Chapter 8
The
apostle reminds them of charitable contributions for the poor saints
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1–6
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Enforces
this by their gifts, and by the love and grace of Christ
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7–9
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By
the willingness they had shown to this good work
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10–15
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He
recommends Titus to them
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16–24
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Verses 1–6
The grace
of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by
us, at any time. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful
to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the
Macedonians. So far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to
receive the gift. Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving him
what is his own. All we give for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God,
nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord. By
ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory
to him whose due it is, but also show men where their strength is. Abundant
spiritual joy enlarges men’s hearts in the work and labour of love. How
different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work,
unless urged into it!
Verses 7–9
Faith is
the root; and as without faith it is not possible to please God, Heb 11:6, so
those who abound in faith, will abound in other graces and good works also; and
this will work and show itself by love. Great talkers are not always the best
doers; but these Corinthians were diligent to do, as well as to know and talk
well. To all these good things the apostle desires them to add this grace also,
to abound in charity to the poor. The best arguments for Christian duties, are
drawn from the grace and love of Christ. Though he was rich, as being God,
equal in power and glory with the Father, yet he not only became man for us,
but became poor also. At length he emptied himself, as it were, to ransom their
souls by his sacrifice on the cross. From what riches, blessed Lord, to what
poverty didst thou descend for our sakes! and to what riches hast thou advanced
us through thy poverty! It is our happiness to be wholly at thy disposal.
Verses 10–15
Good
purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good
fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good
beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance.
When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability,
to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to
do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are
enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are
enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world,
and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in
want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there
should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy
property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should
think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the
gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Ex 16:18. Those who have
most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but
little of this world, seldom are quite without them.
Verses 16–24
The
apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be
known who they were, and how safely they might be trusted. It is the duty of
all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust
suspicions. It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight of
God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be attended to. A clear
character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite for usefulness. They
brought glory to Christ as instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to
be counted faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others have
of us, should be an argument with us to do well.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
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