2 Corinthians 8:8 - Printer Friendly

ESV: I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.

NIV: I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

NASB: I am not saying this as a command, but as proving, through the earnestness of others, the sincerity of your love as well.

CSB: I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love.

NLT: I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches.

KJV: I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

NKJV: I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

Paul has praised the Christian churches in Macedonia for giving generously to meet the needs of suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. They did this despite their own poverty and suffering. He noted they gave willingly, even begging to be included in the opportunity to give. Neither he nor God nor anyone else commanded the Macedonians to give (2 Corinthians 8:2–5).

Now Paul makes clear to the Corinthians that he is not commanding them to give to this collection. He wants them to do so out of love for other believers. The Macedonians have proved their Christlike love for others is genuine by giving so earnestly. Now the Corinthians have an opportunity to demonstrate that same love.

Paul is not manipulating the Corinthians. He represents Christ even in his role as fundraiser for suffering Christians. He is sincere in saying that they are not compelled by him to donate to this collection. He is also sincere in saying that an opportunity to give generously to a believer who is hurting is an opportunity to show the love of Christ.

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 5/5/2024 4:00:04 PM