A good example

Having concluded from the preceding passages that a relationship of trust had been established with the Corinthian believers, Paul next introduces the subject of giving. At that time, Paul was carrying out a plan to collect contributions from Gentile believers in order to help the believers in the Jerusalem church who were suffering hardship. Before giving a command, Paul presents a good example. It is the attitude of the churches of Macedonia toward giving. (1) Paul places greater importance on the attitude of the giver than on the amount given. (2) Furthermore, rather than the amount given, he focuses on how much sacrifice the person is making. In other words, the issue is whether the person is giving according to his or her ability. These two principles apply to all giving.

The three characteristics

Paul mentions three characteristics of the giving of the Macedonian believers. (1) Although they were in the midst of severe affliction and extreme poverty, they gave generously. Even Paul was amazed by this. Paul sees this as the result of their overflowing joy pouring forth. (2) They gave voluntarily or of their own accord (ASV), even beyond their ability. “Of their own accord” (ASV) is important. They were not compelled to give. They earnestly begged Paul and his companions for the privilege of participating in the support of the saints in Jerusalem. (3) Before making their contribution, they first gave themselves to the Lord. They also provided the fullest possible support for the ministry of Paul and his companions. Giving oneself to the Lord also means supporting the Lord’s workers. Is the offering we give pleasing to God? Before concerning ourselves with the amount, let us examine whether we are giving joyfully and voluntarily, and whether we are giving according to our ability. “Or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness” (Rom. 12:8).