New International Version And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. New Living Translation Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. English Standard Version We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, Berean Standard Bible Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. Berean Literal Bible Now we make known to you⁺, brothers, the grace of God having been given in the churches of Macedonia, King James Bible Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; New King James Version Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: New American Standard Bible Now, brothers and sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, NASB 1995 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, NASB 1977 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, Legacy Standard Bible Now brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, Amplified Bible Now, brothers and sisters, we want to tell you about the grace of God which has been evident in the churches of Macedonia [awakening in them a longing to contribute]; Berean Annotated Bible Now, brothers (and sisters), we want you⁺ to know about the grace that God {Theou} has given the churches {ekklēsiais} of Macedonia. Christian Standard Bible We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia: Holman Christian Standard Bible We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God granted to the churches of Macedonia: American Standard Version Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia; Contemporary English Version My friends, we want you to know that the churches in Macedonia have shown others God's gift of undeserved grace. English Revised Version Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia; GOD'S WORD® Translation Brothers and sisters, we want you to know how God showed his kindness to the churches in the province of Macedonia. Good News Translation Our friends, we want you to know what God's grace has accomplished in the churches in Macedonia. International Standard Version We want you to know, brothers, about God's grace that was given to the churches of Macedonia. NET Bible Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, New Heart English Bible Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; Webster's Bible Translation Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; Weymouth New Testament But we desire to let you know, brethren, of the grace of God which has been bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleNow, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. World English Bible Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God, that has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia, Berean Literal Bible Now we make known to you⁺, brothers, the grace of God having been given in the churches of Macedonia, Young's Literal Translation And we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God, that hath been given in the assemblies of Macedonia, Smith's Literal Translation And we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God given in the churches of Macedonia; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow we make known unto you, brethren, the grace of God, that hath been given in the churches of Macedonia. Catholic Public Domain Version And so we are making known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given in the churches of Macedonia. New American Bible We want you to know, brothers, of the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia, New Revised Standard Version We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMOREOVER, our brethren, we want you to know that the grace of God has been bestowed on the churches of Mac-e-do’ni-a : Aramaic Bible in Plain English But we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God that is given to the assemblies of Macedonia. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentWe make known to you, brethren, God's gracious gift, which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; Godbey New Testament But, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia; Haweis New Testament NOW we inform you, brethren, of the grace of God which hath been bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; Mace New Testament I must acquaint you, brethren, with the contribution which the churches of Macedonia have religiously made, Weymouth New Testament But we desire to let you know, brethren, of the grace of God which has been bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia; Worrell New Testament And we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God which has been bestowed in the assemblies of Macedonia; Worsley New Testament Now we make known to you, brethren, the grace of God conferred on the churches of Macedonia: Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Generosity Commended1Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. 2In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.… Cross References Now, brothers, 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more. Galatians 5:13 For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love. Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. we want you to know 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. Romans 1:13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. Philippians 1:12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. about the grace 1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. Romans 12:6 We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; Ephesians 3:2 Surely you have heard about the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that God has given 2 Timothy 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. Romans 5:15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abound to the many! James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. the churches of Macedonia. