The Macedonians

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; ²for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. ³For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, ⁴begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints

 2 Corinthians 8:1-4

 

Throughout his missionary journeys Paul was able to form relationships for Christ with many different people in many different places.  As he went from place to place he preached the gospel, established churches, and trained leaders.  Once a local church was in place he moved on to the next location and began again.  What we have recorded in the scriptures is Paul’s correspondence with the churches he established.  The correspondence often took the form of encouragement, ongoing instruction, and addressing issues within the church. 

Paul also was collecting money from each the churches he worked with to help support the church in Jerusalem.  In this passage, Paul encourages the church in Corinth by citing the example of the Macedonian church, who while poor gave generously to support the Jerusalem church.  The church in Corinth had more wealth and Paul believed they needed to become more generous in their giving.  It is reasonable to assume that Paul had mentioned the Jerusalem collection before and had not received a favorable response—otherwise it would not be in the letter.  The Macedonians gave generously in spite of limited means, even begging to be part of the broader church.  The Corinthians seemed to have fallen into the trap of turning inward and denying the connections to their sisters and brothers in the larger church. 

What might this mean for us today?  Are we more like the Macedonians or the Corinthians?  Do we see giving as a privilege we enjoy to be part of what God is going in the world?  Or is giving an obligation that we reluctantly participate in?  The attitude we bring to what we have makes all the difference.  The Macedonians lived in thanksgiving for what God had done in their lives, and from their thanks came generous gifts.  Paul holds them up as an example of faithfulness in order to inspire others.  I pray we might all be so inspired!