2 Corinthians 8:1-3 - Their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity

8:1,2

2 Corinthians is a rather “non theological” letter. There is, of course, much theology in it. But it is not theological in the way that Romans, Galatians, Ephesians or Colossians are. Most if it is dealing with very practical and relational issues. The first half of the letter has been concerned largely with the Corinthians’ relationship with Paul, though he has brought wider issues and understanding into the matter. Now he turns to the issue of giving. The Jerusalem church was going through a hard time and a collection had been arranged for the church there, seeking help from the Gentile churches. Paul cites the Macedonian churches as an excellent example to follow. They were going through a hard time themselves, yet gave out of their poverty. This, by the way, is a slap in the face for aspects of “prosperity” teaching. Sometimes people talk about becoming rich so that we can give. Well, with the Macedonian churches “their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”. There are two things wrong with this “get rich so that you can give” approach. One is the example here of people giving out of poverty. The other is that God gives us good things to enjoy! So if we have plenty we should indeed be generous, but this is not justifying our having plenty. 

8:3,4

And if we do not have much we should still seek to give what we can. Indeed, the Macedonians gave “beyond their ability.” We need to have generous hearts, and the Macedonians were desperate to have the chance to give. It is a change of heart that we need.