[:en]GENEROSITY ENCOURAGED (vs. 1-15)
While Paul was in Macedonia, he saw the generousity of the church and encouraged the Corinthian church to follow their exampale. During his third missionary journey, Paul had collected money for the impoverished beleivers in Jerusalem. The church in Macedonia – Philippi, Thessalonia and Berea – had given money even they were poor. They gave sacrificially and willingly more than what Paul had expected.
The Corinthian Church excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete eagerness and love. Paul wanted them also to excel in the grace of giving. “For the Lord Himself set an example to us though He was rich, yet for our sake, He became poor, so that through His poverty, we might become rich” (v. 9)
The Corinthian Christians had plan to collect money for the Jerusalem church and Paul challenged them to act on their plans so that their eager willingness to do it may be matched by their completion.
Let us also give out of love for fellow believers and dedication to Christ.
TITUS SENT TO CORINTH (vs. 16-24)
Paul was travelling along with Titus and a man of good reputation, who was elected by the church to take the large financial gift to Jerusalem. He was praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. This was to avoid suspicion of mishandling the money and criticism of the way they adminstered this liberal gift.[:]