2 Corinthians 8:1 Cross References - AUV

¹ Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia.

²³ When he got there and saw how God was favoring the people [with salvation] he was very happy and [stayed on and] encouraged everyone to remain close to the Lord with a heartfelt purpose.

⁹ Then one night [while asleep] Paul had a vision [i.e., an inspired dream] in which a man from Macedonia [i.e., northern Greece] stood in front of him begging, "Come over to Macedonia to help us."

²⁶ For [the Christians in] Macedonia and Achaia [Note: These were provinces in Greece] thought it was a good idea to take up an offering for the poor saints at Jerusalem.

¹⁰ But I am whatever I am because of God’s unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God’s favor on me [that accomplished it].

² [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave [financial help] to the full limit of their ability, yes and even beyond it. [And they did this] entirely on their own, ⁴ [even] pleading with us and requesting the privilege of taking part in this service to the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] in Jerusalem. [See also 9:1-15; I Cor. 16:1-2; Rom. 15:25-28]. ⁵ And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God. ⁶ So, [i.e., because of your enthusiastic response to this need. See verse 10], we urged Titus, who had previously begun [taking up this collection], to help you also complete this favorable work [i.e., by finalizing it]. ⁷ But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].

² For I know how eager you [already] are, and I have boasted about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia [Note: This was the southernmost province of Greece, where Corinth was located] has been prepared [to give] since last year. And your enthusiasm has stirred up most of them [to give also].

⁴ For if any Macedonians come with me and learn that you are not prepared, we, not to mention you, will be ashamed for having been so over confident.

¹² For the rendering of this service not only [fully] meets the needs of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], but also produces overflowing expressions of thanksgiving to God from many people.

⁹ And when I was there with you and in need, I was not a [financial] burden to anyone, for when the brothers came from Macedonia they provided me with what I lacked, so I kept myself from being a burden to you in every way and will continue to do so.

⁸ This favor of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles was given to me [even though] I am the least significant of all saints [i.e., God’s holy people].

²⁹ This is the reason that I work hard and struggle also, using God’s mighty power which is at work in me.

⁷ and so became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. [Note: These two provinces make up present-day Greece]. ⁸ For the Lord’s message sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith toward God [also] spread everywhere [else], so that we do not have to say anything [about you].

¹⁰ For you certainly do practice it toward all the brothers [and sisters] throughout Macedonia. [Note: This was the province in which Thessalonica was located]. Yet we urge you, brothers, to continue doing it more and more.