2COR Chapter 8

2Cor 8

Even act of giving by selfless-Love is a miracle (vs3) 

1 Moreover, we make known to you, Brethren, the Grace of God, among Macedonia church to give.

2 for, in much tribulations is the test/proof of the superfluity of joy, and they have increased unto wealth, proportional to the depth of their poverty, by their selflessness (generosity).

3 for, alongside mighty-miracles (dunamis), I also testify according to a self-chosen/voluntary mighty-deeds (dunamis). 

4 amid much imploration, we beseech/pray for the grace of partnership for relief services unto the holy saints.

5 And not just as we expect, but, they first gave themselves to the Lord, and to us, even through the will/desire of God, 

6 Titus will likewise exhort you unto this thing, at least, just as we have started, there will be grace, unto fulfilling it further. 

7 But just as you have increased in all things of Faith and even words of knowledge from us; by all diligence/earnestness, at least, even in this Grace, your selfless-Love will increase.

New Opinion of Paul on the best practice of giving in the church  (cf: the dogmatic approach in Act 4:34-35)

8 I do not speak by command, but because of the eagerness of some others, and to prove the genuineness of your selfless-love.

9 No doubt, to absolutely know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, because, to be wealthy, He was made poor for your sake, at least by that poverty, you have been made wealthy.

10 And I will give an opinion on this (issue), having started already from early period, this is profitable for some of you who will not only desire but also do.

11 however, for emphasy, those who will do it anyhow, should completely fulfill even exactly as the predisposition/alacrity of their desire, and likewise completely fulfill it, from the things they possess.

12 No doubt, if the readiness is present, it will be acceptable, for, it is proportional to things you possess, and will not (be acceptable), in case, it is not proportional to things you possess.

13 because the ease of another, at least, should not be from your affliction; but it should be for equality/equity.

14 In the present time, your surplus is unto the deficit of those ones, and the surplus of those ones will at least generate deficit unto you, and anyhow, it will generate equality/equity.

15 As, it is written, those with much things, do not make much and those with little thing, lack nothing. (Ex 16:18)

Paul was not a lone ranger in the administrative works of the church.

16 Moreover, the Grace of God has given the same eagerness in the heart of Titus, for you.

17 For he, indeed accepted the appeal, being more prompt/diligent and was willful/voluntary as subordinate workers to proceed towards you.

18 so, we despatched with him, brethren, whose commendation in the gospel, through the churches is by everybody.

19 however, not only me, but, the fellow-travellers are chosen even by the church together with me, to serve under this grace, for their alacrity/disposition toward the glory of our Lord;

20 this is to send/prepare those who serve/minister under us. Never should anyone discredit us, for boldness/roughness/coarseness in this.

21 for, we look out for virtuous ones in advance, not only before the Lord, but even before men.

22 we also send with them, our brothers who have been proved by many (people), many times, to be energetic, also for emphasy, those who are more diligent/prompt for many things and of much confidence unto you.

23. Whether, Titus, a partner and my fellow-worker unto you, or our brethren, they are Apostles to the church, for the sake of the glory of Christ.

24 therefore, the proof of our boasting over you, will be shown by your selfless-Love, unto them, in the face of the Churches.