What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 mean? (2024)

FAQs

What does 2 Corinthians 8:21 mean? ›

Paul's aim, stated in this verse, is to faithfully do what is honorable in the sight of the Lord, as well as in the sight of others. Paul is modeling a standard that should be followed by all Christian churches and organizations that receive donations.

He is asking them to follow the biblical principle of giving in proportion to what they have. The goal for Christians should be to maintain fairness, Paul writes, with those who have much giving to those who have little, so that all have enough (2 Corinthians 8:9–15).

The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. 2 during a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.

Macedonia became home to a number of the early churches Paul writes and mentions in his letters – Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. These young Macedonian churches were sorely persecuted from the time they came to faith, and it had left them financially bereft.

ESV Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. NIV Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.

Paul's aim, stated in this verse, is to faithfully do what is honorable in the sight of the Lord, as well as in the sight of others. Paul is modeling a standard that should be followed by all Christian churches and organizations that receive donations.

Introduction. Paul wrote to the Saints in Corinth, explaining that the members in Macedonia had given freely to those in need. He encouraged the Corinthian Saints to also follow the Savior's example by giving to the poor. Paul taught about the blessings that come to those who cheerfully give to the poor.

Smith's Bible Dictionary - Macedonia

Macedonia [N] [E] [H] (extended land ), a large and celebrated country lying north of Greece, the first part of Europe which received the gospel directly from St. Paul, and an important scene of his subsequent missionary labors and those of his companions.

Paul introduces the topic by pointing out how the churches in the region of Macedonia have already given generously to the collection. This is despite Christians in those churches experiencing great affliction in being persecuted for their faith. This resulted in extreme poverty.

The Holy Ghost guided Paul and his companions to preach the gospel in Macedonia (northern Greece). After Paul cast an evil spirit out of a servant girl, he and Silas were beaten and imprisoned. That night, they were miraculously freed from prison, after which they baptized the jailer and his household.

Why did Paul praise the Macedonian church? ›

The Macedonian believers have undergone a severe test of affliction, yet their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity (8:2). According to Paul, these saints, though suffering themselves, begged to give to this collection for the poor.

Most Macedonians belong to the Orthodox faith. In 2001 the Church had about 1,350,000 adherents in North Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 8 1

And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

An honorable person is someone who possesses qualities such as integrity, ethical conduct, and moral values. They are respected and revered by others, and they exhibit a keen sense of ethical behavior. Additionally, an honorable person may also be recognized for their achievements and have a prominent social standing.

In other words, it is never our task to retaliate, to get even, to get revenge, to make someone pay for what he did, or to settle the score with someone we think did evil against us.

1 Peter 3:9 New International Version (NIV)

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

Much of 1 Corinthians 8 might be summarized as an argument for the priority of love over the pursuit of knowledge. Paul takes on this topic by starting with where the Corinthians are at in their thinking as they consider eating meat that has previously been sacrificed to pagan idols.

The letter reminds the Corinthians to turn from their worldly ways and to think and live in ways that honor God. Likewise, Paul's letter encourages us to look at our own lives so we won't forget what really matters.

2 Corinthians 8:10-15

Dear Father, It is you, my God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread for food. Multiply my resources and increase the harvest of righteousness for me and my family. Then give us hearts that are generous and willing to share with those in need around the world.

As mentioned before, this sanctification does not mean that the unbelieving spouse (or their children) are automatically saved by virtue of marriage, but it does mean that God blesses that particular household in a very special way.