Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Achaia » Benevolence of the Christians in
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.
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].
As sure as the truth of Christ is in my heart, no one will stop me from boasting about this [arrangement] throughout the regions of Achaia. [Note: This was the province where Corinth was located].
Good » Influence » Inspiring
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].
Influence » Good » Inspiring
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].
Liberality » Should be exercised » Exercise of, provokes others to
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].
Liberality » Instances of » Christians » In corinth
And not only this, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [taking] this gift [to Jerusalem] as we minister in order to honor the Lord Himself, and to demonstrate our eagerness [to help poor people].
Now it is unnecessary for me to write you about this service to God's holy people [in Jerusalem, who were in need]. 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]. But I have sent the brothers [See 8:18, 22], so that our boasting about you being prepared will not prove to be empty words. read more.
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. So, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers [See verse 3] to visit you ahead of time and arrange beforehand for your previously promised generous gift. Then it will be ready [when I arrive] as a generously given gift and not as something given grudgingly. But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, "plants with blessings"] will harvest a bumper crop. Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with abundant gifts, so that you will always have plenty of everything, and that you will also have plenty for doing every good deed. As it is written [Psa. 112:9], "He has distributed [gifts] widely; he has given to poor people; his generosity will last forever." Now God, who provides seeds to the planter and bread for food, will [also] supply and [even] multiply your seeds for planting, and will increase the harvest of your generosity. You will be made rich in everything so you can be generous in every way. This will result in people thanking God [for what you have done] through us. 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. Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.
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. So, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers [See verse 3] to visit you ahead of time and arrange beforehand for your previously promised generous gift. Then it will be ready [when I arrive] as a generously given gift and not as something given grudgingly. But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, "plants with blessings"] will harvest a bumper crop. Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with abundant gifts, so that you will always have plenty of everything, and that you will also have plenty for doing every good deed. As it is written [Psa. 112:9], "He has distributed [gifts] widely; he has given to poor people; his generosity will last forever." Now God, who provides seeds to the planter and bread for food, will [also] supply and [even] multiply your seeds for planting, and will increase the harvest of your generosity. You will be made rich in everything so you can be generous in every way. This will result in people thanking God [for what you have done] through us. 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. Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.
Love to man » Saints should » Provoke each other to
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].
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].
And we should consider how we can stir up one another to love [more] and to perform good deeds.
Readiness » For spiritual service
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].
If a person rids himself of the common ones [i.e., the influences of evil people and qualities], he will be an instrument for [God's] honor, dedicated, suitable for use by the Master, [and] prepared for [doing] every good deed.
And not only this, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [taking] this gift [to Jerusalem] as we minister in order to honor the Lord Himself, and to demonstrate our eagerness [to help poor people].
You should serve as shepherds of God's flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.
Verse Concepts
God, As ShepherdCovetingChurch Authority, Of EldarsEnthusiasmeagernessdiligenceBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanGreed, Believers' Response ToGuardsHiringMinistry, In The ChurchMoney, Attitudes ToResponsibility, For God's WorldShepherds, As Church LeaderUnselfishnessWatchfulness, Of LeadersMaterialismMoneyPastors
Remind the people [where you minister] to be in subjection to [civic] rulers, [governmental] authorities, to be obedient [to them], to be prepared for [doing] every good deed,
But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.
Verse Concepts
Acknowledge, Faith In ChristAbsolute TruthAgnosticismCoolApologeticsDesires For HolinessFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsWhat Christian Should Do Alwaysevangelists, identity ofequipping, spiritualAskingHope, As ConfidenceHope, Results OfOpportunities, And SalvationReadinessReasonSensitivitySpeech, Power And Significance OfSpeech, Positive Aspects OfWatchfulness, Of BelieversWitnessing, Approaches To
Witnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, LordMissionary WorkReasoningTestify On God's BehalfAccusations, Against Early ChristiansThe Gentleness Of God's PeopleAnswering PeopleReasons For Faith In ChristChrist Is LordReady To SpeakThe Hope Of The GospelHope For The RighteousRespectHope And FaithAnxiety And StressGentleness As A Fruit Of The SpiritHope Kjvanswersreverence
Service » Obedient power for » Preparation for
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].
If a person rids himself of the common ones [i.e., the influences of evil people and qualities], he will be an instrument for [God's] honor, dedicated, suitable for use by the Master, [and] prepared for [doing] every good deed.
And not only this, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in [taking] this gift [to Jerusalem] as we minister in order to honor the Lord Himself, and to demonstrate our eagerness [to help poor people].
You should serve as shepherds of God's flock [i.e., the church], among whom you minister, providing careful oversight [of the people], not because you feel forced to, but because you want to, as this is in accordance with the way God wants it to be. Do not [serve as elders] simply out of a desire for the income you receive, but because your heart is in it.
Verse Concepts
God, As ShepherdCovetingChurch Authority, Of EldarsEnthusiasmeagernessdiligenceBishops, Dutiesdefence, humanGreed, Believers' Response ToGuardsHiringMinistry, In The ChurchMoney, Attitudes ToResponsibility, For God's WorldShepherds, As Church LeaderUnselfishnessWatchfulness, Of LeadersMaterialismMoneyPastors
Remind the people [where you minister] to be in subjection to [civic] rulers, [governmental] authorities, to be obedient [to them], to be prepared for [doing] every good deed,
But instead, set aside a place in your hearts where Christ is [in full control as] Lord, and be prepared always to give a suitable reply to every person who asks you for a reason why you have an inner hope. But [be sure you do it] in a meek and respectful way, however.
Verse Concepts
Acknowledge, Faith In ChristAbsolute TruthAgnosticismCoolApologeticsDesires For HolinessFaith, As A Body Of BeliefsWhat Christian Should Do Alwaysevangelists, identity ofequipping, spiritualAskingHope, As ConfidenceHope, Results OfOpportunities, And SalvationReadinessReasonSensitivitySpeech, Power And Significance OfSpeech, Positive Aspects OfWatchfulness, Of BelieversWitnessing, Approaches To
Witnessing, Importance OfJesus Christ, LordMissionary WorkReasoningTestify On God's BehalfAccusations, Against Early ChristiansThe Gentleness Of God's PeopleAnswering PeopleReasons For Faith In ChristChrist Is LordReady To SpeakThe Hope Of The GospelHope For The RighteousRespectHope And FaithAnxiety And StressGentleness As A Fruit Of The SpiritHope Kjvanswersreverence
Tact » Paul » In stimulating benevolent giving
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia. [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity. 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, read more.
[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]. 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. 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]. 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]. I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also.
[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]. 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. 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]. 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]. I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also.
Now it is unnecessary for me to write you about this service to God's holy people [in Jerusalem, who were in need]. 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]. But I have sent the brothers [See 8:18, 22], so that our boasting about you being prepared will not prove to be empty words. read more.
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. So, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers [See verse 3] to visit you ahead of time and arrange beforehand for your previously promised generous gift. Then it will be ready [when I arrive] as a generously given gift and not as something given grudgingly.
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. So, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers [See verse 3] to visit you ahead of time and arrange beforehand for your previously promised generous gift. Then it will be ready [when I arrive] as a generously given gift and not as something given grudgingly.
Zeal » Provokes others to do good
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].