2 Coríntios 8

2 Coríntios 8

Henry - In 2Co 8:16-24 "the apostle commends the brethren who were sent to them to collect their charity; and as it were, gives them letters credential (ED: LETTERS OF COMMENDATION - cf 2Co 3:1-3+), that, if they were enquired after (v. 23), if any should be inquisitive or suspicious concerning them, it might be known who they were and how safely they might be trusted. Brian Bell This last section Paul deals with 2 important things when it comes to church finances! 1] Good-quality People 2] High-quality accounting practices! How many church workers have lost their testimony because of misuse of funds, or carelessness in handling the Lord’s money? They key is leave no opportunity for accusations! (we need to protect all of those working w/our finances) The church is not a business, yet we need to run it in a businesslike manner. (Put your money where your mouth WAS) Paul concludes chapter 8 by shifting from encouragements to the contributors, to a discussion of principles related to the carriers of the contribution, the men who handle the collection, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity to make absolutely sure that everything is above board, that he leaves no door open for questioning what happened to the money. Notice that at no time does Paul himself handle the contribution. The importance of the men who handle collections cannot be overstressed, so Paul ensures that there will be corporate accountability (he describes 3 men in some detail), so that no single individual would be solely responsible for the offering. THOUGHT - Does your ministry practice similar principles of integrity and accountability? Sadly, in recent days (2021), the very popular adn seemingly successful RZIM ministry came under significant scrutiny because of the possible misuse of donor funds to support activities that one would deem as "less than wholesome." Beloved, integrity in ministry (financially and every other way) is vital, for the skeptical, cynical, godless world is watching and ready to criticize any hypocritical words or deeds! (See Integrity - A Whole Heart) Murray Harris makes an excellent point on 2Cor 8:16-24 - This section amounts to a "letter of commendation" (cf. 2Co 3:1+) from Paul to the church at Corinth, giving the credentials of the three appointed delegates and encouraging the Corinthians to welcome them warmly. (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary)