Study 3: “Why Our Lord was Crucified” (Zion’s WatchTower – May 24, 1908, R4171)
As we review the events of our Lord’s crucifixion we would like to focus on the seven words from the cross.
1) The first three sayings focus on other people. What is the significance of these words?
“Father forgive them…”
“Today you will be with me in paradise”
“Son, behold your mother…”
2) The last four sayings focus on Jesus himself. What is the significance of these words?
“My God, why have you forsaken me?”
“I thirst”
“It is finished”
“Father into thy hands I commit my spirit”
Discussion Summary:
Question 1: All of these sayings were for the encouragement of his followers throughout the years to come. Luke 23:34 says that Jesus asked his Father to forgive those who crucified him. Scholars tell us that these words are not found in some of the earliest manuscripts, but they are certainly a teaching of Jesus (Matthew 6:14,15) and are echoed by Stephen the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:60).
Jesus had other brothers and sisters but by asking John to take care for his mother, Jesus is emphasizing the family relationship his followers were to have with each other. (Matthew 12:46-50).
Question 2: When we read the last four sayings of Jesus we are to remember that his suffering was foretold. See Psalm 22 and Psalm 69. And so we are to see that his death was arranged by the Heavenly Father before he became a man. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son…” John 3:16. Jesus’ death is the centerpiece of God’s plan to bring mankind back into relationship with himself.
I wish you would bear with me in a little foolishness. Do bear with me!For I feel a divine jealousy for you, since I betrothed you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough.Indeed, I consider that I am not in the least inferior to these super-apostles.Even if I am unskilled in speaking, I am not so in knowledge; indeed, in every way we have made this plain to you in all things.Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s gospel to you free of charge?I robbed other churches by accepting support from them in order to serve you.And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.And why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do!And what I am doing I will continue to do, in order to undermine the claim of those who would like to claim that in their boasted mission they work on the same terms as we do.For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.I repeat, let no one think me foolish. But even if you do, accept me as a fool, so that I too may boast a little.What I am saying with this boastful confidence, I say not as the Lord would but as a fool.Since many boast according to the flesh, I too will boast.For you gladly bear with fools, being wise yourselves!For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.To my shame, I must say, we were too weak for that! But whatever anyone else dares to boast of—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast of that.Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they offspring of Abraham? So am I.Are they servants of Christ? I am a better one—I am talking like a madman—with far greater labors, far more imprisonments, with countless beatings, and often near death.Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one.Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I was adrift at sea;on frequent journeys, in danger from rivers, danger from robbers, danger from my own people, danger from Gentiles, danger in the city, danger in the wilderness, danger at sea, danger from false brothers; in toil and hardship, through many a sleepless night, in hunger and thirst, often without food, in cold and exposure.And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands.
In this chapter Paul begins to establish the credentials of his apostleship and authority over the Corinthian church. It is obvious that he is troubled that this can be seen as boasting, but he is determined to do it.
1) In verses 1 – 21 Paul contrasts his preaching in Corinth with the preaching of the false teachers/super-apostles. How did his preaching differ from theirs?
in style (verses 1-6)
in payment (verses 7-12)
in pastoral care (verses 13-21)
2) In verses 22 – 33 Paul is now comparing his claims of apostleship to theirs. He cites his background (verses 22,23) and his accomplishments (verses 23-33). We would like to focus on the latter.
We would expect Paul to have listed ecclesias he founded, cities he has preached in and how many converts he made. But he does not do that. Why does Paul consider this to be a list of his accomplishments?
Discussion Summary:
Question 1: Paul is unskilled in speaking, whereas the super-apostles are eloquent. Paul wants the brethren to understand that eloquence does not always indicate wisdom. They need discerning ears so they are not deceived.
Paul also did not take a salary from the brethren in Corinth even if that was his right. The super-apostles are supported by the brethren. Paul made this choice so that the brethren would not feel he was a burden or trying to say what they wanted to hear. The super-apostles perceived this as an indication of Paul’s value to the brethren. “You get what you pay for.”
