In this chapter we shall learn that we as possessors of a restored identity unlike any other's of this world's systems. That we are to be most generous as our Father is. For within the next few chapters this is the theme as we shall soon see. And the glory within us been energized along with grace's genesis.
2Corinthians 8:1-6 "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial(G1382) of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality(G572). 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(G1248) 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(G3870) Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also." (KJV)
2Corinthians 8:1-6 "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test(G1382) of affliction(G2347), their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity(G572) on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief(G1248) of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged(G3870) Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace." (ESV)
2Corinthians 8:1-6 "Allow me to encourage you with the striking testimony of the grace of GOD evidenced in the churches (bodies of the living members of GOD presence within) of [1] Macedonia! (The Romans had lacerated [1]Macedonia economically. The churches in Macedonia included Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea.) Their mental mettle was [1,G1382] greatly tested to the extreme; they found themselves squeezed into a very [2,G2347]narrow space. Yet, in the depth of their poverty, their ecstatic joy led them into extravagant generosity! They had discovered the conclusion of Grace: no degree of poverty can separate us from our [3,G572]seamless oneness with one another. Grace translates within us a wealth of liberality. (Proof [1,G1382 from the same as G1384, from G1380], dokimei, a test proving the true character of metal. The word, [2, G2347 from G2346] thipsis is from (G2346) thilibo, to be thronged, hemmed into a very narrow space. The word, [3,G572 from G573 from G1 and G4120] haplotes, is from hama, which means a particle of union and (G4120) pleko, braided; quality or state of unmixed motivation, without mental reservation, no hidden agenda, undivided heart.) I salute them for intentionally giving themselves beyond their means. We had nothing to do with this-they were the ones who insisted with utmost sincerity and urgency that we mediate their [1,G1248]tangible grace-gift to their fellow Saints. (The word, [1,G1248 from G1212 and G1249] diakonos, deacon or minister is from dai+konis literally through dust, translates here, tangible, practical or incarnate; this word commonly translates as ministry, service, running errands. I believe that the ultimate ministry is the expression of the heart of GOD in tangible human form, true NT deacon is a celebration of the incarnation in us.) No-one expected this from them! They simply demonstrated how completely sold out they were to the LORD and to us! This explains their generosity! The delightful pleasure of GOD compelled them! Inspired by their enthusiasm, we [1,G3870]prompted Titus to complete his initiative in this grace gift that you yourselves were keen to participate in! (Here the author has used the word prompted for [1,G3870] parkaleo, which literally means to draw from the source of your identity.) (The Mirror)
This with the last chapter begins our look into how we as the redeemed are to see ourselves through GOD's eyes and thinking. Until our next visit may the LORD bless you and yours with his revelation of promise.
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