Fathers

2 Corinthians 8

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Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 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. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love. 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. And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches; 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: Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us: Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you. Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. 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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What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 8:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the Churches of Macedonia." Having encouraged them with these encomiums, he again tries exhortation. For on this account he mingled these praises with his rebuke, that he might not by proceeding from rebuke to exhortation make what he had to say ill received; but having soothed their ears, might by this means pave the way for his exhortation. …

Homily 16 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Not in vain did he bestow so many praises upon them above, but with the purpose of softening them, for he intended to urge them toward love of the poor. Therefore he also said above: "I can rely on you," that is, whatever I say to you, you do. However, he did not say outright: give alms, but, setting before them as an example what others had done, he rouses them also to similar zeal. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Having exhorted them to good in general, he now exhorts them to a particular good, namely, to contribute to the things being collected for the saints at Jerusalem. For, as it says in Acts (chap. 5), and suggested in Gal. (2:10), the apostles had charged Paul and Barnabas to preach the word of salvation to the Gentiles and exhort them to help the saints in Jerusalem, who having sold all their possessions and placed them at the feet of the apostles, were in dire need. It is to this that he induces them now, and he does two things. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