Scofield Reference Bible Notes
2 Corinthians 8

2Co 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

the grace of God

In 2Co 8; 9 the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:

1. It is a "grace," i.e. a disposition created by the Spirit (2Co 8:7).
2. In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love (2Co 8:8-12; 9:1-2, 5, 7).
3. The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor (2Co 8:1-3, 12-15; 1Co 16:1-2).
4. Giving is to be proportioned to income (2Co 8:12-14. Cf. 1Co 16:2). The O.T. proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law (Gen 14:20).
5. The rewards of Christian giving are
   1. joy (2Co 8:2);
   2. increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given (2Co 9:7-11);
   3. increased thankfulness to God (2Co 9:12);
   4. God and the Gospel glorified (2Co 9:13-14).

2Co 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

the abundance of their joy

Neh 8:10, 12.

2Co 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints

[to give effect to] the grace and fellowship of the service to the saints.

2Co 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

first gave their own selves to the Lord

Rom 12:1.

2Co 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

the same grace

1Co 15:10.

2Co 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

not by commandment

2Co 9:7.

2Co 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

grace

Grace (in salvation). Gal 1:3-15. (Jhn 16:1; Rom 3:24.)

he became poor

Luk 9:58; Phl 2:6-7.

that ye…might be rich

Rev 3:18.

2Co 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

perform

complete.

performance

completion.

2Co 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

willing mind

2Co 8:10-12; Scofield 2 Corinthians 8:1, note.

2Co 8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

He that had gathered much had nothing over

Exo 16:18.

2Co 8:17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

more forward

full of zeal.

of his own accord

Phl 2:26.

2Co 8:18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

gospel

Gospel. 2Co 9:13. (Gen 12:1-3; Rev 14:6.)

2Co 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

this grace

Grace (imparted). 2Co 8:1, 6-7, 19; 2Co 9:8, 14. (Rom 6:1; 2Pe 3:18).

declaration of your ready mind

for a witness of your readiness.

2Co 8:21 Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

honest things

Pro 3:4; 1Pe 2:12.

2Co 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

churches

Churches (local). 2Co 8:1, 18-19, 23-24; 11:8, 28. (Act 2:41; Phl 1:1).