A loving missionary gift to poor Christians of Jerusalem and Judea (Chap.8 & 9)
Having now replied to his critics and defended his ministry, and having been assured of the love of the church, Paul moves to a plea for the missionary offering for the poor saints of Judea. It is dangerous to take offerings from Christians who are not right spiritually. We do them harm, and even to Christ also. Paul dealt first with the Corinthians’ spiritual needs, and then he reminded them of their promise to help in the missionary relief collection.
The grace of giving: (Chap.8)
In (chap. 7) Paul had his ministry in Corinth and appreciated their love. Now in (chap.8 and 9) he moves onto to the topic of missionary offering for the poor saints of Jerusalem and Judea. It is dangerous to take offerings from Christians who are not right spiritually and it would not fetch the purpose. This will make them more carnal to look for excuses. Paul practically demonstrates here, first he dealt with the Corinthians’ spiritual needs, and then he reminded them of their promise to help in the missionary relief collection.
The example of the Macedonian Christians: (8:1-5):
Paul is writing about the churches of Macedonia. The northern part of Greece was called Macedonia which consists of cities viz. Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. The Southern part of Greece was called Achaia and Corinth was located in Achaia. Paul was writing about the commitment of the churches of Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea)
Paul is encouraging them to follow the example of Macedonian churches. Paul was raising the money to help poor Christians of Jerusalem and Judea who were deep in poverty which we can also see in (1 Cor. 16:1-4).
Here we must understand that the Churches in Macedonian were also in poverty. The Romans took most of their wealth, persecuted them while conquering their former homeland of Alexander the Great.
The wonderful part of the Macedonians was that first they gave themselves to Christ and they gave according to their ability or might. Their gift was not very much, but their heart was open and were freely and willingly giving to the Lord whatever they have. This was the pattern of 1st century Christians too. All the believers were sharing. The Lord Jesus illustrated the same point of poor widow (Lk.21:1-4). She only gave 2-coins which was a very small amount of money, but it was more than her ability. She gave whatever she had. The same principle is seen in the lives of Macedonians. The poor widow of Zarephath also gave her whatever she had to feed Elijah.
Paul did not have to beg money from the churches of Macedonian. On the other hand, the Macedonian Christians were begging Paul to receive the gift. When we first give ourselves to God, the rest of the giving would follow after that. So it is important for us to give ourselves to God, experience the work of the salvation
Further the Macedonians felt that it was a privilege to give. This is the mark of the true Christianity. The people who have less are more generous than people who have abundance. While the material prosperity has deteriorated, the spiritual well being has increased commensurately for Macedonians. This is the unmerited grace of God. They had ample reasons to be sorrowful, but instead they rejoiced in their situation. Their extreme poverty made others rich. Macedonians had learned the God’s grace is sufficient to take their weakness, poverty and transform it into a demonstration of God’s power. Their actions revealed their love and devotion to God and for others. They gave entirely on their own initiative, not thinking that they too were suitable candidates for aid. It is impossible to love God and ignore the needs of your neighbour. Jesus Christ gave Himself for us (Gal.1:4;2:20). He died so that we might not live for ourselves, but for Him and for others (2 Cor.5:15).
Yes it is true that today’s churches must follow the example of Macedonian churches.