Chapter Eight
2 Cor. 8:1. We make known to you, brethren, the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia,
Not in vain did he bestow so many praises upon them above, but with the purpose of softening them, for he intended to urge them toward love of the poor. Therefore he also said above: "I can rely on you," that is, whatever I say to you, you do. However, he did not say outright: give alms, but, setting before them as an example what others had done, he rouses them also to similar zeal. Note that he calls the disposition toward almsgiving "the grace of God." Through this he both makes his own word beyond reproach and calls the Corinthians to almsgiving as to a gift of God. And he did not say: in this or that city, but praises all of Macedonia, so that they too would all be moved to similar zeal.
2 Cor. 8:2. For in a great trial of affliction, they overflow with joy,
That is, having many afflictions, they became more skilled through patience; they did not fall, but rather rejoiced, not simply rejoiced, but rejoiced abundantly.
2 Cor. 8:3. and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their generosity.
That is, just as their great affliction produced an abundance of joy, so also their great and extreme poverty not only did not hinder them from giving alms, but even more impelled them "to abound in riches." He did not say, however, in riches of giving, but "of generosity," that is, of a sincere disposition toward liberality. For charity is valued not by the abundance of what is given, but by the disposition of those who give. It is remarkable that in such poverty (for they were cut off from their own countrymen) they showed such generosity.
2 Cor. 8:3. For they were willing according to their power, and beyond their power—I bear witness:
2 Cor. 8:4. They very earnestly entreated us.
He explains what was said above and says: "according to their power," even "beyond their power"; for therein consists the abundance of simplicity, that is, in that which is "beyond their power." Moreover, they were not exhorted by us, but were "willing of themselves." And what do I say? They themselves earnestly besought and implored us. He says this in order to move them as well, not so much to generous giving, as to giving with eagerness. With this aim he also dwells on this subject.
2 Cor. 8:4. to accept the gift and their participation in the ministry to the saints,
Here words are lacking: they asked us to accept this ministry. He said "gift," so that the Corinthians, as those who were zealous for spiritual gifts, would also resort to almsgiving as a gift, about which he spoke above as well. And he called it "participation" so that they would know that by giving to others, they themselves receive.
2 Cor. 8:5. And not only what we hoped for,
We did not expect that those in such poverty and such affliction would ask us to accept their service.
2 Cor. 8:5. But they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God,
Here he testifies to their other virtues as well. For they did not become puffed up from the fact that they gave alms, nor did they neglect other virtues, but they wholly gave themselves over to the Lord, wholly and undividedly inclined themselves to every God-pleasing work. "And to us" they gave themselves, that is, they were obedient in all things, they showed love "by the will of God," that is, as is pleasing to God, and not according to human calculation.
2 Cor. 8:6. Therefore we asked Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete among you this good work as well.
They, he says, gave themselves over to almsgiving to such a degree that I, seeing their deed, took care for you, so that you would not be worse than them, and for this reason asked Titus to go to you, which he himself also "began," that is, purposed to go to you before I asked him. Through this he also disposes them toward Titus, so that when he comes and begins to persuade them to almsgiving, they would more readily yield to his persuasions, as one who is concerned with what pertains to their salvation. And again he called almsgiving a good work. For it is truly a great good and a gift of God, and the giving of it makes us like God. Therefore the wise one also said, "many a man will proclaim his own goodness" (Prov. 20:6).
2 Cor. 8:7. But as you abound in everything: in faith and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and your love toward us, — so abound in this virtue also.
He exhorts with praises and says: since you have all other things in abundance, then in this matter as well — not only give alms, but give them in abundance; which means either that they should surpass the Macedonians, or simply that they should be more generous. "In faith," that is, in the gifts of faith, unwavering; "in word," that is, in the word of wisdom; "in knowledge," that is, in knowledge of doctrines; "and in all diligence," that is, in zeal for the other virtues, "and in your love toward us." For he said before that you demonstrated to Titus your love toward me, being zealous on my behalf.
2 Cor. 8:8. I say this not by way of commandment,
That is, not compelling you and not doing you violence.
2 Cor. 8:8. But by the earnestness of others I am testing the sincerity of your love also.
That is, I praise the Macedonians for the purpose of showing your love for the poor saints, through their zeal, as more praiseworthy and more illustrious.
2 Cor. 8:9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.