2 Corinthians 8:4 kjv
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:4 nkjv
imploring us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:4 niv
they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people.
2 Corinthians 8:4 esv
begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints ?
2 Corinthians 8:4 nlt
They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Cor 8:1 | We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given to... | Macedonian example of grace-driven generosity |
| 2 Cor 8:2 | For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme... | Giving from poverty and joy |
| 2 Cor 9:7 | Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under... | God loves a cheerful giver |
| 2 Cor 9:11 | You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through... | Enrichment for generosity |
| Acts 20:35 | In everything I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help... | More blessed to give than to receive |
| Acts 2:44-45 | All who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were... | Early church sharing resources |
| Rom 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the... | Practical support for Jerusalem saints |
| Rom 12:13 | Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. | Sharing with God's people in need |
| Gal 2:10 | Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. | Paul's commitment to care for the poor |
| Phil 4:14 | Yet it was kind of you to share in my trouble. | Partnership (koinonia) in trials |
| Phil 4:18 | I have received full payment, and more. I am well supplied, having received... | Offering as a fragrant sacrifice |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are... | Sharing as pleasing to God |
| 1 Chr 29:14 | But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able thus to offer... | Everything comes from God's hand |
| Exo 35:21, 29 | And everyone whose heart stirred him to come, and everyone whose spirit was... | Eager and willing giving for Tabernacle |
| Matt 25:35-40 | For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink... | Service to others is service to Christ |
| Mark 12:43-44 | Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are... | Giving sacrificially from poverty |
| Prov 11:24 | One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. | Generosity leads to prosperity |
| 1 Cor 16:1-2 | Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of... | Instructions for the collection |
| 1 Tim 6:18 | They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share... | Instructions for rich to be generous |
| Deut 15:7-8 | If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns... | Open-handed generosity commanded in law |
| Isa 58:10 | if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted... | Practical love to the needy |
| Luke 12:33 | Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide yourselves with moneybags... | Giving treasures in heaven |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 4 Meaning
Second Corinthians 8:4 reveals the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches. Despite facing severe hardship and extreme poverty, they eagerly implored Paul and his companions for the favor and privilege of contributing to the collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem. They perceived the act of sacrificial giving not as a burden or obligation, but as a divine grace and an esteemed opportunity for spiritual participation in the shared ministry to fellow believers. This verse highlights their profound spiritual desire and sacrificial love, making their contribution truly exemplary.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Context
This verse is part of Paul's broader instruction to the Corinthians regarding the collection for the struggling Christian community in Jerusalem. The previous verses (2 Cor 8:1-3) introduce the example of the Macedonian churches, contrasting their extreme poverty and severe trials with their overflowing joy and immense generosity. Paul holds up their attitude as a model for the Corinthians, encouraging them not just to give, but to approach giving with the same fervent spirit. Historically, the Jerusalem church, largely composed of Jewish Christians, faced economic hardship, partly due to famine and possibly rejection from the Jewish establishment. This collection symbolized the unity of the multi-ethnic church and a practical expression of Gentile Christians supporting their Jewish brethren, a crucial theme for Paul's ministry. Verse 4 details the manner of Macedonian giving, specifically their proactive and earnest desire to participate, which sets the stage for Paul's exhortation for the Corinthians to complete their earlier commitment.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Word analysis
begging us (δεόμενοι ἡμῶν - deomenoi hēmōn): From deomai, meaning "to beg," "to implore," or "to plead urgently." It signifies an earnest, persistent, and fervent request, far beyond a casual suggestion. The Macedonians initiated this request, underscoring their profound desire and initiative to participate, despite being in a position where one would normally expect them to be receivers, not givers.
with much urgency (μετὰ πολλῆς παρακλήσεως - meta pollēs paraklēseōs): Paraklēsis is a rich Greek term encompassing "exhortation," "encouragement," and "earnest appeal." "Much urgency" captures the intensity of their supplication; they were not simply agreeable but were actively and intensely pressing Paul. This demonstrates the depth of their spiritual desire for this involvement.
for the privilege (τὴν χάριν - tēn charin): The noun charis is pivotal. It means "grace," "favor," "gift," or "privilege." The Macedonians regarded the opportunity to contribute not as a burden or duty, but as a divine favor, a grace from God bestowed upon them, which they desperately sought to partake in. This redefines giving as an esteemed spiritual gift and a source of blessing to the giver.
of sharing (τῆς κοινωνίας - tēs koinōnias): Koinōnia signifies "fellowship," "partnership," "participation," or "communion." It points beyond a mere monetary transaction. Their giving was an act of genuine spiritual solidarity and identification with the suffering saints. It reflected their deep connection to the wider body of Christ, transforming material giving into an expression of shared life and spiritual communion.
in this service (τῆς διακονίας - tēs diakonias): Diakonia means "service," "ministry," or "relief work." It refers specifically to the practical collection and distribution of aid for the needy. This term highlights the charitable and tangible aspect of their spiritual fellowship, a practical manifestation of their love and concern.
to the saints (εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους - eis tous hagious): Hagioi refers to "holy ones" or "saints"—all believers, consecrated to God. Here, it specifically points to the impoverished Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were the recipients of this relief effort. This reinforces the idea that the collection was an act of intra-Christian care and unity, not merely secular philanthropy.
"begging us...for the privilege": This phrase dramatically showcases the Macedonians' heart. They didn't have to be persuaded; they were the persuaders. Their eagerness to give from poverty underscores that their motivation was spiritual, born out of deep devotion and love, rather than earthly obligation or means. This transforms the very act of giving into a form of receiving God's grace.
"privilege of sharing in this service": This links three key concepts: grace (privilege), fellowship (sharing), and practical love (service). Giving, for them, was not just financial, but a profound spiritual experience that allowed them to participate actively in the larger life and mission of the Christian community, expressing genuine love and unity for fellow believers in need.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Bonus section
The intense earnestness (deomenoi meta pollēs paraklēseōs) shown by the Macedonians contrasts sharply with any reluctant giving. This extreme eagerness suggests they understood that their contribution had spiritual value beyond its monetary worth. It served as a testament to their true conversion and spiritual vitality, offering a model of Christian character. Their fervent plea highlights that genuine faith eagerly seeks opportunities for self-sacrificial love and practical service, seeing it as a unique expression of devotion to God and connection to His people, not as a loss, but as an opportunity for profound spiritual enrichment and participation in divine purposes.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Commentary
Second Corinthians 8:4 presents a profound reversal of worldly values, elevating sacrificial giving to a privilege received through God's grace. The Macedonian Christians, in their extreme material poverty, earnestly pleaded with Paul for the honor of contributing to the collection for Jerusalem. This demonstrates that genuine generosity stems not from abundance, but from a heart transformed by God's grace, characterized by joy and deep love. Their view of giving as charis (grace/favor) rather than obligation highlights a foundational Christian truth: every opportunity to serve, even through financial contribution, is a gift from God. Furthermore, their desire for koinōnia (sharing/fellowship) in this diakonia (service) emphasizes the relational and unifying aspect of giving within the Body of Christ. It underscores that Christian giving is an act of communion and solidarity, expressing tangible love for fellow saints, regardless of their background or location, and is an active participation in God's ongoing work.