2nd Corinthians 8:1 - 24: Grace in the Form of Monies Collected from Members of the Body of Christ in Greece by Titus & a Brother in Christ For the Suffering Kingdom Saints in Jerusalem:

The word “faith” occurs 7 times in 2nd Corinthians, the 5th instance here in chapter 8: “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.” 2 Corinthians 8:77 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

. Note the 6 highlighted words in this verse: faith, utterance, knowledge, diligence, love and grace. Let’s first define each of these attributes:

• Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, Hebrews 11:11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

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• Utterance is from the Greek “logos,” (G3056) used 330 times in the New Testament (NT) in every book except 2nd John. It is translated with various English words but most frequently as “word” at 218. According to Bullinger’s “A Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the English and Greek New Testament” it means “the word spoken and connected with the thought expressed.”

• Knowledge is from the Greek “gnosis” (G1108) found 29 times in the NT, used primarily by the Apostle Paul, meaning “knowing, or recognition, the knowledge or understanding of a thing, the insight which manifests itself in the thorough understanding of the subjects with which it meets and in the conduct determined thereby.”

• Diligence is from the Greek “spoude” (G4710) found 12 times in the NT translated “diligence” 5 times; “haste” twice; and once each “business, care, forwardness, earnest care and carefulness.” The Lexicon defines it as “speed, haste, as manifested in earnestness, diligence, zeal.”

Note these first 4 attributes refer to the Corinthian’s fidelity in and to the Gospel of Grace that had been revealed to the Apostle Paul as evidenced by the first one listed, i.e., “faith.” Believers today should also exhibit these attributes.

• Love is the Greek “agape” (G26) found 116 times in the NT, most frequently by John, 37 in his Gospel and 28 in 1 John, its used 9 times in 2 Corinthians, 3 of which are in this 8th chapter (verses 7, 8 & 24).

Note the attribute of “love” was directed to Paul and his fellow apostles; the Corinthians “loved” Paul and those with him, i.e., Timothy, Titus, Luke and others who ministered the Gospel revealed to Paul. Believers today should exhibit this attribute, not worshipping Paul in any way but following him as he followed Christ; “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:99 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

. “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” Philippians 3:1717 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

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• Grace from the Greek “charis” (G5485) found 18 times in 2nd Corinthians, second only to Romans where it occurs 25 times. Paul uses it 7 times in this 8th chapter. Many define “grace” as “unmerited favor.” The Lexicon defines “grace” as: “a kind, affectionate, pleasing nature and inclining disposition, either in person or thing. Objectively it denotes, personal gracefulness, a pleasing work, beauty of speech, etc. Subjectively, it means an inclining towards, courteousness or gracious disposition, friendly willingness; on the part of the giver of a favor, kindness, favor; on the part of the receiver, thanks.”

(The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “grace” as: “1 a - unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their regeneration or sanctification; 1 b - a virtue coming from God; 1 c - a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine assistance; 2 a - approval, favor; 2 b - archaic mercy, pardon; 2 c a special favor, privilege; 2 d - disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency; 2 e - a temporary exemption, reprieve, etc.”)

Note that Paul wrote that the Corinthians excelled/exceeded or went beyond in the first 5 attributes but then he exhorts them to “see that ye abound in this grace also.” So, the question, what did Paul refer to when he exhorted them see to it that they abound in “this grace also?” The answer is found in the verses both preceding and following 2 Corinthians 8:7. As noted, Paul uses the word “grace” 7 times in this chapter. In the context “grace” refers to the blessing received by the believers in Macedonia in contributing their money being collected to take to the Kingdom saints in Jerusalem who were suffering. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to follow the example of the Macedonians to partake of “this grace also.” That is, the Corinthians should also contribute to the fund Paul was taking to Jerusalem. “Kingdom saints” refers to the Jewish believers who had originally gathered in Jerusalem awaiting the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would signal the return of Christ to establish His Kingdom on earth. Israel had been promised they will be the prominent earthly nation; foretold in the Old Testament (OT) and by Christ during His earthly ministry.

“And, (the Jewish believers) being assembled together with them (in Jerusalem), (Christ) commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of me. Acts 1:44 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.

. That promise was the Holy Spirit Who would indwell and control those Jews who believed Jesus was their Messiah. This promise also is documented in Luke: “And, behold, I (Christ) send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” Luke 24:4949 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

. Christ’s followers were waiting for the Kingdom: “When they (Jewish believers) therefore were come together (in Jerusalem), they asked of him (Christ), saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:66 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

. “And He (Christ) said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” Acts 1:7 - 87 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

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The Holy Spirit did come upon the believers as promised, Acts 2:1 - 31 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

, and they were indued with His Power. They had come together from all different nations where they spoke and understood only the language of the countries where they lived to celebrate Pentecost. However, when Holy Spirit came upon them, they could speak to and understand each other with understanding, Acts 2:4 - 124 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans?

8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

. The Apostle Peter explained that this and other miraculous signs being exhibited had been foretold, Acts 2:14 - 2114 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:

15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;

17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

. And, wonder of wonder, they willingly gave all their possessions/ money into a common fund/treasury from which all were fed and clothed as they remained in Jerusalem, Acts 2:42 - 4742 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

. But as time went by and the leaders of Israel rejected their message and persecuted all followers of Christ, the contingent of Jewish believers in Jerusalem ran out of funds. Thus, Paul was collecting money from the believers in Greece, i.e., Macedonia and Achaia for the suffering Kingdom saints in Jerusalem. Paul uses the word “grace” here in the 8th chapter of 2 Corinthians to refer to the blessing these believers would enjoy by contributing to this fund.

Paul holds before them the “Grace” of the Lord Jesus Christ as the example of the grace the Corinthians would both experience and extend with their giving; “For ye (Corinthians) know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich (as God Almighty He owned and had power over everything in the universe), yet for your sakes He became poor (He humbled Himself as a Man without any riches whatsoever), that ye through His poverty might be rich (with eternal life in the heavens).” 2 Corinthians 8:99 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.

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Paul wrote the Romans about this collection: “Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia (upper Greece) and Achaia (southern Greece including the Corinthians) to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles (those in Greece who were Members of the Body of Christ) have been made partakers of their (the Jewish saints in Jerusalem) spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things. When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.” Romans 15:24 - 2824 Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.

25 But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28 When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

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Titus is mentioned 3 times in this chapter; 2 Corinthians 8:66 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

; Corinthians 8:23. In 2 Corinthians 8:16 - 1916 But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

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

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

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:

Paul alludes to a “brother” who had been chosen by the churches who was accompanying Titus. Some believe this “brother” was Luke the physician who wrote the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts and that they were the ones who collected the money for the suffering saints in Jerusalem and then accompanied Paul to deliver that gift. Paul summarizes his plea to the Corinthians to “grace” the saints in Jerusalem in the last verse of the chapter; “Wherefore shew ye to them (Titus and the brother, possibly Luke), and before the churches (in Jerusalem), the proof of your love (their grace in sharing their wealth), and of our boasting on your behalf.” 2 Corinthians 8:2424 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

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