DYNAMIS!
A publication of St. George Orthodox Christian Cathedral
Wichita, KS

2 Corinthians 8:1-5      (11/14)       Epistle for Sat. of the Twenty-Third Week after Pentecost

 

As God Wills: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, especially vs. 5: “...they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.”  At the time Saint Paul wrote Second Corinthians, he was completing a collection for famine relief on behalf of the faithful of the churches in Judea.  In the letter he extols the giving of the churches in Macedonia as an example (vs. 1) that to encourage the Corinthians - that they would have their offering ready for Titus (2 Cor. 8:6).  It is notable that Saint Paul yearns that knowing the generosity of the Macedonians might also open the same grace of God for us that was bestowed on the Macedonians (2 Cor. 8:1).

Saint Paul not only relates that the Macedonians gave abundantly (vs. 2), but also he places their generosity like a diamond in a solitaire-setting, calling attention to the living conditions out of which they gave: undergoing tangible affliction and struggling in the midst of deep poverty (vs. 2).  Their circumstances and their giving were entirely opposite: abundant giving from an impoverished donors - and that is not all.  Yes, definitely read on!

Knowing that everything in the Christian life should be motivated from a pure heart illumined by the light of the Gospel, the Apostle hastily adds that the Macedonians gave from “...the abundance of their joy...” (vs. 2).  The breath-taking aspect of their charity was that they gave joyfully in the midst of trials and stark limitation.  The Macedonians embraced the Gospel in order to share in the sufferings of Christ, perceiving their affliction as an opportunity to participate in the Lord Jesus’ Self-offering.  Thereby, they had “...abundance of...joy...” (vs. 2).  Theirs were hearts that did not ask, 'How much can I afford?' but exclaimed, 'What a joy to share in the sufferings of the Lord Who is so compassionate toward us, unworthy as we are!'

The Apostle next points to the fact that the Macedonians gave “...beyond their ability...” (vs. 3).  This news might be expected from his earlier remarks, but he makes it explicit, and connects what he has reported already with new information: “...they were freely willing...” (vs. 3).

Pressures can be applied to donors: a sense of obligation, guilt, use of position or of implied benefit, and many other such methods.  Saint Paul had lived in Macedonia with those poor brethren.  He knew their material conditions.  He only informed them of the offering, and they gave freely beyond their ability - without pressure, guilt, or sense of obligation.

There is another surprise here: they implored the Apostle “...with much urgency...” to take their gift and “...the fellowship of the ministering to the saints” (vs. 4).  Thus Saint Paul notes foremost what was happening in their hearts as donors.  One can almost hear their words through his description: 'We are one in fellowship with those suffering hunger and yearn to minister to their needs as our privilege, our joy.'  They manifest a delight of the sort that one has when helping a loved one.  Clearly, their delight springs from the living Gospel in their hearts.

Saint Paul’s remaining insight into the giving of the Macedonian Christians is offered as a Pastor concerned for his people’s spiritual health, as one responsible for the condition of their hearts and souls.  He notes that as the churches of Macedonia sent aid, they fully met his desires for their giving: “...as we had hoped...” (vs. 5).  However, we should give special note to what he adds: “...but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God” (vs. 5).

When donations are sought and the need appeals especially to our heart, we may incline to give immediately - and often we do, generously.  Not so the Macedonians.  First, they sought direction from the Lord, even when it was His Apostle who was asking.  They began with prayer and were led as the Lord directed - “...first...to the Lord...” (vs. 5), and only then the Apostles.

Illumine our hearts, O Master Who loveth mankind, with the pure light of Thy Gospel.

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