2 Coríntios 8
Thomas Constable · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 8
Constable - Gratitude to Him for His condescending grace should be the supreme motive for Christian giving. Paul frequently used doctrine to appeal for proper conduct (cf. Ro 15:2-3; Eph. 5:2; Col. 3:9-10). The Macedonians gave when they were very poor, but Christ gave when He was immensely rich. The Corinthians fitted between these two extremes. These two examples leave no question that giving is a grace that both the rich and the poor should manifest. (2 Corinthians 8) Gilbrant - This passage is pivotal for understanding Paul’s (and therefore the Christian’s) rationale for monetary giving. In 2 Corinthians 8–9 Paul was greatly concerned about the poor in the church of Jerusalem, and he asked the Corinthians to contribute to their welfare. His reasoning was twofold: (1) Just as salvation is based on God’s grace which results in good works, so giving is based not on law but on grace; just as Christ freely gave up His riches in heaven, so too should believers be willing with joy (happiness—not grudging) to give up riches for others. (2) Giving to the poor is a way for Christians to show their participation in the body of Christ. Ptōcheuō is used often in patristic literature for poverty, both involuntary as well as voluntary. The term is used for the willing poverty of Christ, as well as the voluntary poverty of Christians. (Complete Biblical Library – Romans-Corinthians) Clearly one of the key words in 2Co 8-9 is grace, the Greek word charis which is used 10x in two chapters: 2Co. 8:1 = the grace of God 2Co. 8:4 = the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 2Co. 8:6 = he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 2Co. 8:7 = see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2Co. 8:9 = you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2Co. 8:16 = But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 2Co. 8:19 = his gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, 2Co. 9:8 = God is able to make all grace abound to you, 2Co. 9:14 = by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 2Co. 9:15 = Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! David
2 Coríntios 8
Constable - Some of the Israelites gathered more manna and some gathered less for various reasons. Nevertheless they all had their needs met. God saw to that, though the Old Testament does not explain exactly how He did it. Now the Corinthians needed to see to it that what God had provided them in abundance reached those who did not have enough. As they did this, they would become God's agents in maintaining sufficiency for all. God has always wanted all His people to have enough and to share with their brethren who have less when they have more. We should implement this principle of relative equality in our giving. God's desire is the same today as it has been throughout history. This is clear from Paul's appeal to the past (2 Corinthians 8) Albert McShane - Perhaps we ought to make clear that in all this giving to the distressed there is no question of helping the lazy, or of encouraging any to sponge on the good-nature of the saints. The manna had to be gathered by all the able-bodied in Israel, and even before the Fall, Adam was enjoined to dress and keep the garden, so work has divine approval, and any who shirks it has no right to eat. (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians)
2 Coríntios 8
Constable summarizes 2Cor 8:16-24 - Having motivated his readers to finish the collection Paul proceeded to explain the practical steps he had taken to pick up their gift. He wanted the Corinthians to know what to do and what to expect. He gave a letter of commendation (cf. 2Co 3:1+) in which he set forth the credentials of the three delegates who would visit them soon. (2 Corinthians 8) But thanks (grace - charis) be to God (grace be to God) Who puts (has given) the same earnestness (spoude) on your behalf in the heart (kardia) of Titus - Literally = "But thanks (be) to God who keeps on giving the same diligence for you in the heart of Titus." In other words the providential working of God's Spirit had placed the same concern for the Corinthians in the heart of Titus that Paul had in his heart for them. In short, Titus was a "kindred spirit" (see kindred spirit - isopsuchos) with Paul. Paul's affirmation of Titus would ease his approval by the Corinthians who would be much more willing to entrust Titus with the relatively large contribution for the saints at Jerusalem. The corollary thought regarding the fact that Paul says it was God who had given Titus this enthusiasm for the Corinthians would confirm in their minds the love that God Himself had for them! ESV Study Bible has an interesting observation that "Once again, Paul’s thanks... to God begins a new section (cf. 2Co 1:3; 2Co 2:14), just as his thanksgiving concludes it (2Co 9:15; see 2Co 1:11). Murray Harris addst that "Nothing could be more reassuring to the Corinthians than to know that the devotion and concern for them shared by