The collection for those in Jerusalem
1 ① Now I want you to know about a gift of divine grace among the Churches of Macedonia. 2While they were so afflicted and persecuted, their joy overflowed and their extreme poverty turned into a wealth of generosity. 4According to their means – even beyond their means – they wanted to share in helping the saints.
They asked us for this favor spontaneously and with much insistence 5and, far beyond anything we expected, they put themselves at the disposal of the Lord and of us by the will of God. 6Accordingly, I urged Titus to complete among you this work of grace since he began it with you. 7You excel in everything: in the gifts of faith, speech and knowledge; you feel concern for every cause and, besides, you are first in my heart. Excel also in this generous service.
8This is not a command; I make known to you the determination of others to check the sincerity of your fraternal concern. 9You know well the generosity of Christ Jesus, our Lord. Although he was rich, he made himself poor to make you rich through his poverty.
10I only make a suggestion, because you were the first not only in cooperating, but in beginning this project a year ago. 11So complete this work and, according to your means, carry out what you decided with much enthusiasm. 12When there is a good disposition, everything you give is welcomed and no one longs for what you do not have. 13I do not mean that others should be at ease and you burdened. Strive for equality; 14at present give from your abundance what they are short of, and in some way they also will give from their abundance what you lack. Then you will be equal 15and what Scripture says shall come true:To the one who had much, nothing was in excess; to the one who had little, nothing was lacking.
16Blessed be God who inspires Titus with such care for you! 17He not only listened to my appeal but he wanted to go and see you on his own initiative. 18I am sending with him the brother who has gained the esteem of the churches in the work of the Gospel; 19moreover they appointed him to travel with us in this blessed work we are carrying on for the glory of the Lord but also because of our personal enthusiasm.
20We decided on this so that no one could suspect us with regard to this generous fund that we are administering. 21Let us see to it that all may appear clean not only before God but also before people. 22We also send with them another brother who on several occasions has shown us his zeal and, now, is more enthusiastic because of his confidence in you.
23You then have Titus, our companion and minister, to serve you and, with him, you have our brothers, representatives of the churches and a glory to Christ. 24Show them how you love, and prove before the churches all the good things I said to them about you.
- 2 Cor 8,1 The saints (v. 3) are the Christians of Jerusalem. In the year 48 there was a famine in Judea and in Jerusalem (Acts 11:28) due to the poor harvest of the previous year, a sabbatical year (during which the Jews did not sow so that the earth could rest). To remedy this situation of shortage, economic aid for the Christians of Jerusalem was organized. Later, Paul promised to keep the Jerusalem community in mind during his missions among the pagans (Gal 2:10). Here, Paul exhorts the Churches in Corinth and in the province to take up this collection which they had agreed upon. Paul does not use the word collection in these chapters. Instead he speaks of the liberality and the greatness of generous giving; of the blessed work of grace. It is more a gift for the one who gives than for the one who receives. Paul takes great care that the collection, involving large amounts, should be duly taken up. It must be collected and held by people who enjoy the confidence of the community.
