2 Corinthians 8:1-2 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
Paul begins a new topic in the letter, but it is still related to what came before it. He next addresses the offering that he has been collecting for the churches in Israel and Jerusalem because of famine, persecution, and economic hardship (Rom 15:25–32; 1 Cor 16:1–4; Gal 2:10; Acts 24:17). He encouraged various churches across his travels to give towards this need. Macedonia was a senatorial Roman province. Macedonia is mentioned in 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 11:9; Phil 4:15; 1 Thess 1:7, 8; 4:10, and included Philippi and Thessalonica (also Beroea, Acts 17:10).
Paul informs the Corinthians about the “grace of God” that moved the Macedonians to give out of their own difficult situations. Grace made them generous. This same grace was at work in the Corinthians. Paul is indirectly challenging them at this point to recognize that God is working in their own lives and so they too can and should give towards this great need. Grace always demands a response. If we are obedient, this response will some how be related to love for God and love for others.
Verse 2 shows the irony of the situation. The Macedonian Christians were going through a great test of affliction and trouble. In spite of their poverty they gave sacrificially. What they lacked in finances they excelled in joy. Their poverty probably resulted from growing persecution as a result of the new faith in Christ and the holy lifestyle they were living (see 1 Thessalonians). Paul defines further the effect of grace from v. 1. Grace should make us more generous. Because God gives Christ to us, we must give to others. We may feel like we have it bad and therefore do not have anything to give to others. Our own difficulties can never be an excuse for not giving to others. Grace moves us to give as God gives through grace. God’s grace will also strengthen our resolve to give. We love others because God first loved us through giving us his Son (John 3:16; 1 John 4:19).
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