Paul and Titus were simply a reflection of God's own affection for them. And it was concern for them, not for their money. As Paul later (2Co 12:14+) comments, "What I want is not your possessions but you." (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Lowery points out that "Titus was genuinely concerned about the welfare of those he served. In a self-centered world, such a concern was a distinguishing feature valued by Paul in his associates. (The Bible Knowledge Commentary:) Alfred Plummer makes an interesting point regarding the earnestness of Titus on behalf of the Corinthians - "The Corinthians might think that the zeal of Titus for the relief-fund was zeal on behalf of the Jerusalem poor; but it was really on behalf of the Corinthians. They would be the chief losers if a suitable sum was not raised in Corinth." (2 Corinthians 8 - A Critical and Exegetical Commentary) Heart (2588) kardia does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. No outward obedience is of the slightest value unless the heart turns to God. The heart is the center of our personality, our "control center" (to make a play on the "air traffic control center" at the airport which carefully guards and guides what flies in and what flies out. How applicable to our "hearts" which are so prone to wander!). In short kardia refers to the the affective center of our being wherein lies the capacity of moral preference and volitional desire. The kardia generates thoughts that make the decisions which the mind works out. In other words, our logic flows out of our heart-decisions and not vice versa. Uses in Corinthians 1 Co. 2:9; 1 Co. 4:5; 1 Co. 7:37; 1 Co. 14:25; 2 Co. 1:22; 2 Co. 2:4; 2 Co. 3:2; 2 Co. 3:3; 2 Co. 3:15; 2 Co. 4:6; 2 Co. 5:12; 2 Co. 6:11; 2 Co. 7:3; 2 Co. 8:16; 2 Co. 9:7 ILLUSTRATION - Perhaps you’ve heard about the old miser who called his doctor, lawyer, and minister to his deathbed. “They say that you can’t take it with you,” said the dying man, “but I’m going to. I have three envelopes with $100,000 in cash in each one. I want each of you to take an envelope, and just before they close the casket, I want each of you to slip your envelope into my casket.” They all promised to do so. And at the end of the funeral they did it! On the way home, the conscience-stricken doctor confided, “I’m building a clinic, so I took $50,000 and put the rest in the coffin.” Then the lawyer confessed, “I kept $75,000 for a legal defense fund and put $25,000 in.” At this, the preacher said, “Gentlemen, I’m ashamed of you. I put in a check for the full amount!” Ah yes, ministerial integrity. In the spirit of this, my son Carey and his high school friends were talking about how much their dads made, and Carey said, “My dad beats yours. All he does is get up and say a few words and offer a prayer, and it takes eight people to carry the money away!” Actually, as you know, money and ministry is a very serious matter. I once was approached by a friend who pastored a small church. He shared privately that his meager salary was inadequate and that he could not continue in the ministry without financial help. I wrote him a personal check for $2,000—only to learn later that he had scammed at least $50,000 from others with the same story. You’ve never really been taken until you’ve been taken by a “brother”—and a minister, to boot! Some preachers pay more attention to the fleece than to the flock. (R Kent Hughes 2 Corinthians: Power in Weakness Preaching the Word)) Clearly one of the key words in 2Co 8-9 is grace, the Greek word charis which is used 10x in two chapters: 2Co. 8:1 = the grace of God 2Co. 8:4 = the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 2Co. 8:6 = he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 2Co. 8:7 = see that you abound in this gracious work also. 2Co. 8:9 = you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 2Co. 8:16 = But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus. 2Co. 8:19 = his gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, 2Co. 9:8 = God is able to make all grace abound to you, 2Co. 9:14 = by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 2Co. 9:15 = Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 8:17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. Amplified For he not only welcomed and responded to our appeal, but was himself so keen in his enthusiasm and interest in you that he is going to you of his own accord. KJV 2 Corinthians 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. NET 2 Corinthians 8:17 because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, he is coming to you of his own accord. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:17 ὅτι τὴν μὲν παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο, σπουδαιότερος δὲ ὑπάρχων αὐθαίρετος ἐξῆλθεν πρὸς ὑμᾶς. NLT 2 Corinthians 8:17 Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again. In fact, he himself was very eager to go and see you. