THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS; THE READINESS OF THE MACEDONIANS A PATTERN TO THE CORINTHIANS; CHRIST THE HIGHEST PATTERN; EACH IS TO GIVE WILLINGLY AFTER HIS ABILITY; TITUS AND TWO OTHERS ARE THE AGENTS ACCREDITED TO …
1Asimismo, hermanos, os hacemos saber la gracia de Dios que se ha dado a las iglesias de Macedonia;
2que en grande prueba de tribulación, la abundancia de su gozo y su profunda pobreza abundaron en riquezas de su generosidad.
3Pues doy testimonio de que con agrado han dado conforme a sus fuerzas, y aun más allá de sus fuerzas,
4pidiéndonos con muchos ruegos que les concediésemos el privilegio de participar en este servicio para los santos.
5Y no como lo esperábamos, sino que a sí mismos se dieron primeramente al Señor, y luego a nosotros por la voluntad de Dios;
6de manera que exhortamos a Tito para que tal como comenzó antes, asimismo acabe también entre vosotros esta obra de gracia.
7Por tanto, como en todo abundáis, en fe, en palabra, en ciencia, en toda solicitud, y en vuestro amor para con nosotros, abundad también en esta gracia.
8No hablo como quien manda, sino para poner a prueba, por medio de la diligencia de otros, también la sinceridad del amor vuestro.
9Porque ya conocéis la gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que por amor a vosotros se hizo pobre, siendo rico, para que vosotros con su pobreza fueseis enriquecidos.
10Y en esto doy mi consejo; porque esto os conviene a vosotros, que comenzasteis antes, no solo a hacerlo, sino también a quererlo, desde el año pasado.
11Ahora, pues, llevad también a cabo el hacerlo, para que como estuvisteis prontos a querer, así también lo estéis en cumplir conforme a lo que tengáis.
12Porque si primero hay la voluntad dispuesta, será acepta según lo que uno tiene, no según lo que no tiene.
13Porque no digo esto para que haya para otros holgura, y para vosotros estrechez,
14sino para que en este tiempo, con igualdad, la abundancia vuestra supla la escasez de ellos, para que también la abundancia de ellos supla la necesidad vuestra, para que haya igualdad,
15como está escrito: El que recogió mucho, no tuvo más, y el que poco, no tuvo menos.
16Pero gracias a Dios que puso en el corazón de Tito la misma solicitud por vosotros.
17Pues a la verdad recibió la exhortación; pero estando también muy solícito, por su propia voluntad partió para ir a vosotros.
18Y enviamos juntamente con él al hermano cuya alabanza en el evangelio se oye por todas las iglesias;
19y no solo esto, sino que también fue designado por las iglesias como compañero de nuestra peregrinación para llevar este donativo, que es administrado por nosotros para gloria del Señor mismo, y para demostrar vuestra buena voluntad;
20evitando que nadie nos censure en cuanto a esta ofrenda abundante que administramos,
21procurando hacer las cosas honradamente, no solo delante del Señor sino también delante de los hombres.
22Enviamos también con ellos a nuestro hermano, cuya diligencia hemos comprobado repetidas veces en muchas cosas, y ahora mucho más diligente por la mucha confianza que tiene en vosotros.
23En cuanto a Tito, es mi compañero y colaborador para con vosotros; y en cuanto a nuestros hermanos, son mensajeros de las iglesias, y gloria de Cristo.
24Mostrad, pues, para con ellos ante las iglesias la prueba de vuestro amor, y de nuestro gloriarnos respecto de vosotros.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
I
Versículo 2
I. trial of affliction--The Greek expresses, "in affliction (or, 'tribulation') which tested them"; …
trial of affliction--The Greek expresses, "in affliction (or, 'tribulation') which tested them"; literally, "in a great testing of affliction."
abundance of their joy--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.
their deep poverty--Greek, "their poverty down to the death of it."
abounded unto the riches of their liberality--another beautiful contrast in terms: their poverty had the effect, not of producing stinted gifts, but of "abounding in the riches of liberality" (not as Margin, "simplicity"; though the idea of singleness of motive to God's glory and man's good, probably enters into the idea); (compare Rom 12:8, and Margin; Co2 9:11, Margin; see on Co2 9:13; Jam 1:5).
II
Versículo 3
II. they were willing--rather, supply from Co2 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power . . …
they were willing--rather, supply from Co2 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power . . . yea, and beyond their power, THEY GAVE."
of themselves--not only not being besought, but themselves beseeching us.
III
Versículo 4
III. that we would receive--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Translate therefore, "Beseeching of us …
that we would receive--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Translate therefore, "Beseeching of us . . . the grace and fellowship of (that is, to grant them the favor of sharing in) the ministering unto the saints." The Macedonian contributions must have been from Philippi, because Philippi was the only church that contributed to Paul's support (Phi 4:10, Phi 4:15-16).
IV
Versículo 5
IV. And this they did, not as we hoped--Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hope…
And this they did, not as we hoped--Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hopes), but their own selves gave they first to the Lord." "First," not indicating priority of time, but first of all, above all in importance. The giving of themselves takes precedency of their other gifts, as being the motive which led them to the latter (Rom 15:16).
by the will of God--not "according to the will of God," but "moved by the will of God, who made them willing" (Phi 2:13). It is therefore called (Co2 8:1), "the grace of God."
V
Versículo 6
V. Insomuch that--As we saw the Macedonians' alacrity in giving, we could not but exhort Titus, that…
Insomuch that--As we saw the Macedonians' alacrity in giving, we could not but exhort Titus, that as we collected in Macedonia, so he in Corinth should complete the work of collecting which he had already begun there, lest ye, the wealthy people of Corinth, should be outdone in liberality by the poor Macedonians.
as he had begun--Greek, "previously begun," namely, the collection at Corinth, before the Macedonians began to contribute, during the visit to Corinth from which he had just returned.
finish in you the same grace--complete among you this act of grace or beneficence on your part.
also--as well as other things which he had to do among them [ALFORD].
VI
Versículo 7
VI. in faith-- (Co2 1:24).
in faith-- (Co2 1:24).
utterance--(See on Co1 1:5). Not as ALFORD, "doctrine" or "word."
knowledge-- (Co1 8:1).
diligence--in everything that is good.
your love to us--literally, "love from you (that is, on your part) in us" (that is, which has us for its object; which is felt in the case of us).
VII
Versículo 8
VII. not by commandment--"not by way of commandment."
not by commandment--"not by way of commandment."
but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and &c.--rather, "But by (mention of) the forwardness of others (as an inducement to you), and to prove (literally, 'proving') the sincerity of your love." The Greek is "by means of," not "on account of the forwardness," &c. BENGEL, ELLICOTT, and others translate, "By means of the forwardness of others, proving the sincerity of your love ALSO." The former is the simpler construction in the Greek.
VIII
Versículo 9
VIII. ye know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous he…
ye know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous heavenly glory (Phi 2:6-7) for your sakes.
became poor--Yet this is not demanded of you (Co2 8:14); but merely that, without impoverishing yourselves, you should relieve others with your abundance. If the Lord did so much more, and at so much heavier a cost, for your sakes; much more may you do an act of love to your brethren at so little a sacrifice of self.
might be rich--in the heavenly glory which constitutes His riches, and all other things, so far as is really good for us (compare Co1 3:21-22).
IX
Versículo 10
IX. advice--Herein he does not (as some misinterpret the passage) disclaim inspiration for the advice…
advice--Herein he does not (as some misinterpret the passage) disclaim inspiration for the advice he gives; but under the Spirit, states that it is his "opinion" [ALFORD] or "judgment" [ELLICOTT, and others], not a command, that so their offering might be free and spontaneous.
this--my giving you an advice, not a command.
who have begun before--"seeing that ye have begun before" the Macedonian churches; "a year ago" should be connected with this clause.
not only to do, but also to be forward--There were three steps: (1) the forwardness, more literally, "the will"; (2) the setting about it, literally, "doing it"; (3) completion of it [ALFORD]. In the two former, not only the act, but the intention, the Corinthians preceded the Macedonians. BENGEL explains, "Not only to do" FOR THE PAST YEAR, "but also to be forward" or willing FOR THIS YEAR. ELLICOTT translates, "already," instead of "before": "Ye began already a year ago, not only to do, but also to be forward." It appears hence, that something had been done in the matter a year before; other texts, however, show the collection was not yet paid (compare Co2 8:11 and Co2 9:5, Co2 9:7). This agrees with one, and only one supposition, namely, that every man had laid by in store the fund from which he was afterwards to contribute, the very case which is shown by Co1 16:2 to have existed [PALEY, HorÃ&brvbr PaulinÃ&brvbr].
