8:1 the grace of God that has been given Refers to God’s kindness and grace as expressed in the generosity of the Macedonian churches. Paul also references the Macedonians’ generosity in Romans (see Rom 15:26 and note).

churches of Macedonia This includes the churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Paul visited these churches during his second and third missionary journeys (Acts 16:11–17:15; 20:1–6).

8:2 wealth of their generosity The Macedonian churches experienced adversity through hardships, yet they displayed generosity for the sake of others. These churches are an example of Paul’s ministry (2 Cor 4:7–12).

8:3 by their own choice These churches gave willingly and sacrificially.

8:4 saints Refers to the poor Jewish believers in the church at Jerusalem. Paul is gathering financial relief from the various Gentile churches for the Jewish Christians as a gesture of solidarity.

8:5 by the will of God Paul emphasizes that the Macedonian churches gave according to God’s authority. Paul uses this same phrase to defend his apostolic authority as coming from God (see 2 Cor 1:1 and note).

8:6 Titus Paul sent Titus, his missionary companion, to complete the collection of financial relief to benefit the church in Jerusalem (vv. 17–24; 9:3–5).

he had previously begun See note on v. 10.

8:7 everything Refers to the spiritual gifts of the Corinthian believers (see 1 Cor 1:4 and note; 1:5 and note).

in speaking See note on 1 Cor 1:5.

in knowledge See note on 1 Cor 1:5.

this grace The Greek word used here, charis, refers to an expression of generosity, and specifically in this instance to the collection for the church in Jerusalem. See note on 2 Cor 8:4.

8:8 not saying this as a command If Paul were to command the Corinthian believers to give, he would take away the opportunity for them to express generosity; he would also give some of them further reason to call his apostleship into question. He wants them to be free of any compulsion (see 9:7 and note).

diligence of others The generosity of the Macedonian churches sets an example for the Corinthian believers (compare note on v. 2). Paul also used those churches as a standard to test the sincerity of the Corinthians’ love for other believers.

8:9 grace of our Lord Jesus Christ Refers to Jesus’ generosity expressed in His incarnation and death. Christ offered Himself willingly and sacrificially—an example for all believers (John 10:18; 1 John 3:16).

although he was rich Refers to Jesus’ preexistence as the Son of God. He enjoyed the presence of the Father and shared in His glory (John 17:5).

he became poor Refers to the incarnation of Jesus and His social standing while on earth (Luke 9:58). Paul probably has in mind Jesus’ earthly poverty, as well as His suffering and death (e.g., Phil 2:6–8). Paul uses Jesus’ choice to become poor as the basis of his appeal for the Jerusalem collection.

may become rich Refers to the gift of salvation and its blessings—namely, the inheritance of God’s kingdom, the righteousness of God, and glorification (1 Cor 15:50; 2 Cor 5:21). The Corinthian believers ought to appreciate and imitate Jesus’ self-sacrifice on behalf of others.

8:10 began previously, a year ago Paul had originally laid the groundwork for this collection in 1 Corinthians (1 Cor 16:1–4).

8:11 you have the eagerness The Corinthian believers have expressed their desire to contribute (1 Cor 16:1–3); Paul encourages them to follow through and turn their desire into action.

8:12 according to what one has Echoes Jesus’ teaching on giving and generosity (see Mark 12:41–44). Paul encourages the Corinthians to give according to their desire and means.

8:13 there may be relief Paul does not intend that the church in Corinth and the church in Jerusalem trade financial situations; he wants the abundance in Corinth to benefit Jerusalem.

8:14 their abundance Paul envisions a time when the Corinthian church may need financial assistance. In such a circumstance, the abundance of other churches will supply their need. With this, Paul suggests a system in which churches aid one another in difficult times, such as during a famine or hardship involving large amounts of poor people needing assistance.

8:15 As it is written Paul quotes Exod 16:18, a verse showing how God sufficiently supplied the needs of the Israelites in the wilderness by providing manna (bread) and quail (Exod 16:1–36). Just as God provided equally for His people then, the Corinthians should look to provide equality among believers now.

8:16 Titus See note on Titus 1:4.

8:18 brother The identity of this brother in Christ is unknown. He may have been Apollos (Acts 18:24–28), Timothy (a co-sender of 2 Corinthians; 2 Cor 1:1), or one of Paul’s Macedonian traveling companions listed in Acts 19:29. The fact that Paul does not mention his name probably indicates that the church already knew him.

8:19 this gift Refers to the collection of financial relief for the saints in Jerusalem (2 Cor 8:4).

8:20 lest anyone should find fault with us Paul planned to have several men accompany him to deliver the financial relief collection to Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:3–4). These men ensured that all the money arrived safely and allowed Paul to avoid any accusations that he mishandled the money.

8:21 but also before people Paul echoes Prov 3:4 to explain the motivation for having a team accompany him and the collection to Jerusalem; he wants handling of this gift to be above criticism.

8:22 our brother Paul expresses confidence in the integrity of this “brother.” He hopes that his boasting about this “brother” and Titus will cause the Corinthians to treat them with respect and honor. See note on 2 Cor 8:18.

8:23 messengers The Greek word used here, apostoloi, often translated as “messengers,” literally means “apostles” (see note on 1 Cor 12:28). Paul concludes by endorsing all three men as representatives of the churches who are working for the glory of Christ (2 Cor 4:4–6).

8:24 proof of your love In the first century, hospitality was the practical demonstration of love for visitors (John 13:20; Heb 13:2). Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to receive these three men with love and validate his boasting about them (see 2 Cor 7:16 and note).