Useful Bible Studies > 2 Corinthians Commentary > chapter 8
Paul is trying to encourage Corinth’s Christians to give generously, to help the poor Christians in Judea. So he reminds the Christians in Corinth how well they are doing in so many matters. Their trust in God (faith) is extremely strong. They understand so much about God, and they speak so well about him. They are so eager. In all these matters, they are doing better than other churches. So, they should try also to give even more generously than the other churches are giving.
In our studies of 1 and 2 Corinthians, we have not always been aware that Paul had such an opinion about Corinth’s church. We have been much more aware of the severe problems in that church. It would be easy to consider it one of the weaker churches that Paul had established, not one of the best ones.
However, it has always been clear to us that Paul loved that church and its members*. There is clear evidence of the strength of that church even in the problems that Paul had to deal with. Only a church where God’s Spirit is very active would need the advice in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 14. Only a church whose members had learnt much could form groups to argue with each other*.
Corinth’s church had such problems because its members were not mature Christians*. There were no Christians in Corinth before Paul went there, perhaps less than 5 years previously. Before they became Christians, many of the members were living in a very evil manner*. Now they were eager to serve God. Acts 18:10 shows that very many people became Christians in Corinth. Even after Paul left Corinth, God’s work there continued in a powerful manner*.
Next part: The correct attitude for someone who gives (8:8)
* See complete article for these Bible references.
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© 2016, Keith Simons.