While in Corinth Paul took a fatherly, gentle approach with the brethren. The super-apostles take a much more authoritarian approach. They seem to often command, and rebuke the brethren.
Question 2: The super-apostles accept Paul’s mission to the gentiles to establish new ecclesias, but they claim an authority over these ecclesias once Paul leaves to continue preaching. In their eyes, Paul’s efforts were accompanied by difficulties that indicated his unfitness to stabilize and mature the brethren in Corinth. Paul’s perspective is that these personal difficulties are actually evidence that his work is accomplished by the power of God alone and therefore cannot be hindered. He believes these personal failures are an example to the brethren in Corinth that if rightly understood will be a source of strength to them.
Before we partake of the memorial of our Lord’s death we are instructed to take some time for introspection. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28
And so, this year we have set aside three Sunday meetings. The purpose is to use these meetings as a focus to think deeply and prepare our hearts to partake of the Memorial.
We will not be reading these reprint articles during the meeting and we not planning to cover every part of the reprint article. We are using them as a guide for our meditations.
“Why Our Lord was Crucified” (Zion’s WatchTower – May 24, 1908; R4171)
As we review the events of our Lord’s crucifixion we would like to focus on three aspects of the crucifixion.
1) What did dying as a convicted criminal on a cross reveal about Jesus’s character?
2) Why do you think Jesus “allowed” someone to carry his cross part of the way?
3) What was the significance of the placard placed on Jesus’s cross?
Discussion Summary:
1. In Mark 15:27,28 we read, “And with him they crucified two robbers, one on his right and one on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, ‘He was numbered with the transgressors’”(Isaiah 53:12). The fulfilment of this prophecy demonstrated Jesus’ humility and obedience to obey the will of the Father. (Philippians 2:8) Perhaps the shame of being labeled a blasphemer, a rebel against God’s law is what the “cup” Jesus asked to be removed in the Garden of Gethsemane.
2. There is no denying that Jesus was in great physical pain and weakness after being whipped and beaten. Considering that this was after intense motional anguish in the garden prior to his arrest, we understand the need for help in lifting the heavy wooden piece of the cross. But perhaps there is a lesson to be learned in that it was not an angel or supernatural aid that was given to Jesus, but a man from the crowd that the soldiers compelled to help. It demonstrates the privilege Jesus’s followers have to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
3. In John 19:17-22 we read about the placard that was placed over Jesus’s head while on the cross. It read “King of the Jews.” The religious leaders wanted to change it to “He says, I am King of the Jews,” but the Romans refused. This sign then become a visible rebuke to the people that the very man who had come from God to bring deliverance to their nation was rejected by them. (John 1:11)
I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!— I beg of you that when I am present I may not have to show boldness with such confidence as I count on showing against some who suspect us of walking according to the flesh. For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete. Look at what is before your eyes. If anyone is confident that he is Christ’s, let him remind himself that just as he is Christ’s, so also are we. For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed. I do not want to appear to be frightening you with my letters. For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech of no account.” Let such a person understand that what we say by letter when absent, we do when present. Not that we dare to classify or compare ourselves with some of those who are commending themselves. But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. But we will not boast beyond limits, but will boast only with regard to the area of influence God assigned to us, to reach even to you. For we are not overextending ourselves, as though we did not reach you. For we were the first to come all the way to you with the gospel of Christ. We do not boast beyond limit in the labors of others. But our hope is that as your faith increases, our area of influence among you may be greatly enlarged, so that we may preach the gospel in lands beyond you, without boasting of work already done in another’s area of influence. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Discussion Questions:
Paul now turns to the root of the problem in Corinth – the false apostles or teachers who are preaching against Paul and his doctrine.
Verses 1-6: Paul says that when he visits he will be in conflict with these teachers. He uses the metaphor of a military campaign. How does Paul intend to deal with these teachers when he visits?
