2 Corinthians 8:1-15

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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
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  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary, exposition and sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:

  • II.19, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)

  • From the Geneva Notes.
    • "Christian liberality is mutual, so that one does not have too much, and the other to little."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary.
    • "Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance."
  • From Wesley's Notes.
    • "Whoever acknowledges himself to be a vile, guilty sinner, and, in consequence of this acknowledgment, flies for refuge to the wounds of a crucified Saviour, and relies on his merits alone for salvation, may in every circumstance of life apply this indulgent declaration to himself."
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
    • "The greater was the depth of their poverty, the greater was the abundance of their joy. A delightful contrast in terms, and triumph, in fact, of spirit over flesh."
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "This is the chiefest of motives to giving. Our Lord gave up all for us. He became poor that we might be rich in heavenly riches. If he gave himself for us, what shall we give for him?"
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, David Tiede, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2009.
    • "Even 'excellence' is now measured on God's standard, or by the love the apostle has given to them, not by their own performance: 'Now as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you – so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking' (2 Corinthians 8:7)."
  • "First Thoughts on Passages on Year B Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 4, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "Here is an ideal text for preaching about financial stewardship."
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "Too Much and Too Little," Daniel Deffenbaugh, Seeds of Shalom, 2009.
    • "What better metaphor for the human condition than the experience of a people, a community, wandering in the desert, altogether dependent on the unwarranted grace of a liberating God who provides manna from heaven? But this manna is a gift with limitations, offered not that some may gorge themselves and become fat while others go completely without – a reality that many of us know all too well -- but so that a sense of equality (Paul's very word, isoteis) may abound and thus reflect the singular essence of the Kingdom of God: that 'those who have much do not have too much, and those who have little do not have too little.'"
  • Join the Feast, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Fred Westbrook, Union PSCE, 2009.
    • "The Jerusalem collection represents a major bargain by Paul, to give his own life up to join the church together in the cause of the Gospel."
  • "Pressed into Service," Daniel Harrell, The Christian Century, 2006.
    • "...for Christians, equality and justice are measured not only monetarily, but also relationally."
  • "Begging to Give," Bill O'Brien, The Christian Century, 2003.
    • "The answer just might lie in churches that are begging - begging for the privilege of standing with those in need and applying a holistic gospel to the systems that deprive people of their dignity."
  • 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, 13-14, Pentecost: Paul the Pastor in 2 Corinthians, David Fredrickson, Word & World Texts in Context, Luther Northwestern Theological Seminary, 1991.
  • "Global Inequality," study guide for adults, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Global Wealth," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
  • "The Grace of Giving," "The Generosity of Christ," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:7-15, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's An Exegetical Study of the Common Lectionary, coordinated by Prof. John E. Alsup, features rough translation, disposition, immediate context, broader context, hermeneutical bridge, and contemporary address. 
    • "The gift has a purpose -- to meet a need, to nourish the body of Christ, to enable the Body of Christ to do its ministry in the world."
• Articles & Background:
  • "Global Inequality," Douglas A. Hicks, (other resources at) "Global Wealth," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
    • "Are the world’s rich and poor growing closer together or farther apart? Why should we care either way? The Christian story expands our moral vision to see every person not as a potential consumer in a global market, but as a reflection of God’s image."
  • "Relationship between 2 Cor. 8 and 9 in Terms of Rhetoric and Ethics," Kota Yamada, Queen: A Journal of Rhetoric and Power.
  • "The Liturgy of Abundance, the Myth of Scarcity," Walter Brueggemann, The Christian Century, 1999.
    • "In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul directs a stewardship campaign for the early church and presents Jesus as the new economist."
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  • Brueggemann, Walter, "The Liturgy of Abundance, the Myth of Scarcity," The Christian Century, 1999.
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  • Craddock, Fred., "The Poverty of Christ: An Investigation of II Corinthians 8:9," Interpretation, 1968.
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  • Fredrickson, David, "Pentecost: Paul the Pastor in 2 Corinthians," Word & World, 1991.
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  • Harrell, Daniel, "Pressed into Service," The Christian Century, 2006.
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  • Kolb, Robert, "Homiletical Helps on LW Series B - Epistles," Concordia Journal, 2006. (Section on this text begins on p. 232.)
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  • Linss, Wilhelm C., "The First World Hunger Appeal," Currents in Theology and Mission, 1985.
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  • Melick, Richard R., Jr., "The Collection for the Saints: 2 Corinthians 8-9," Criswell Theological Journal, 1989.
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  • O'Brien, Bill, "Begging to Give," The Christian Century, 2003.
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  • Rhyne, C Thomas, "2 Corinthians 8:8-15," Interpretation, 1987.
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  • Stowers, Stanley K., "Peri Men Gar and the Integrity of 2 Cor. 8 and 9," Novum Testamentum, 1990.
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  • Talbert, Charles H., "Money Management in Early Mediterranean Christianity: 2 Corinthians 8 - 9," Review and Expositor, 1989.
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• Reviews:
• Sermons:
• With Children:
  • "The Churches of Macedonia are Giving," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Commercial Site: Equality (Visual Liturgy: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15), The Work of the People.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: 2 Corinthians 8:9. The Cyber Hymnal.
  • Hymnal Scripture References, The Lutheran Hymnal, Lutheran Worship.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of 2 Corinthians