2 Corinthians 8

     The oppression of the Christians in the mother church at Jerusalem had created great need, and also the opportunity for the Gentile churches to prove their unity with them in Christ through this gift of sharing.  Here in chapters 8 and 9, we have by word and example good instruction about Christian giving.  The collection; cf. Acts 11:27 ff.; 24:17; Gal.2:10; 1 Cor.16:1 ff.; and Ro.15:25-29; Acts 24:17, where the story ends.

     The first thing that strikes me is that Paul, who has never taken a dime from any of them for himself, is fully prepared to turn every screw he can to apply pressure to their consciences for a worthy enough cause.  All the same, he orders no one (8).

     8:1-5.  The Macedonian churches were like the widow who gave more than all the rest (Luke 21:1-4).

     8:6.  Paul sends Titus back to Corinth ahead of him to make sure the collection will be ready.

     8:9.  Of course Paul does not mean that Christ became poor merely in a worldly sense, but is referring instead to his laying aside his heavenly glory with the Father for a time (cf. Php.2:6-8).

     8:10.  A year ago; cf.9:2; 1 Cor.16:1 ff.

     8:11-15.  By your ability; i.e., “out of that which you have” (KJV).  They are only asked to share of what God has given, not going into destitution themselves.

     8:16-24.  Titus and the two unnamed brothers.  Paul’s purpose here is to avoid any taint of scandal (20-21).  It is always necessary, as far as possible, not only to have a good conscience before God but to protect both his glory and our own reputations before men.  This is especially mandatory where money is involved.  Thus Paul sends not only his partner Titus, but these two messengers (emissaries) of the churches.  (The margin says, “Lit., apostles” of the churches.  The translators avoid the literal word to prevent confusion, as there is a big distinction between an apostle of a church and an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, such as Paul or Peter.)

     Why did Paul not mention the names of these two emissaries of the churches (18, 22)?  Possibly, as they were both eminent men, Paul did not want to create any doubt that Titus was the leader of the delegation.

     Speculation is often dangerous, and wrong more often than not, but it is interesting that many believe the brother mentioned in v.18 was Luke (though none of the four gospels were as yet written).  Perhaps even more credible is the speculation that Luke was Titus’ actual brother, not because of the generic use of the word here, but because of Luke’s complete silence in the book of Acts about such an important person as Titus (much as John avoids his own name in his gospel).  Interesting, but far from proven.