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. / For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more. Philippians 4:15-16 And as you Philippians know, in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church but you partnered with me in the matter of giving and receiving. / For even while I was in Thessalonica, you provided for my needs again and again. Acts 16:9-10 During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” / As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 11:28-30 One of them named Agabus stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would sweep across the whole world. (This happened under Claudius.) / So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. / This they did, sending their gifts to the elders with Barnabas and Saul. Treasury of Scripture Moreover, brothers, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; we. 2 Corinthians 8:19 And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind: the grace. 2 Corinthians 8:2-7 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality… 2 Corinthians 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. churches. 2 Corinthians 9:2,4 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many… 2 Corinthians 11:9 And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. Jump to Previous Assemblies Bestowed Churches Desire Grace Macedonia Macedo'nia Macedonian Moreover Shown Want Wish WitJump to Next Assemblies Bestowed Churches Desire Grace Macedonia Macedo'nia Macedonian Moreover Shown Want Wish Wit2 Corinthians 8 1. He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians;7. by commendation of their former forwardness; 9. by the example of Christ; 14. and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby; 16. commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers. Now, brothers, Paul addresses the Corinthian believers as members of one spiritual family. In Christ, Jews and Gentiles, wealthy and poor, men and women, and people from differing cities and backgrounds stand together under one Father. The appeal that follows is therefore not a demand from a distant authority but an exhortation within the household of faith. 1Th 4:1 Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you… we want you to know Paul deliberately brings the Macedonian churches’ conduct before the Corinthians. Their example would encourage the Corinthians to complete their own promised contribution for suffering believers in Jerusalem. Faithful testimony within the churches strengthens obedience and directs attention to God’s work among His people. 1Th 4:13 Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed… about the grace God’s grace had become visible in the Macedonians’ willing, sacrificial generosity. Their giving was not produced by natural wealth or social advantage, but by God’s power at work in hearts transformed by the gospel. Grace saves sinners and also equips them to serve, give, endure hardship, and love fellow believers. 1Co 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me… that God has given The Macedonians’ generosity originated with God, not human merit. He supplied both the desire and the ability to participate in ministry beyond their own region. Every act of genuine Christian service is ultimately a response to what God has first given in Christ. 2Ti 1:9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling… the churches of Macedonia. Macedonia was a Roman province north of Achaia and included churches such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. Though many believers there endured affliction and poverty, they gave liberally for the relief of the saints in Jerusalem. Their example demonstrates that sacrificial generosity is measured not by the size of one’s resources but by devotion to the Lord and love for His people. 1Th 1:7-8 As a result, you have become an example… Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to the Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth with instructions and encouragement. 2. Corinthians The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth, known for their spiritual gifts but also for their struggles with unity and morality. 3. Macedonia A region in Northern Greece, home to several early Christian churches, including those in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, known for their generosity despite their poverty. 4. Churches of Macedonia These churches are highlighted by Paul as examples of God's grace in action, particularly in their generous giving. 5. God's Grace The divine favor and empowerment given to the Macedonian churches, enabling them to give generously. Teaching Points Understanding GraceRecognize that grace is not just unmerited favor but also divine empowerment for action, as seen in the Macedonian churches. Generosity in Poverty True generosity is not dependent on wealth but on the willingness to give sacrificially, as demonstrated by the Macedonians. Inspiration from Others Look to the examples of other believers and churches as motivation to grow in faith and practice. God's Provision Trust that God provides the resources and strength needed to fulfill His purposes, even in challenging circumstances. Community Support Encourage and support one another in the church community, following the Macedonian example of collective action and generosity. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 8:1?2. How can we emulate the "grace God has given" to the Macedonian churches? 3. What does 2 Corinthians 8:1 teach about God's grace in difficult circumstances? 4. How does the Macedonian example connect with Jesus' teachings on generosity? 5. In what ways can our church reflect the Macedonian churches' generosity today? 6. How can personal hardships enhance our understanding of God's grace and generosity? 7. What does 2 Corinthians 8:1 reveal about the nature of God's grace to the churches? 8. How does 2 Corinthians 8:1 challenge our understanding of generosity in times of hardship? 9. What historical context influenced the message in 2 Corinthians 8:1? