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As it turned out, the severe letter which Paul felt forced to write them because of their
conduct, had its desired effect. It produced repentance and a change in their attitude to
himself, so the temporary pain was worth while. They were now anxious to clear
themselves of the guilt in which they were involved and were ashamed at what had
happened and were ready to mete out discipline to the offender. They had done the right
thing at every point and were now guiltless in the matter. Not only had he been greatly
encouraged by all this, but it had given Titus joy too and refreshed his spirit (verse 13).
The Apostle had spoken highly of the Corinthians to Titus and their change of attitude
had increased the affection of Titus for them. R. Knox translates `he bears a most
affectionate memory of you' (verses 14 & 15) for they had not received him disdainfully,
but in fear and trembling had responded to his message. Consequently Paul had renewed
confidence in them (16).
The subject of the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem is now brought up.
Something like a year had passed by since Paul last referred to it in I Cor. 16: 1-4, and
doubtless during this period of tension between him and the church, their interest in this
offering had waned. The time was now propitious to remind them of this and the Apostle
does so with care and tact, for he wanted this to be voluntary and not the result of any
apostolic pressure. A long section of the epistle is devoted to this subject of Christian
giving which serves as a guide to believers of all time.
Paul first of all refers to the example of the Macedonian churches in this respect:
"Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given
in the churches of Macedonia, how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of
their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For
according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, they gave of their
own accord . . . . . but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us by the will of
God" (8: 1-5 R.V.).
These churches were at Philippi, Thessalonica and Berea. We note that before making
any money gift to the Lord's work, they first gave themselves to Him. Redemption by
grace means we are not our own, `we are bought with a price', but how easy it is to cheat
the Buyer of His property and not continually yield ourselves to Him! He first wants us,
before our money, and then He is pleased to use what we possess and joyously give Him
as an expression of our love and obedience. Let us remember it is easier to give a sum of
money to the Lord than to give ourselves!
Secondly, they gave joyfully and willingly, not by compulsion, but because they
evidently loved the Lord Who had given His all for them. Thirdly, they didn't wait till
times were easy before they gave, rather the opposite. Paul reminded the Corinthians that
these churches were going through affliction and much difficulty. I Thess. 1: 6 & 2: 14
record the suffering of the Thessalonians and Paul had himself received persecution at
Philippi (Acts 16: 20) and at Thessalonica (Acts 17: 5). Fourthly, none of these were
wealthy churches. The Apostle talks of their deep poverty (II Cor. 8: 2).
Taking all things into consideration, one might have excused these assemblies from
making a money gift or only perhaps giving a small one. Not so, for Paul refers to the