In our study of 2 Corinthians we have considered Introductory Matters, the Synopsis of the book, the Introduc tion (1:1-14), the first main division: “Matters Concerning the Apostle’s visit to the Church at Corinth” (1:15; 7:16) and (a) and (b) under Section 1 of the second main division: “Matters Concerning the Collection for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem” (8:1; 9:15). We now continue with (c) of Section 1, finishing the second main division. (c) The Direct Appeal to the Cor inthian Church to Give to the Fund for the Poor Saints at Jerusalem ( 8 : 6-8, 10-15). Apparently the Corinthian believers had already made a start at such an offering about a year previously ( 8 :6, 11), probably at the visit of the Apostle Paul and at the active instiga tion of Titus, to whom is allotted the task of perfecting that which they had already begun ( 8:6.) To incite them to this noble work the apostle has cited the example of the Macedonian Christians (8:1-6); cf. 13:5) and our Lord Jesus Christ (8:9). It is not enough for the Corinthians to determine to do this thing; they must carry out their intention. It is good to be generous in will; we must be generous in deed also. Good resolu tions, if not put into action, soon wither and die. We must be beneficent in action as well as in intention. The purpose of the collection is for the supply of the needs of the poor saints at Jerusalem, so that none of God’s saints have more than they need at the expense of other saints of God who have not sufficient to meet their necessities (8:15).
The measure of a gift in the estima tion of God is not its size, but its pro portion in relation to that which the giver has left (8:12-14). The real question for the Christian to settle is not how much of my money shall I give to God, but how much of God’s money shall I keep for myself? Only as our gifts spring from a willing heart do their receive value. Some people part with their money who do not give it. God loveth the glad, cheerful giver. 2. The Care to be Exercised with Reference to Raising and Distributing the Collection (8:16; 9:5). To Titus and two other friends of good repute is the care of this offering committed ( 8 : 16-23). How careful the apostle will be in the gathering and disposition of such trust funds! How careful to avoid suspicion or accusation ( 8 :20-22)! Paul was not indifferent with regard to good opinion of others. He would pro vide things honest not only in the sight of God, but also in the sight of men (8:21). Appearances must not be neglected. It does matter how our actions appear to others. The apostle did not consider himself above careful consideration and safeguard. He would give his enemies no chance to accuse him of graft or misappropriation of funds, even though it might seem that no one would be likely to accuse Paul of dishonesty. He would not only do right, but appear to do right also. Pop ular opinion cannot always be ignored or despised. Paul was not against hav ing his accounts audited. For these reasons Paul entrusts the matter of the collection to Titus and two other friends who are of good repu-
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