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 8? What Does 2 Corinthians 8:1 Mean Now“Now” signals a transition. Paul shifts from reporting his travel plans (2 Corinthians 7:5-7) to introducing a fresh topic: the collection for the Jerusalem saints. Similar pivots appear in Acts 13:36 and Philippians 2:19, reminding us that God’s work is unfolding moment by moment, and every new “now” calls the church to fresh obedience. brothers By addressing them as “brothers,” Paul appeals to family bonds in Christ (Galatians 3:26-28; Hebrews 2:11). The term softens any forthcoming exhortation, showing that generosity flows best within loving, Spirit-created relationships rather than cold obligation. we want you to know Paul purposely informs rather than commands. Knowledge fuels conviction (Colossians 1:9-10). When believers grasp how God is already at work elsewhere, faith rises and imitation follows (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8). Transparency about God’s deeds becomes a catalyst for further grace. about the grace “Grace” here refers not only to saving favor but to the God-given ability to give generously (2 Corinthians 8:7; 1 Corinthians 15:10). Whenever Christians share resources, it is first God’s grace manifesting through them (Ephesians 2:10). This keeps the spotlight on the Lord, preventing pride. that God has given Paul underscores divine sourcing. The Macedonians’ generosity is not self-generated; it is a gift from God (James 1:17). Recognizing God as the giver guards us from both envy and self-reliance and encourages prayer for more grace (Hebrews 4:16). the churches of Macedonia These congregations—Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea (Acts 16-17)—were marked by persecution and poverty (2 Corinthians 8:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:6). Yet they abounded in sacrificial giving, echoing the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1-4). Their example proves that financial limitation never limits God’s ability to work through willing hearts (Philippians 4:15-19). summary 2 Corinthians 8:1 introduces Paul’s teaching on Christian giving by pointing to real believers who, despite hardship, displayed extraordinary generosity. Every phrase shifts our focus from human ability to God’s empowering grace, inviting today’s church family to trust the same Lord, walk in the same grace, and bless others with the resources He supplies. VIII.(1) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit . . .—Better, we declare, or make known to you. There is no adequate reason for retaining a phrase which is now obsolete. The topic on which the Epistle now touches, and which is carried on through this and the following chapter, was one very dear to the Apostle’s heart. (See Note on 1Corinthians 16:1.) When he wrote before he had simply given directions as to what the Corinthians were to do. Now he has something to tell them. The churches of Macedonia—Philippi, we must believe, prominent among them—had been true to their old generosity (2Corinthians 11:8-9; Philippians 4:15), and were now showing it, not, as before, in personal kindness to their teacher, but in the truer way of acting as he wished them to act; and he sees in this a means of stirring up his friends at Corinth to an honourable emulation. There is something intensely characteristic in the way in which he opens his statement. He traces the generosity of the Macedonians to its true source. He is going to tell the Corinthians of the “grace of God” that has enabled them to do so much. Verse 1. - We do you to wit; rather, we make known to you. The phrase is like the modern "I wish to inform you." In this and the next chapter St. Paul, having fully spoken of the joy which had been caused to him by their reception of his first letter, and having said as much as he then intended to say in answer to the charges insinuated against him, proceeds to give directions about the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem. He had already spoken of it (1 Corinthians 16:1-4), but feared that they were behindhand, and now sends Titus to stimulate their zeal. The style throughout is brief and allusive, because he had already, in various ways, brought this matter fully before them. Throughout this section he shows in a remarkable degree the tact, courtesy, high sense of honour, and practical wisdom which were among his many gifts. The "but" with which the chapter begins in the original is St. Paul's ordinary formula of transition, as in 1 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 12:1; 1 Corinthians 13:1, etc. (For the phrase, "we inform you," see 1 Corinthians 12:3; 1 Corinthians 15:1.) It is one of numberless incidental proofs of the genuineness of this group of Epistles - the Epistles of the second great missionary journey - that the same words, phrases, and thoughts constantly recur in them. The grace of God (see next note). Bestowed on the Churches of Macedonia; rather, which is being bestowed in the Churches. St. Paul wants to tell the Corinthians how extremely liberal the Macedonians have been, since it was his custom to stir up one Church by the example of another (2 Corinthians 9:2); but he begins by speaking of their generosity as a proof of the grace which they are receiving from the Holy Spirit. The Churches of Macedonia. The only Macedonian Churches of which we have any details in the New Testament are those of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea. They seem to have been peculiarly dear to St. Paul, who was attracted by their cheerfulness in affliction and their generosity in the midst of want.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Now,δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. brothers, ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. we want you to know about Γνωρίζομεν (Gnōrizomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 1107: To make known, declare, know, discover. From a derivative of ginosko; to make known; subjectively, to know. the τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. grace χάριν (charin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5485: From chairo; graciousness, of manner or act. God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. has given δεδομένην (dedomenēn) Verb - Perfect Participle Middle or Passive - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 1325: To offer, give; I put, place. A prolonged form of a primary verb; to give. the ταῖς (tais) Article - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. churches ἐκκλησίαις (ekklēsiais) Noun - Dative Feminine Plural Strong's 1577: From a compound of ek and a derivative of kaleo; a calling out, i.e. a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation. of Macedonia. Μακεδονίας (Makedonias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3109: (Hebrew), Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (Greece). From Makedon; Macedonia, a region of Greece. Additonal Resources 2 Corinthians 8:1 Blue Letter Bible2 Corinthians 8:1 Bible Gateway 2 Corinthians 8:1 Bible.com 2 Corinthians 8:1 NIV |
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