and his desire to live a life that aligns with his faith.
Your Life: Don't Waste It
By John Piper1.5K44:13PSA 16:11ISA 43:7JHN 15:11ACT 20:35ROM 5:31CO 6:191CO 10:312CO 8:2PHP 1:19HEB 10:34
This sermon emphasizes the importance of aligning one's life with God's purposes, focusing on three key aspects: being made for God's glory, finding joy in God, and loving others. It highlights that true love and glorifying God stem from being satisfied in all that God promises to be for us in Jesus, leading to a life of sacrificial love and joy in serving others.
Gifts, Bribes and Guilt-Offerings
By Anton Bosch33225:52Christian LifeISA 6:8MAT 2:1MAT 6:33JHN 3:162CO 8:22CO 8:5EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of giving and emphasizes the importance of giving oneself to the Lord. He praises the Macedonians for their abundant giving, stating that they gave beyond their ability because they first gave themselves to the Lord. The speaker cautions against the idea that giving money is enough, highlighting that God desires our wholehearted devotion and obedience. He also encourages a shift in focus during the holiday season, urging listeners to prioritize peace and being at peace with God and others, rather than getting caught up in the busyness and consumerism of the season.
The Bliss of the Glorified
By C.H. Spurgeon0ROM 5:4ROM 8:352CO 2:92CO 8:22CO 9:132CO 13:3PHP 2:22JAS 1:121PE 1:6Wayne Barber delves into the concept of proven character (dokime) in the Bible, emphasizing that enduring trials and afflictions promote and validate the character of believers. The process of being tested and standing firm in faith results in a genuine, authentic, and proven character, leading to a sense of hope and certainty in God's promises. Suffering is viewed as a means to display the genuineness of one's faith and to strengthen the believer's hope in God's faithfulness and love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
In a great trial of affliction - The sense of this verse is the following: The Macedonians, though both poor and persecuted, rejoiced exceedingly that an opportunity was afforded them of doing good to their more impoverished and more persecuted brethren. We can scarcely ever speak of poverty and affliction in an absolute sense; they are only comparative. Even the poor are called to relieve those who are poorer than themselves; and the afflicted, to comfort those who are more afflicted than they are. The poor and afflicted Churches of Macedonia felt this duty, and therefore came forward to the uttermost of their power to relieve their more impoverished and afflicted brethren in Judea.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
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 Rom 12:8, and Margin; Co2 9:11, Margin; see on Co2 9:13; Jam 1:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
How that in a great trial of affliction,.... The apostle proceeds to show the condition these churches were in when, and the manner in which, they contributed to the relief of others. They were in affliction: they received the Gospel at first in much affliction, as did the church at Thessalonica, which was one of them; and afterwards suffered much from their countrymen for the profession of it, by reproaches, persecutions, imprisonments, confiscation of goods, &c. They were under trying afflictions, which tried their faith and patience, and in many of them. Now for persons in prosperity, when all things go well with them, to be liberal is no such great matter; but for persons in adversity, under trying dispensations of Providence, amidst many afflictive ones to communicate generously to the relief of others, is something very remarkable, and worthy of notice and imitation, which was the case of these churches: for notwithstanding this, the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded unto the riches of their liberality; so that it appears likewise that they were not only in great afflictions, but in deep poverty; had but an handful of meal in the barrel, and a little oil in the cruse, their purses almost empty, and their coffers almost exhausted; they had gotten to the bottom of their substance, had but very little left; and yet freely gave, with joy, even with an abundance of it. The allusion seems to be to the words of David, in Ch1 22:14 now behold, which the Septuagint render by , "according to my poverty, I have prepared for the house of the Lord an hundred thousand talents of gold", &c. for by "the abundance of their joy", is not so much meant the joy they felt in the midst of their afflictions, so that they could glory in them, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, as the cheerfulness of their spirits in contributing to the necessities of others; glad at heart they were that they had hearts to do good, and an opportunity of doing it; which they gladly laid hold on, observing the divine rule, "he that sheweth mercy", let him do it "with cheerfulness": and this they did, considering the small pittance they were possessed of, very largely; for though their poverty was deep, and their purses low, their hearts were large and full, and their hands ready to communicate; so that their poverty "abounded to the riches of their liberality": though their poverty was great, their liberality was rich and large; though it might be but little they gave in quantity, it was much in quality, much in liberality; like the poor widow, who, of her want and penury, cast in more than all the rich besides, not in quantity, but in liberality; they only giving some, and a disproportionate part, she her all.