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. NIV 2 Corinthians 8:17 For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:17 because indeed the exhortation he accepted, and being more diligent, of his own accord he went forth unto you, ASV 2 Corinthians 8:17 For he accepted indeed our exhortation; but being himself very earnest, he went forth unto you of his own accord. CSB 2 Corinthians 8:17 For he accepted our urging and, being very diligent, went out to you by his own choice. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:17 He received encouragement, and being all the more eager, he went out to you of his own accord. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:17 For he not only accepted the exhortation, but being more diligent, he went to you of his own accord. NRS 2 Corinthians 8:17 For he not only accepted our appeal, but since he is more eager than ever, he is going to you of his own accord. NAB 2 Corinthians 8:17 for he not only welcomed our appeal but, since he is very concerned, he has gone to you of his own accord. NJB 2 Corinthians 8:17 He certainly took our urging to heart; but greater still was his own enthusiasm, and he went off to you of his own accord. GWN 2 Corinthians 8:17 He accepted my request and eagerly went to visit you by his own free will. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:17 For while he gladly gave ear to our request, he was interested enough to go to you from the impulse of his heart. accepted: 2Co 8:6 Heb 13:22 but: 2Co 8:8,10 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Philippians 2:19-20 (TITUS - A MAN LIKE TIMOTHY) -But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. 20 For I have no one else of kindred spirit (isopsuchos) who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. TITUS' ZEAL AND WILLINGNESS For Here Paul explained the earnestness in the heart of Titus for the Corinthians. He not only accepted (dechomai) our appeal (paraklesis) - NLT = Titus welcomed our request that he visit you again." Titus "put out the welcome mat" when Paul appealed to him to go to the Corinthians. But (present tense - continually) being (huparcho) himself very earnest (spoudaios), he has gone to you of his own accord (authairetos) - NIV = "but he is coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative." Titus loved the Corinthians, did not have to be coerced or compelled to go to them, welcomed the opportunity. Titus was genuinely concerned for the welfare of the Corinthians. Of his own accord means independently, of his own will and desire. R Kent
2 Coríntios 8
Constable - Paul personally supervised the project for a double reason. He saw it as an opportunity to promote the glory of the Lord and to lend a hand in helping his needy brethren (cf. Mt. 22:37-39). (2 Corinthians 8) Broomall - We have here (1) the past—chosen (by "raising the hand"); (2) the present—this grace "which is being ministered by us" (Plummer); (3) the future—"unto the (furtherance of the) glory of God and our readiness." The human and the divine are intermingled here. (2 Corinthians 8 - Wycliffe Bible Commentary - online) Appointed (5500) cheirotoneo from cheir = hand + teino = to stretch) means to stretch out the hand, thus expressing agreement with a motion, then, I popularly elect by show of hands, to vote by stretching out the hand and then to appoint. There are only 2 uses in the NT - 2 Cor 8:19, Acts 14:23. Travel with (4898)(sunekdemos from sun - with + ek = from + démos = people, the public) one who is away from home on a journey with someone else—‘travelling companion. The two occurrences of the word in the New Testament are Acts 19:29 and 2 Corinthians 8:19. In the first instance the Ephesian citizens seized Gaius and Aristarchus who were Paul’s “companions in travel” (sunekdēmous) and rushed with them into the town theater. In 2 Corinthians 8:19 Paul wrote of an unnamed brother chosen to travel with (sunekdēmos, “fellow traveler”) Paul’s party. Administered (1247) diakoneo derivation uncertain - cp diakonis = in the dust laboring or running through the dust or possibly diako = to run on errands; see also study of related noun - diakonia) means to minister by way of rendering service in any form or to take care of by rendering humble service. To be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon 1a) to minister to one, render ministering offices to. To attend to anything, that may serve another's interests. 