2 Corinthians 8

Encouragement to Give Generously

1 We want you to know, brothers, 1 about the grace of God that has been h given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and i their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave j according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly k for the favor 2 of taking part in l the relief of the saints - 5 and this, not as we expected, but they m gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, n we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you o this act of grace. 7 But as p you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you 3 - q see that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 r I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that s though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter t I give my judgment: u this benefits you, who v a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable w according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply x their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, y "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."

Commendation of Titus

16 But z thanks be to God, a who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. 17 For b he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going 4 to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending 5 c the brother who is famous among d all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. 19 And not only that, but he has been e appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of f grace that is being ministered by us, g for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for h we aim at what is honorable i not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus, he is j my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers 6 of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give proof before the churches of your love and of k our boasting about you to these men.

  1. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:5
    And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
  2. Cross References
    Mark 12:44
    For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.
  3. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:11
    So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
    1 Corinthians 16:2
    On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
  4. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:2
    For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
    Romans 15:25 - 26
    At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.
    Acts 24:17
    Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 15:31
    That I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.
  6. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:1
    We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia.
  7. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:17
    For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.
    2 Corinthians 12:18
    I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
  8. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:19
    And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.
    2 Corinthians 8:4
    Begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints -
  9. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 1:5
    That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge -
  10. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:8
    And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
  11. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:6
    Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
  12. Cross References
    Philippians 2:6 - 7
    Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
    2 Corinthians 6:10
    As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
    Matthew 20:28
    Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
  13. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:25
    Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
  14. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 15:7 - 8
    If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother.
    Proverbs 19:17
    Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
    Proverbs 28:27
    Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
    1 Timothy 6:18 - 19
    They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
    Hebrews 13:16
    Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
  15. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:2
    For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
  16. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:7
    Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
    Mark 12:43 - 44
    And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.
    Luke 21:3
    And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
  17. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 9:12
    For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
    Acts 4:34
    There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold
  18. Cross References
    Exodus 16:18
    But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
  19. Cross References
    Exodus 16:18
    But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
  20. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 2:14
    But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
  21. Cross References
    Revelation 17:17
    For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
  22. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:6
    Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
  23. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 12:18
    I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
  24. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 7:17
    Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
  25. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 16:3 - 4
    And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
  26. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:6
    Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
  27. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 4:15
    For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
  28. Cross References
    Romans 12:17
    Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
  29. Cross References
    Romans 14:18
    Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
    Philippians 4:8
    Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
    1 Peter 2:12
    Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
  30. Cross References
    Philemon 1:17
    So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.
  31. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 7:4
    I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
    2 Corinthians 7:14
    For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.
    2 Corinthians 9:2 - 3
    For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
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