II Corinthians Chapter 8

Paul had previously mentioned (in I Corinthians 16:1-4), that he was collecting a gift of money to help the very poor believers in Jerusalem. Paul had previously instructed the Corinthian believers to set aside a bit every week to this effort until it was to be collected. To teach the church about having a heart of giving to others, Paul mentioned the manner of giving by the churches in Macedonia to this same collection. It was well known that the people of Macedonia were not doing well financially because the Romans had taken the wealth of the area for themselves. The generosity of the churches in the region of Macedonia was a great example for others to follow.

Let's Reflect

1. How did Paul describe the giving of the churches of Macedonia?

2. Titus, who was sent to the church at Corinth with Paul’s letter, would also be the man who would encourage the church to hold up to their original intentions of giving to this special offering despite the fact there had been differences between them and Paul. Paul commended the church for the growth he had seen thus far – their faith, speech, knowledge, and their earnestness. Now he asks them to trust in the love that he had for them by allowing him to carry a gift of money from them to Jerusalem. He asks them to excel in what?

3. Is Paul commanding them to give to this effort? Why does he feel it would be good for them to contribute?

4. Paul had knowledge that they had actually started collecting this offering. In his letter he mentions that they started collecting some time ago. How long ago did Paul say they had started this collection?

5. Who was the greatest example of giving that the church should look to?

6. Paul wanted them to give out of their ___________________. He did not want to cause them to become impoverished.

7. Paul explained that there might come a day when there would be a financial need of the believers in Corinth and the church in Jerusalem was more financially sound. What would be expected of the believers in Jerusalem?

8. Paul lets the church know that he is sending Titus and an unnamed brother who will collect the monies. He wants the church to trust these men with their gift. It is not known by Bible scholars why this second man is not named in scripture. We do know that he had a wonderful reputation. What was he known for?

9. In the last verse, what reasons does Paul present as good reasons that the church of Corinth should give their gifts to be carried by Titus and the brother?