X
Versículo 11
X. perform--"complete the doing also" (see on Co2 8:10).
perform--"complete the doing also" (see on Co2 8:10).
a readiness to will--Greek, "the readiness of will"; referring to Co2 8:10, where the Greek for "to be forward," ought to be translated as here, "to will."
performance--"completion" [ALFORD], The godly should show the same zeal to finish, as well as to begin well, which the worldly exhibit in their undertakings (Jer 44:25).
XI
Versículo 12
XI. For--Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (Co2 8:11), and no more.
For--Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (Co2 8:11), and no more.
a willing mind--rather, as Greek, "the readiness," namely, to will, referring to Co2 8:11.
accepted--Greek "favorably accepted."
according to that a man hath--The oldest manuscripts omit "a man." Translate, "According to whatsoever it have"; the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, is personified [ALFORD]. Or better, as BENGEL, "He is accepted according to whatsoever he have"; so Co2 9:7, The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Compare as to David, Kg1 8:18. God accepts the will for the deed. He judges not according to what a man has the opportunity to do, but according to what he would do if he had the opportunity (compare Mar 14:8; and the widow's mite, Luk 21:3-4).
XII
Versículo 13
XII. For--Supply from Co2 8:8, "I speak." My aim is not that others (namely, the saints at Jerusalem) …
For--Supply from Co2 8:8, "I speak." My aim is not that others (namely, the saints at Jerusalem) may be relieved at the cost of your being "distressed" (so the Greek for "burdened"). The golden rule is, "Love thy neighbour as thyself," not more than thyself.
XIII
Versículo 14
XIII. by an equality--"by the rule of equality" [ALFORD]: literally, "Out of equality."
by an equality--"by the rule of equality" [ALFORD]: literally, "Out of equality."
now at this time--Greek, "at the present juncture" or season.
that their abundance also--The Greek being distinct from the previous "that," translate, "in order that," namely, at another season, when your relative circumstances may be reversed. The reference is solely to temporal wants and supplies. Those, as BENGEL, who quote Rom 15:27 for interpreting it of spiritual supplies from the Jews to the Gentiles, forget that Rom 15:27 refers to the past benefit spiritually, which the Jews have conferred on the Gentiles, as a motive to gratitude on the part of the latter, not to a prospective benefit to be looked for from the former, which the text refers to.
XIV
Versículo 15
XIV. (Exo 16:18; Septuagint). As God gave an equal portion of manna to all the Israelites, whether the…
(Exo 16:18; Septuagint). As God gave an equal portion of manna to all the Israelites, whether they could gather much or little; so Christians should promote by liberality an equality, so that none should need the necessaries of life while others have superfluities. "Our luxuries should yield to our neighbor's comforts; and our comforts to his necessities" [J. HOWARD].
XV
Versículo 16
XV. Returning to the subject of Co2 8:6.
Returning to the subject of Co2 8:6.
for you--Translate, "Which put the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus," as was in myself. My care for you led me to "desire" him (Co2 8:6, Co2 8:17, "exhortation," the same Greek); but Titus had of himself the same care, whence he "accepted (gladly) my exhortation" (Co2 8:17) to go to you (Co2 8:6).
16
Versículo 17
16. being more forward--more earnest than to need such exhortation.
being more forward--more earnest than to need such exhortation.
he went--Greek, "went forth." We should say, he is going forth; but the ancients put the past tense in letter writing, as the things will have been past by the time that the correspondent, receives the letter. "Of his own accord," that is, it is true he has been exhorted by me to go, but he shows that he has anticipated my desires, and already, "of his own accord," has desired to go.
17
Versículo 18
17. the brother, whose praise is in the gospel--whose praise is known in connection with the Gospel: …
the brother, whose praise is in the gospel--whose praise is known in connection with the Gospel: Luke may be meant; not that "the Gospel" here refers to his written Gospel; but the language implies some one well known throughout the churches, and at that time with Paul, as Luke then was (Act 20:6). Not a Macedonian, as appears from Co2 9:4. Of all Paul's "companions in travel" (Co2 8:19; Act 19:29), Luke was the most prominent, having been his companion in preaching the Gospel at his first entrance into Europe (Act 16:10). The fact that the person here referred to was "chosen of the churches" as their trustee to travel with Paul in conveying the contribution to Jerusalem, implies that he had resided among them some time before: this is true of Luke, who after parting from Paul at Philippi (as he marks by the change from "we" to "they," Act 16:11) six years before, is now again found in his company in Macedonia. In the interim he had probably become so well known that "his praise was throughout all the churches." Compare Co2 12:18; Plm 1:24. He who is faithful in the Gospel will be faithful also in matters of inferior importance [BENGEL].
