FocusWillingness and Christ's example
Connection to the wholeThe Macedonians' generosity and Christ's grace support an appeal for proportionate, willing giving to meet the need.
interpretation 2 Corinthians 8:11
KJVNow therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
Read it in context
An appeal to complete the gift
Start reading at 2 Corinthians 8:1 (2 Corinthians 8:1 to 2 Corinthians 8:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The Macedonians' generosity and Christ's grace support an appeal for proportionate, willing giving to meet the need.
- 8:1 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
- 8:2 How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
- 8:3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
- 8:4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
- 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
- 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
- 8:7 Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.
- 8:8 I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
- 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
- 8:10 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
- 8:11 Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.
- 8:12 For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
- 8:13 For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:
- 8:14 But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
- 8:15 As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the principal author; Timothy is named with him in the greeting. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Corinthians 8:1–9:15): Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection for the saints, discussing the Macedonian churches and the delegates carrying the gift. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of God at Corinth and all the saints throughout Achaia. Biblical references: 2 Corinthians 1:1. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? An appeal to complete the gift. Read 2 Corinthians 8:1 through 2 Corinthians 8:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? The Macedonians' generosity and Christ's grace support an appeal for proportionate, willing giving to meet the need. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter reflects earlier exchanges, changed travel plans, and a collection in progress. A precise date requires reconstruction beyond a dated statement in the letter. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? Corinth and the saints in Achaia are addressed; Macedonia and other ministry locations appear in the account. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in An appeal to complete the gift (2 Corinthians 8:1 to 2 Corinthians 8:15). Start reading at 2 Corinthians 8:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul explains ministry through the death and life of Jesus, reconciliation in Christ, and power displayed in weakness. These themes do not make suffering proof that every minister's claim is valid. See 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Practice integrity, generosity, and openness to correction. Assess ministry by faithfulness to Christ rather than outward impressiveness alone. interpretation
Cited: 2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 8:15, 2 Corinthians 4:5, 2 Corinthians 4:10, 2 Corinthians 5:19, 2 Corinthians 12:9
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
2 Corinthians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Corinthians 8
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Trusted messengers
2 Corinthians 8:16–24FocusCareful administration
Connection to the wholePaul commends those carrying the collection and explains arrangements intended to maintain honourable stewardship before God and people.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Corinthians
Paul and Timothy address the church of God at Corinth and the saints in Achaia. The letter explains Paul's ministry and suffering, appeals for reconciliation and generosity, and confronts challenges to his apostolic service.
2 Corinthians 1:1 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:20
Comfort and Paul's relationship to the church
2 Corinthians 1:1–2:13FocusSuffering, plans, and restoration
Connection to the wholePaul describes comfort in affliction and explains his dealings with Corinth, including forgiveness and his concern over the church's response.
interpretation The ministry entrusted to Paul
2 Corinthians 2:14–7:16FocusNew covenant, weakness, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains the character of his ministry and appeals to the Corinthians, ending with relief over their response to his correction.
interpretation FocusWilling generosity
Connection to the wholeThe example of other believers and of Christ supports an appeal for willing, responsible giving that supplies need and results in thanksgiving.
interpretation Apostolic authority and the coming visit
2 Corinthians 10:1–13:14FocusDiscernment, weakness, and examination
Connection to the wholePaul answers his opponents, explains strength in weakness, and prepares the church for a visit marked by accountability and restoration.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.