Excel in This Grace

Chapters 8 and 9 address the collection for the poor believers in Jerusalem, a project dear to Paul's heart. He begins with the example of the Macedonian churches, such as Philippi and Thessalonica. In a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity. They gave beyond their means, of their own accord, pleading for the favor of taking part. This was grace at work, and it began with giving themselves first to the Lord.

Paul does not command the Corinthians; he invites them to prove the genuineness of their love. The deepest motive is the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Though He was rich, for their sake He became poor, so that by His poverty they might become rich. The incarnation and the cross are the pattern for Christian generosity.

Paul gives practical guidance. Readiness matters more than amount, because a gift is acceptable according to what a person has. The goal is not to burden one church to relieve another but to achieve equality. Paul cites the manna in Exodus 16, where the one who gathered much had nothing left over and the one who gathered little had no lack. Finally, Paul commends Titus and two brothers appointed by the churches. He takes care to do what is honorable not only before the Lord but also before people, guarding against any suspicion in handling the gift.