Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means. Now finish the work,Paul urges the Corinthians to bring their promised relief offering to completion for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Their earlier willingness to participate was commendable, but love must be carried into faithful action. The churches of Macedonia had already given generously despite severe poverty, and Corinth was now called to match intention with obedience. Php 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work… so that you may complete it Christian stewardship includes keeping commitments made before God and His people. Jesus warned against beginning a task without considering the cost of finishing it. The collection would strengthen the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers and demonstrate that the gospel had created one family in Christ. 2Co 9:5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers… with the same eager desire, The Corinthians were not to give merely because Paul had reminded them or because others had given. Their service was to arise from the same willing devotion that had first moved them to participate. God desires hearts that serve Him wholeheartedly, not outward acts detached from love. 2Co 9:7 Each one should give what he has decided… according to your means. Paul does not demand equal gifts from every believer, but proportionate generosity. God receives an offering according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. Those entrusted with greater resources bear greater opportunity to supply needs, while every believer may participate in the grace of giving. 1Co 16:2 On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside… Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth to encourage them in their commitment to give generously to the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. 2. The Corinthian Church The recipients of the letter, the Corinthians had previously expressed a desire to contribute to the collection for the Jerusalem church but had not yet completed their commitment. 3. The Collection for the Saints A significant event in the early church where Paul organized a collection to support the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating unity and love among the early Christian communities. Teaching Points Eagerness in GivingPaul commends the Corinthians for their initial eagerness and encourages them to maintain that enthusiasm. This teaches us the importance of sustaining our zeal in fulfilling commitments, especially in acts of generosity. Completing Commitments The call to "finish the work" highlights the importance of following through on our promises. As believers, we are encouraged to be reliable and faithful in our commitments, reflecting God's faithfulness. Giving According to Means Paul emphasizes giving "according to your means," which underscores the principle of proportional giving. This teaches us to give thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that our contributions are sincere and within our capacity. The Role of Intentions and Actions The verse bridges the gap between good intentions and actions. It reminds us that intentions must be matched with actions to have a meaningful impact, especially in the context of serving others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the eagerness to give, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:11, reflect the condition of our hearts towards generosity?2. In what ways can we ensure that we follow through on our commitments, both in giving and in other areas of our Christian walk? 3. How does the principle of giving "according to your means" challenge or affirm your current approach to generosity? 4. Reflect on a time when you had good intentions but struggled to complete the task. What steps can you take to bridge the gap between intention and action in the future? 5. How can the example of the Corinthian church's initial eagerness and Paul's encouragement to complete the work inspire us in our local church communities today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Corinthians 16:1-4Paul previously instructed the Corinthians on how to prepare for the collection, emphasizing orderly and planned giving. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Paul later elaborates on the attitude of giving, encouraging cheerful and willing contributions, which complements the eagerness mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:11. Philippians 1:6 This verse speaks to the confidence that God will complete the good work He began in believers, paralleling the call to complete the work of giving.
People Corinthians, Paul, TitusPlaces Achaia, Corinth, MacedoniaTopics Ability, Able, Accomplishment, Complete, Completing, Completion, Desire, Desiring, Eager, Eagerness, Effect, Finish, Finishing, Matched, Mind, Order, Perform, Performance, Proportion, Readiness, Ready, Willing, WillingnessDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 8:118252 faithfulness, relationships Library Willing and not Doing'Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will so there may be a performance also.'--2 COR. viii. 11. The Revised Version reads: 'But now complete the doing also; that as there was the readiness to will, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.' A collection of money for the almost pauper church at Jerusalem bulked very largely in the Apostle's mind at the date of the writing of the two letters to the Corinthian church. We learn that that church had … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Rich yet Poor Giving and Asking The Condescension of Christ The Faithful Steward Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils. Indeed in all Spiritual Delights, which Unmarried Women Enjoy... Epistle xxxi. To Theodorus, Physician. Therefore Let the Rest of the Faithful, who have Lost virginity... Epistle xxviii. To Theodore, Physician. The Work of the Holy Spirit Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered. On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God... The Duty of Self-Denial. Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it Produces in Men's Affections, Resolutions, Labors, Enjoyments and Hopes. Covenanting a Duty. Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful. The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church. Tithing Sanctification. Links 2 Corinthians 8:11 NIV2 Corinthians 8:11 NLT 2 Corinthians 8:11 ESV 2 Corinthians 8:11 NASB 2 Corinthians 8:11 KJV 2 Corinthians 8:11 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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