Chapter 8

8:1  Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

Moreover

In 2Cor. 8., 9., the apostle sums up the Christian doctrine of giving. It may be thus summarized:

(1) It is a "grace," i.e. a disposition created by the Spirit 2 Corinthians 8:7

(2) In contrast with the law, which imposed giving as a divine requirement, Christian giving is voluntary, and a test of sincerity and love 2 Corinthians 8:8-12 ; 2 Corinthians 9:1 2 Corinthians 9:2 2 Corinthians 9:5 2 Corinthians 9:7

(3) The privilege is universal, belonging, according to ability, to rich and poor 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 2 Corinthians 8:12-15 ; 1 Corinthians 16:1 1 Corinthians 16:2 .

(4) Giving is to be proportioned to income 2 Corinthians 8:12-14 ; 1 Corinthians 16:2 . The O.T. proportion was the tithe, a proportion which antedates the law Genesis 14:20 .

(5) The rewards of Christian giving are (a) joy 2 Corinthians 8:2 (b) increased ability to give in proportion to that which has been already given 2 Corinthians 9:7-11 (c) increased thankfulness to God 2 Corinthians 9:12 (d) God and the Gospel glorified 2 Corinthians 9:13 2 Corinthians 9:14

8:12  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.

willing

See 2 Corinthians 8:10-12, (See Scofield "2 Corinthians 8:1") .