2 Corinthians 8 1

2 Corinthians 8:1 kjv

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 8:1 nkjv

Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:

2 Corinthians 8:1 niv

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.

2 Corinthians 8:1 esv

We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,

2 Corinthians 8:1 nlt

Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 1 Meaning

2 Corinthians 8:1 initiates Paul's teaching on Christian giving by presenting the Macedonian churches as a powerful example of divine grace in action. Despite facing significant poverty themselves, these churches demonstrated extraordinary and selfless generosity towards the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul emphasizes that this bountiful giving was not due to their material abundance or mere human will, but was a direct, ongoing outflow of the grace of God actively at work within them, manifesting in tangible acts of sacrificial love.

2 Corinthians 8 1 Context

Chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians is part of Paul's instructions to the Corinthian church regarding a collection he was organizing for the impoverished Christian community in Jerusalem. In the preceding chapter, Paul celebrated the reconciliation and repentance of the Corinthians after his "painful letter." Having resolved the relational issues, he now transitions to a critical practical matter, one he had previously initiated with them (1 Cor 16:1-4). This collection was significant not only for providing financial relief but also for fostering unity between the Gentile and Jewish Christian communities, proving the genuine nature of their faith and love. By introducing the example of the Macedonian churches in verse 1, Paul employs a gentle yet persuasive rhetorical strategy, using their voluntary and Spirit-prompted generosity as a model and inspiration for the Corinthians, without explicitly shaming or directly commanding them at this initial point. Historically, Jerusalem faced various economic hardships and famines (e.g., Acts 11:27-30), making this collection a vital act of practical fellowship and charity from the broader Christian family.

2 Corinthians 8 1 Word analysis

• We want you to know (γνωρίζομεν δὲ ὑμῖν - gnōrizomen de hymin): The Greek gnōrizomen means "we make known," "we inform," or "we declare." It suggests not just relaying information but formally revealing an important spiritual truth. Paul, alongside his companions (likely Timothy), is intentionally setting forth an example as an instruction. The conjunction de ("but" or "and now") signals a transition to a new, significant topic.

• brothers and sisters (ἀδελφοί - adelphoi): A common and affectionate term of address in Paul's letters, emphasizing the familial bond, mutual respect, and shared faith among believers. It underscores the call to unity and mutual concern within the body of Christ.

• about the grace (τὴν χάριν - tēn charin): The noun charis is central. While it primarily means "grace" or "unmerited favor," in this context, it takes on a more nuanced meaning of God's active, enabling power and blessing, which results in a concrete manifestation. It refers to the divine favor given to the Macedonians that empowered their generosity, implying that their giving was not self-generated but Spirit-directed. It includes both the divine disposition and its tangible effect.

• of God (τοῦ Θεοῦ - tou Theou): Explicitly attributes the charis (grace) to God as its sole source. This immediately elevates the nature of the Macedonian giving beyond mere philanthropy, positioning it as a supernatural work of God. It signifies divine initiation and empowerment.

• that has been given (τὴν δεδομένην - tēn dedomenēn): This is a perfect passive participle of didōmi, "to give." The perfect tense indicates an action completed in the past with continuing effects in the present. The passive voice ("has been given") unequivocally attributes the giving of this grace to God, not to human effort. Its ongoing effect is seen in the sustained generosity of the Macedonian churches.

• among (ἐν - en): Literally "in" or "among," indicating the sphere or location where this grace was manifested. It means this grace was actively present within the Macedonian churches and visible among their members.

• the Macedonian (ταῖς Μακεδονίας - tais Makedonias): Refers to the geographical region of Macedonia, a Roman province in Greece, which included churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. These churches were generally not wealthy but deeply devoted.

• churches (ἐκκλησίαις - ekklēsiais): Denotes the local assemblies or congregations of believers. The plural indicates that this grace was evident across multiple communities in the region, showcasing a widespread and consistent pattern of generosity.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God": This phrase establishes the communication as an announcement of a vital spiritual principle ("grace of God") within the familial context of the church. It's a didactic opening, inviting attention to God's work.
  • "the grace of God that has been given among the Macedonian churches": This pivotal statement roots all Christian generosity firmly in divine initiative. It makes the Macedonian example theologically profound, showing that true benevolence is not just a moral good, but a supernatural endowment from God. Their giving is presented as an observable fruit of God's empowering favor in their midst.

2 Corinthians 8 1 Bonus section

• Paul often begins discussions about practical Christian living by grounding them in theological truth. Here, giving is first presented as an outworking of "the grace of God," linking spiritual endowment directly to ethical conduct. This framework avoids a legalistic approach to giving and instead emphasizes a heart response to divine favor.
• The rhetorical device of highlighting an exemplary church (Macedonia) rather than directly challenging the target church (Corinth) is masterful. It allows the Corinthians to be inspired and self-examine their own generosity in light of a proven spiritual fruit, setting a standard without causing immediate defensiveness.
• The use of charis (grace) in relation to giving extends the concept beyond salvation. It indicates that divine grace empowers believers for service, spiritual gifts, and even material acts of generosity, broadening its understanding as God's dynamic working in and through believers for various good works.
• This verse provides foundational insight that poverty does not exempt one from generosity; rather, God's grace can empower even the impoverished to give, thereby glorifying Him. Conversely, wealth does not guarantee generosity, as the motivation must be from God's grace.

2 Corinthians 8 1 Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:1 serves as a profound theological and practical introduction to Paul's appeal for financial contributions. He refrains from immediately demanding, choosing instead to present a powerful, grace-driven example. The Macedonian churches, though experiencing "extreme poverty" themselves (2 Cor 8:2), responded to "the grace of God" by giving sacrificially and joyfully to the collection for Jerusalem. This highlights that Christian giving is not an obligation from abundance but a joyous privilege flowing from an inner spiritual transformation. It is God's grace that enables generosity, turning even suffering into an opportunity for service, and showcasing that authentic faith translates into tangible acts of love and mutual support within the wider body of Christ.