2 Co. 3:3; 2 Co. 8:19; 2 Co. 8:20 Glory (1391) doxa from dokeo = to think) in simple terms means to give a proper opinion or estimate of something. In the NT always a good opinion concerning one, resulting in praise, honour, and glory. Glory is something that is a source of honor, fame, or admiration. It describes renown, a thing that is beautiful, impressive, or worthy of praise - magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace. It follows that the glory of God expresses all that He is in His Being and in His nature, character, power and acts. He is glorified when He is allowed to be seen as He really is. To be where God is will be glory. To be what God intended will be glory. To do what God purposed will be glory. Uses in Corinthians - 1 Co. 2:7; 1 Co. 2:8; 1 Co. 10:31; 1 Co. 11:7; 1 Co. 11:15; 1 Co. 15:40; 1 Co. 15:41; 1 Co. 15:43; 2 Co. 1:20; 2 Co. 3:7; 2 Co. 3:8; 2 Co. 3:9; 2 Co. 3:10; 2 Co. 3:11; 2 Co. 3:18; 2 Co. 4:4; 2 Co. 4:6; 2 Co. 4:15; 2 Co. 4:17; 2 Co. 6:8; 2 Co. 8:19; 2 Co. 8:23; 2 Corinthians 8:20 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; Amplified [For] we are on our guard, intending that no one should find anything for which to blame us in regard to our administration of this large contribution. KJV 2 Corinthians 8:20 Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: NET 2 Corinthians 8:20 We did this as a precaution so that no one should blame us in regard to this generous gift we are administering. BGT 2 Corinthians 8:20 στελλόμενοι τοῦτο, μή τις ἡμᾶς μωμήσηται ἐν τῇ ἁδρότητι ταύτῃ τῇ διακονουμένῃ ὑφ᾽ ἡμῶν· NLT 2 Corinthians 8:20 We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift. ESV 2 Corinthians 8:20 We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, NIV 2 Corinthians 8:20 We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. YLT 2 Corinthians 8:20 avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us, ASV 2 Corinthians 8:20 Avoiding this, that any man should blame us in the matter of this bounty which is ministered by us: CSB 2 Corinthians 8:20 We are taking this precaution so no one can criticize us about this large sum administered by us. MIT 2 Corinthians 8:20 By keeping our distance, we are taking precautions so that no one would blame us for the way we handle this large contribution. NKJ 2 Corinthians 8:20 avoiding this: that anyone should blame us in this lavish gift which is administered by us-- NRS 2 Corinthians 8:20 We intend that no one should blame us about this generous gift that we are administering, NAB 2 Corinthians 8:20 This we desire to avoid, that anyone blame us about this lavish gift administered by us, NJB 2 Corinthians 8:20 We arranged it this way so that no one should be able to make any accusation against us about this large sum we are administering. GWN 2 Corinthians 8:20 We don't want anyone to find fault with the way we are administering this generous gift. BBE 2 Corinthians 8:20 And so that no man might be able to say anything against us in the business of this giving which has been put into our hands: that: 2Co 11:12 Mt 10:16 Ro 14:16 1Co 16:3 Eph 5:15 1Th 5:22 2 Corinthians 8 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL PRACTICES PREVENTATIVE "MEDICINE" Taking precaution (avoiding this - stello) so that no one will discredit (momaomai) us in our administration (diakoneo) of this generous gift (hadrotes - lavish gift, generous amount) - NLT = "We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift." NET = "We did this as a precaution" refers to the corporate selection of the contribution couriers. Paul is taking precautions to guard his integrity. With his usual Spirit enabled godly wisdom Paul put into place a "buffer system" which would effectively curtail the attempts of his adversaries to discredit the ministry of the money. This reminds me of the old saying "a stitch in time saves nine." The verb discredit (momaomai) is from the root momos which means blame, blemish or fault. Paul's goal was to keep their ministry of the money faultless and blameless. Paul surely knew his critics would seek to sully his name with allegations of mishandling the funds and so he practiced good preventive medicine to curtail their attempts. Generous gift (hadrotes) signifies this was a sizeable collection. Rod Mattoon - The word "Taking precaution" is from the Greek word stello which means "set in order, equip; to prepare one's self." Paul was preparing himself against "blame" (DISCREDIT) which is a strong word in the Greek. The word "blame" is from the root word momos which means "blemish, blot, disgrace, insult or censure." Paul was doing everything he could to prevent any kind of blemish or disgrace upon his testimony (cf Ro 14:16, 1Co 10:32-33) Gilbrant writes Paul did not want "anyone to credit him as the source of this lavish gift. God's people gave it all. He simply administered (diakoneo, "served") in it." (The Complete Biblical Library – Romans-Corinthians) ESV Study Bible - As Paul delivers the gift to Jerusalem, he will be accompanied by a team of men well known for their integrity. Their presence will guarantee a public accounting for the gifts and also provide protection from robbers. William
2 Coríntios 8
Constable - We need to apply Paul's wise caution in our day when so many professed servants of the Lord have proved deceitful. We cannot afford to be naive or careless about doing things that are honorable in the sight of all men. I understand that Billy Graham makes it a policy never to enter a hotel or motel room alone. He always takes an aide with him lest someone try to set him up in a situation with a woman that would appear compromising. Most of us do not need to be that careful, but we do need to be careful and to anticipate what could happen or how some situation could appear to others. G Campbell