18
Versículo 19
18. not that only--not only praised in all the churches.
not that only--not only praised in all the churches.
chosen--by vote: so the Greek.
of the churches--therefore these companions of Paul are called "messengers of the churches" (Co2 8:23).
to travel--to Jerusalem.
with this grace--Greek, "in the case of this grace," or "gift."
to the glory of the same Lord--The oldest manuscripts omit "same."
declaration of your ready mind--The oldest manuscripts read, "our," not your. This and the previous clause, "to the glory of the same Lord," do not follow "administered by us," but "chosen of the churches to travel," &c. The union of the brother with Paul in this affair of the collection was done to guard against suspicions injurious "to the glory" of the Lord. It was also done in order to produce a "readiness" on the part of Paul and the brother to undertake the office which each, by himself, would have been less ready to undertake, for fear of suspicions arising (Co2 8:20) as to their appropriation of any of the money.
19
Versículo 20
19. Avoiding--taking precautions against this.
Avoiding--taking precautions against this.
in this abundance--in the case of this abundance.
20
Versículo 21
20. The Septuagint (Pro 3:4; Rom 12:17). The oldest manuscripts read, "For we provide."
The Septuagint (Pro 3:4; Rom 12:17). The oldest manuscripts read, "For we provide."
honest things--"things honorable."
21
Versículo 22
21. This second brother, BIRKS supposes to be Trophimus: for a Macedonian is not meant (Co2 9:4) prob…
This second brother, BIRKS supposes to be Trophimus: for a Macedonian is not meant (Co2 9:4) probably the same as was sent before with Titus (Co2 12:18); and therefore sent from Ephesus, and probably an Ephesian: all this is true of Trophimus.
oftentimes . . . in many things--Join and translate as in the Greek, "many times in many things."
upon the great confidence which I have in you--"through the great confidence WHICH HE HAS towards you" [ALFORD]. BENGEL better supports English Version, "We have sent . . . through the confidence WHICH WE FEEL in regard to your liberality."
22
Versículo 23
22. fellow helper concerning you--Greek, "fellow worker towards you."
fellow helper concerning you--Greek, "fellow worker towards you."
our brethren--the two mentioned in Co2 8:18, Co2 8:22.
messengers--rather, as the Greek, "apostles": in the less strict sense (Act 14:14).
of the churches--sent by the churches, as we are by the Lord (Phi 2:25). There was in the synagogue an ecclesiastical officer, called "the angel of the Church," whence the title seems derived (compare Rev 2:1).
23
Versículo 24
23. The oldest manuscripts read "[continue] manifesting to them in the face of the churches the manif…
The oldest manuscripts read "[continue] manifesting to them in the face of the churches the manifestation of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf."
Next: 2 Corinthians Chapter 9
Nuevo Testamento
2 Corinthians — Capítulo 8
THE COLLECTION FOR THE SAINTS; THE READINESS OF THE MACEDONIANS A PATTERN TO THE CORINTHIANS; CHRIST THE HIGHEST PATTERN; EACH IS TO GIVE WILLINGLY AFTER HIS ABILITY; TITUS AND TWO OTHERS ARE THE AGENTS ACCREDITED TO …
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Asimismo, hermanos, os hacemos saber la gracia de Dios que se ha dado a las iglesias de Macedonia;
2que en grande prueba de tribulación, la abundancia de su gozo y su profunda pobreza abundaron en riquezas de su generosidad.
3Pues doy testimonio de que con agrado han dado conforme a sus fuerzas, y aun más allá de sus fuerzas,
4pidiéndonos con muchos ruegos que les concediésemos el privilegio de participar en este servicio para los santos.
5Y no como lo esperábamos, sino que a sí mismos se dieron primeramente al Señor, y luego a nosotros por la voluntad de Dios;
6de manera que exhortamos a Tito para que tal como comenzó antes, asimismo acabe también entre vosotros esta obra de gracia.
7Por tanto, como en todo abundáis, en fe, en palabra, en ciencia, en toda solicitud, y en vuestro amor para con nosotros, abundad también en esta gracia.
8No hablo como quien manda, sino para poner a prueba, por medio de la diligencia de otros, también la sinceridad del amor vuestro.
