The Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea) were giving to the believers in Jerusalem. Paul wanted the church of Corinth to know about the special grace that was operating in the Macedonian Churches and finish their part in giving as they had earlier promised.

2 Cor 8

v2 They were in a midst of severe affliction

– They were extremely poor, yet joyous (overflowing joy). Their circumstance did not dictate their attitude.

– They were extremely poor, yet generous (overflowing joy + extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity)

v3 They gave voluntary (on their own freewill)

They gave all they could (according to their ability)

They gave more than they could (beyond their ability) Ref: Mark 12:41-44

v4 They begged insistently not to be denied the opportunity to give (in order to participate in the service of supporting the Jerusalem saints)

They considered giving a privilege

v5 They were first devoted to the Lord (thus giving became natural)

They exceeded expectations by first being devoted to the Lord

v6 The Corinthians were being urged to complete their giving (what they had planned/promised)

v7 Corinth church has excelled in faith, speech, knowledge, enthusiasm and love; they were urged to excel in the grace of giving as well.

v8 They were a model of giving (were genuine in their love)

v10 They were to finish what they had begun a year earlier

v11 Urged not to be just willing to give, but they were to complete the work/covenant/promise in accordance to their means

v12 Giving is in accordance to what one has

2 Cor 9:6 Principle of sowing and reaping

v7 Giving should be done cheerfully and not under compulsion

v10 God supplies seed to the sower and bread for food

v11 God enriches us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion

2 Cor 11:7-9 Paul boasts about how the Macedonian churches supported his ministry (Ref Phil 4:

May the Lord remember your sacrifices:

Psalms 132:1-5 **v3

By Chaplain Stephen Kinuthia Muguro