2 Corinthians 8:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.

NIV: And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.

NASB: I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.

CSB: And in this matter I am giving advice because it is profitable for you, who began last year not only to do something but also to want to do it.

NLT: Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.

KJV: And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

NKJV: And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;

These words are intended to make a point very clear: Paul is not commanding the believers in Corinth to follow through on their previous commitment. That agreement was to give funds as part of a collection, used to ease the suffering of Christians in Jerusalem. He wants them to give willingly, as a Christlike act of grace and love.

Now, though, he does give them his advice or judgment: This will benefit them. A year ago, they set out to give to this collection and they had sincerely desired to do so. To follow through on that commitment is the right thing to do, no matter what has happened between them and Paul since then.

As an encouragement, or possibly conviction, Paul has also noted how the Macedonian churches, though poverty-stricken, begged to be included in providing this aid (2 Corinthians 8:1–5).

Second Corinthians 8:1–15 begins with Paul's praise for the churches in Macedonia. These believers begged to be included in giving to a collection for the suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their own commitment to do the same thing of their own free will as an act of grace. In doing so, they will also be following the example of Jesus' sacrifice for them. They should give proportionally, using their abundance to meet the need of other believers so that all may have enough.

The Corinthians had previously agreed to contribute to a collection. This was for suffering Christians in Jerusalem. Paul raises the issue with them, pointing to the example of the poverty-stricken Macedonian churches who had given beyond their means of their own free will. Paul urges the Corinthians to follow through on their commitment by their own choice. Titus and two representatives of other churches are coming to Corinth to oversee the collection so it is done with integrity. Paul urges the Corinthians to prove their love by following through on their commitment to give.

Second Corinthians 8 follows Paul's expression of comfort and rejoicing at what he learned from Titus. That news explained the Corinthians' repentance in response to Paul's letter of rebuke. Next Paul urges them to follow through on a commitment to contribute to a collection for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. He points to the example of the generous gifts of the poverty-stricken Macedonian churches and asks the Corinthians to prove that their own Christlike love for others is genuine by excelling in this, as well. Titus and two delegates from other churches will come to Corinth to oversee the collection. In chapter 9, Paul will continue to discuss this ministry opportunity.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 5/7/2024 5:37:21 AM