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 | the grace of God bestowed upon the churches of Macedonia | Stewardship, Divine Enablement |
| 2 Cor 8:2 | their extreme joy and their extreme poverty abounded in the riches of their generosity | Generosity amidst Poverty |
| 2 Cor 8:3 | for I bear witness that they gave according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability | Sacrificial Giving, Giving Beyond Ability |
| 2 Cor 8:5 | and not only as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord… | Prioritizing God, Surrender |
| Acts 11:29 | the disciples determined, every according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea | Supporting fellow believers, Relief Efforts |
| Rom 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem | Fellowship offering, Unity in the church |
| 1 Cor 16:1 | Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia… | Special offerings, church support |
| Gal 2:10 | only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I also was earnest to do | Concern for the poor, Apostolic mandate |
| Phil 4:15 | you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving… | Partnership in the gospel, Early support |
| 1 Tim 6:18 | They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share | Wealth used for good, Generosity |
| Luke 21:3 | Indeed, I say to you, this poor widow has cast in more than all of them. | Giving of the heart, Sacrifice |
| Acts 2:45 | and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing them to all as any had need. | Communal sharing, meeting needs |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and one soul… | Unity of believers, Shared resources |
| Heb 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Pleasing God through acts of kindness, Sharing |
| Matt 6:3 | But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing | Generosity in secret, Humility in giving |
| Prov 11:25 | whoever brings blessings will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. | Reciprocity in giving, Blessings for givers |
| 2 Chron 31:10 | for from the time that the contributions began to be brought to the house of the LORD, we have eaten and had enough, and have plenty left, for the LORD has blessed his house. | Tithes and offerings bringing blessing |
| Mark 12:41-44 | Jesus sat down opposite the treasury and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in a lot. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them who are contributing to the treasury. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all her living.” | Value of sacrificial giving, True measure of giving |
| Deut 15:11 | For the poor will never cease out of the land. Therefore I command you, You shall open your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land. | Command to care for the poor, Social responsibility |
2 Corinthians 8 verses
2 Corinthians 8 4 Meaning
The verse speaks of the Macedonian believers' fervent plea and willingness to participate in the collection for the Jerusalem church, a contribution that went beyond their ability and even surpassed expectations.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Context
This verse is part of an extended discussion by Paul in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 regarding the collection being taken for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul uses the example of the Macedonian churches (including Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea) to encourage the Corinthian believers in their own giving. He had previously visited Macedonia and witnessed their abundant generosity, even though they were experiencing severe poverty. Paul writes this to highlight the self-sacrificial and enthusiastic spirit of giving that characterized the Macedonians.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Word Analysis
- αὐτοὶ (autoi): "they themselves" – Emphasizes the active participation and personal involvement of the Macedonian believers. It highlights their agency and genuine desire.
- πρώτον (prōton): "first" – Indicates priority. Their willingness to contribute was not merely a secondary concern but something they initiated.
- τῇ τε ἱλαρότητι (tē te hilarotēti): "and in the readiness/cheerfulness" – Derived from the Greek word hilaros. This word conveys joy, gladness, and willingness. It signifies giving from a happy heart, not out of compulsion or obligation.
- τῇ τε περισσεύῃ (tē te perisseuē): "and in the abundance/generosity" – Comes from perisseuō, meaning to abound, to be more than enough. It speaks to the overflowing nature of their giving, which exceeded expectations.
- τοῦ ἐλεημοσύνης (tou eleēmosunēs): "of the mercy-gift/charity" – Refers to acts of compassion and almsgiving, specifically the contribution for the needy saints.
Words Group Analysis:
- "themselves first...in the readiness and in the abundance of the mercy-gift": This phrase encapsulates the Macedonian believers' exemplary attitude. It wasn't just about the quantity of their gift, but the spirit and readiness with which it was given. The giving flowed from a willing heart, characterized by joy and an overflowing abundance that exceeded normal capacity.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Bonus Section
This passage underscores the principle that the measure of giving is not always financial, but often emotional and spiritual. The Macedonians, despite their poverty, demonstrate that giving freely and joyfully is a spiritual discipline that can thrive even in scarcity. It also highlights the interconnectedness of the body of Christ, where churches can and should support one another across geographical and economic divides. The enthusiastic nature of their giving suggests it was a spontaneous overflow of their love for Christ and His people, not a planned, obligatory event.
2 Corinthians 8 4 Commentary
The Macedonians’ offering is presented as a model of Christian giving. Their response was remarkable not just because they gave, but how they gave: with cheerfulness and exceeding their means. This was a response stemming from a prior surrender to the Lord (as Paul states in the following verse), influencing their entire perspective on resources and stewardship. Their example encourages believers to approach giving as an act of worship, marked by joy, spontaneity, and a generous spirit that looks beyond personal limitations to meet the needs of others, mirroring God's own abundant grace. This demonstrates that true generosity is less about financial capacity and more about a willing and joyful heart surrendered to Christ.