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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
of the Jerusalem Church
to the Corinthians
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five modern translations. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one main subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS
A. Chapters 8 and 9 form a literary unit related to the Corinthian's part in the Gentile churches' contribution for the poor of the church in Jerusalem (cf. 1Co_16:1-3).
B. Background to Paul's gift to the Jerusalem church
1. In Act_11:27-30 the church at Antioch started the program of relief work for Jerusalem. It was a way of uniting the Jewish and Gentile churches.
2. In Gal_2:10; Gal_6:10 Paul began a similar emphasis in his early mission work.
3. In 1Co_16:1-4 it is shown that this contribution had already started at Corinth.
4. In Rom_15:26 the contributions of both Macedonia and Achaia are mentioned.
C. Paul's overall argument concerning Christian giving
1. example of others (Macedonians) 2Co_8:1-5
2. giving is an aspect of spiritual growth, 2Co_8:7-8
3. example of Christ, 2Co_8:9; 2Co_9:15
4. their own start, 2Co_8:6; 2Co_8:10
5. encouragement to put desire into action, 2Co_8:10
6. motive, not amount, is the key, 2Co_8:12
7. giving equals out, 2Co_8:14
D. New Testament guidelines for Christian giving based on the model of the churches of Macedonia
1. joyous and genuine, even amidst poverty, 2Co_8:2; 2Co_9:7
2. gave to utmost of ability, 2Co_8:3
3. gave sacrificially beyond ability, 2Co_8:3; 2Co_8:12
4. gave freely, 2Co_8:3; 2Co_9:7
5. gave sincerely, 2Co_8:4
6. gave more than money, 2Co_8:5
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
1. How does NT giving differ from OT giving?
2. Is the tithe a universal or cultural truth? Why or why not?
3. How does your giving stack up against the Macedonians?
4. Explain the difference between giving and stewardship.
5. Who is the brother mentioned in 2Co_8:18?