Verses 7-18: Both the false apostles/teachers and Paul claim authority over the Corinthian ecclesia. This conflict has to be resolved during his visit. Paul is worried that when he establishes his authority the brethren will think he is boasting. How does he want them to view this “boasting”?
Discussion Summary:
Verses 6-11: Paul revealed to the Corinthian brethren that he would be coming to Corinth to resolve the conflict between himself and the teachers. He assured them that he would not be using the tactics of the world, the very tactics they had used against him: accusations (8:20), insults (10:10), and rhetorical tricks (4:2). Still Paul needed to summon courage (verse 2) for this confrontation as the teachers/false apostles were skilled orators. Paul on the other hand, relied on his knowledge of God and spiritual understanding (11:5).
Paul was confident that his spiritual understanding would be sufficient to show their logical errors which were originating in pride. He was confident that his spiritual understanding would be able to capture and persuade all thoughts to Christ’s obedience (2 Corinthians 5:11-16). Those who would not be persuaded, would be by his arguments and example, marked as in a condition under judgement of God (1 Corinthians 3:10-17).
Verses 7-18: In order to establish his authority, Paul would need to establish his credentials and provide evidences of the productivity of his preaching. And yet, he wants those listening to understand that he gives all the credit to God.
He reminded them that his apostleship was of Christ. He had been directly appointed by God to be a chosen instrument (Acts 9:15). This is consistently how he referred to his apostleship (Galatians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1).
He reminded them that he had been given an area of influence by God which was preaching to the gentiles (Galatians 2:9). Paul had not infringed on the other apostles’ preaching to those of the Jewish faith.
He reminded them that the teachers had fallen into the trap of engaging in outward comparisons without considering their heart motives (Matthew 7:21).
Before we partake of the memorial of our Lord’s death we are instructed to take some time for introspection. “Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.” 1 Corinthians 11:28
And so, this year we have set aside three Sunday meetings. The purpose is to use these meetings as a focus to think deeply and prepare our hearts to partake of the Memorial.
Discussion Questions:
As we review the events of our Lord’s supper and his trial in the garden of Gethsemane, we want to focus on two individuals, Peter and Judas. What lessons do we see? How do we apply these lessons to ourselves?
Peter
·Jesus washing his feet
·Sleeping at Gethsemane
·Cutting off the high priest’s servant’s ear
·Denial of the Lord
Judas
·Being handed the sop
·Betraying Jesus with a kiss
Discussion Summary:
The account of Jesus washing Peter’s feet is found in John 13:1-20. We see Peter’s evident love for his master, Jesus. But we also see his overconfidence. He needed this initial lesson in humility. For ourselves, the lesson is found in Philippians 2:4.
The account of Peter sleeping at Gethsemane is found in Matthew 26:36-46. We see in this a representation of Peter’s spiritual lethargy. He needed to watch and pray in order to prepare for the experiences about to take place. For ourselves, the lesson is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8.
The account of Peter cutting off the high priest’s servant’s ear is found in Luke 22:49-51 and John 18:10,11. We see in this Peter’s misunderstanding that Jesus was giving up his life in sacrifice. Peter also misunderstood that Jesus wanted his servants to be like him. For ourselves, the lesson is found in John 18:36.
The account of Peter denying our Lord is found in Luke 22:54-62. We see that Peter’s inability to take the previous lessons to heart, resulted in him being unable to stand with Jesus. In a sense it is shocking to read that one of his most beloved denied him. This was a source of grief to Peter as we read in John 21:15-19. For ourselves, the lesson is found in 1 Corinthians 10:12.
The account of Judas being handed the sop is found in John 13:21-30 and Matthew 26:20-25. We see how this action, while it was usually seen as an indication of favor, was seen by Judas as a signal that Jesus knew he had already betrayed him. This rebuke given as an act of kindness seemed to completely harden Judas’s heart. For ourselves, the importance of this is found in Psalms 42:9-11.
The account of Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss is found in Matthew 26:47-50. We see in this act extreme hypocrisy and the ultimate betrayal. For ourselves, the importance of this is found in Matthew 26:24.
