Bible Gateway passage: 2 Corinthians 8 - New International Version (2024)

FAQs

What is the main message of 2 Corinthians 8? ›

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).

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.

The New International Version (NIV) is a translation of the Bible into contemporary English. Published by Biblica, the complete NIV was released in 1978 with a minor revision in 1984 and a major revision in 2011. The NIV relies on recently-published critical editions of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Paul's point here, though, was to provide evidence of God's grace to these believers—their own generosity in giving funds to the collection. Paul teaches that the choice to freely give money to meet the needs of other believers is evidence that the givers have themselves received God's grace.

Yes- the NIV is a good and reliable translation. It is in the class of translations called thought-for-thought. This kind of translation makes it easier to read the Bible. Much easier than the KJV, which is now obsolete.

What is the most accurate translation of the Bible in the world? ›

NASB – New American Standard Bible

The New American Standard Bible (as the name suggests) is a 1971 revision of the American Standard Bible of 1901. The ASV was so literal that it was difficult to read and understand, and the NASB continues to be among the most literal “word-for-word” versions available.

HarperCollins Christian Publishing division, which includes Zondervan Publishing, owns the licensing rights to the New International Version (NIV) translation—the most popular modern English translation of the Bible.

2 Corinthians 8:7 – “But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also.” The act of grace Paul is referring to is generous giving to the financial collection for the suffering saints in Jerusalem.

Paul is urging the Corinthians to follow through on a previous commitment to give to meet the needs of suffering Christians in Jerusalem. He is not commanding them to do so. He wants them to give as an act of grace and love.

God wanted the Corinthians to be generous and look out for other believers who were worse off than themselves. Believers should have a heart of compassion and love for others. We should recognize that God has placed us as stewards over everything in our care.

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.

2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Introduction: In the clearest explanation and call for generosity in the entire Bible, Paul appeals to one single motive for giving: the grace of God in Christ. Christians don't give because they are commanded to or because it frees one's life from materialism.

These two chapters focus on the grace of giving. Written while Paul was on his third missionary journey, they reflect one of his major concerns: a collection for the saints at Jerusalem which Paul hoped to deliver at the Passover celebration.

Like 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians covers a myriad of issues in addressing a church that is beset by immorality, false teachers, sectarianism, and theological confusion. In this letter, the Apostle Paul's care and concern for the Corinthian church are palpable.