9Porque ya conocéis la gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que por amor a vosotros se hizo pobre, siendo rico, para que vosotros con su pobreza fueseis enriquecidos.
10Y en esto doy mi consejo; porque esto os conviene a vosotros, que comenzasteis antes, no solo a hacerlo, sino también a quererlo, desde el año pasado.
11Ahora, pues, llevad también a cabo el hacerlo, para que como estuvisteis prontos a querer, así también lo estéis en cumplir conforme a lo que tengáis.
12Porque si primero hay la voluntad dispuesta, será acepta según lo que uno tiene, no según lo que no tiene.
13Porque no digo esto para que haya para otros holgura, y para vosotros estrechez,
14sino para que en este tiempo, con igualdad, la abundancia vuestra supla la escasez de ellos, para que también la abundancia de ellos supla la necesidad vuestra, para que haya igualdad,
15como está escrito: El que recogió mucho, no tuvo más, y el que poco, no tuvo menos.
16Pero gracias a Dios que puso en el corazón de Tito la misma solicitud por vosotros.
17Pues a la verdad recibió la exhortación; pero estando también muy solícito, por su propia voluntad partió para ir a vosotros.
18Y enviamos juntamente con él al hermano cuya alabanza en el evangelio se oye por todas las iglesias;
19y no solo esto, sino que también fue designado por las iglesias como compañero de nuestra peregrinación para llevar este donativo, que es administrado por nosotros para gloria del Señor mismo, y para demostrar vuestra buena voluntad;
20evitando que nadie nos censure en cuanto a esta ofrenda abundante que administramos,
21procurando hacer las cosas honradamente, no solo delante del Señor sino también delante de los hombres.
22Enviamos también con ellos a nuestro hermano, cuya diligencia hemos comprobado repetidas veces en muchas cosas, y ahora mucho más diligente por la mucha confianza que tiene en vosotros.
23En cuanto a Tito, es mi compañero y colaborador para con vosotros; y en cuanto a nuestros hermanos, son mensajeros de las iglesias, y gloria de Cristo.
24Mostrad, pues, para con ellos ante las iglesias la prueba de vuestro amor, y de nuestro gloriarnos respecto de vosotros.
JAMIESON-FAUSSET-BROWN BIBLE COMMENTARY
Versículo 2
I. trial of affliction--The Greek expresses, "in affliction (or, 'tribulation') which tested them"; …
Versículo 3
II. they were willing--rather, supply from Co2 8:5, the ellipsis thus, "According to their power . . …
Versículo 4
III. that we would receive--omitted in the oldest manuscripts. Translate therefore, "Beseeching of us …
Versículo 5
IV. And this they did, not as we hoped--Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hope…
Versículo 6
V. Insomuch that--As we saw the Macedonians' alacrity in giving, we could not but exhort Titus, that…
Versículo 7
VI. in faith-- (Co2 1:24).
Versículo 8
VII. not by commandment--"not by way of commandment."
Versículo 9
VIII. ye know the grace--the act of gratuitous love whereby the Lord emptied Himself of His previous he…
Versículo 10
IX. advice--Herein he does not (as some misinterpret the passage) disclaim inspiration for the advice…
Versículo 11
X. perform--"complete the doing also" (see on Co2 8:10).
Versículo 12
XI. For--Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (Co2 8:11), and no more.
Versículo 13
XII. For--Supply from Co2 8:8, "I speak." My aim is not that others (namely, the saints at Jerusalem) …
Versículo 14
XIII. by an equality--"by the rule of equality" [ALFORD]: literally, "Out of equality."
Versículo 15
XIV. (Exo 16:18; Septuagint). As God gave an equal portion of manna to all the Israelites, whether the…
Versículo 16
XV. Returning to the subject of Co2 8:6.
Versículo 17
16. being more forward--more earnest than to need such exhortation.
Versículo 18
17. the brother, whose praise is in the gospel--whose praise is known in connection with the Gospel: …
Versículo 19
18. not that only--not only praised in all the churches.
Versículo 20
19. Avoiding--taking precautions against this.
Versículo 21
20. The Septuagint (Pro 3:4; Rom 12:17). The oldest manuscripts read, "For we provide."
Versículo 22
21. This second brother, BIRKS supposes to be Trophimus: for a Macedonian is not meant (Co2 9:4) prob…
Versículo 23
22. fellow helper concerning you--Greek, "fellow worker towards you."
Versículo 24
23. The oldest manuscripts read "[continue] manifesting to them in the face of the churches the manif…