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be. Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Discussion Questions:
1) Verses 1-5: Why does Paul want the donation to Jerusalem to be collected in advance of his visit?
2) Verses 6-10: How does Paul urge the brethren to give generously?
3) Verses 11-15: What does Paul say will be the effect on the Jerusalem brethren by receiving this donation?
Discussion Summary:
Verses 1-5: Three brothers will be delivering this letter to the Corinthian brethren. They were to arrange for the completion of the collection before Paul’s visit. Paul did not want the Corinthians to feel the pressure to give that his personal presence would naturally place upon them. During his last visit many accusations had been leveled at him of possible fraud and of abusing his apostleship. Paul wanted the collection completed without the impediment of his personality.
Paul mentions that he “boasted” of their generosity to others. This is meant to be a spur to the Corinthians to complete this work that they had already agreed upon.
Verses 6-10: In these verse Paul quoted scriptures from a different translation of the Old Testament than the one we use today. He was quoting from the Septuagint translation and so some of these phrases do not occur in our Old Testament versions. These scriptures are used to give the following thoughts:
Cheerfulness, or the desire to give is very important. If that attitude is missing the gift will not have its proper work on the giver’s heart (Exodus 35:5).
God has already provided the temporal goods that we possess. They were first a gift to us that we then give to others (Matthew 10:8).
The reward that one receives for giving is not more temporal goods. The reward is that it “increases the harvest of your righteousness.” The Lord blesses the generous giver with greater spiritual blessings (Luke 6:38).
Verses 11-15: Paul encourages the Corinthian brethren to give to the brethren in Jerusalem by pointing out that it would meet the needs of these poor brethren. It would also have spiritual benefits for the Jerusalem brethren. It would provide an occasion for the brethren to praise God by thanking him for the Corinthian brethren. It would also provide an occasion for the brethren to pray for blessings on the Corinthian brethren. This would bind the hearts of the two far-away groups of believers closer together. The donation would also be a demonstration in the authenticity of the conversion of these gentile brethren as in Acts 10.
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
Discussion Questions:
Theme: Proper stewardship of disciples during his absence
1. What does “engage in business” (verse 13) refer to?
2. What did the unfaithful servant do wrong? What is the least he should have done instead?
3. What does the last verse, 26, mean?
Discussion Summary:
In this parable the servants are each given 1 mina. A mina was a common unit of currency equal to 100 denarii or a 100 day’s wages. Each servant was to take this amount and engage in business with it. This represents that each believer is given the same grace of God, the same justification. Each believer is to use that justification to grow and increase their faith (John 15:2). This increase results in character development (2 Peter 1:5-8).
Each believer is also given justification in order to be engaged in the Lord’s service. We all have been given a commission to preach the gospel to others and not just keep the knowledge of God to ourselves (John 20:21-23).
The wicked servant who did not engage in business but kept his mina hidden, represents those who neglect the grace of God that they have been given (2 Peter 1:9). This is due to a wilful misunderstanding of the character of our Lord (Luke 9:26). Like Job, they question his actions (Job 40:1,2).
This wicked servant should have realized that the Lord accepts the little that we do and is happy to reward our little with more (Matthew 25:24). All believers have opportunities in their lives to serve the Lord. When we consider that praying for others in the quiet of our own homes is part of that service (James 5:16), we should be encouraged that we can be faithful servants no matter what our circumstances.
The last verse sums up the lesson on stewardship. It teaches that we must be faithful with what we have been given. This same principle is given in different contexts throughout the gospels (Mark 4:21-25; 13:12; Luke 8:16-18).
As they heard these things, he proceeded to tell a parable, because he was near to Jerusalem, and because they supposed that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately. He said therefore, “A nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and then return. Calling ten of his servants, he gave them ten minas, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ When he returned, having received the kingdom, he ordered these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, that he might know what they had gained by doing business. The first came before him, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made ten minas more.’ And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant Because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’ And the second came, saying, ‘Lord, your mina has made five minas.’ And he said to him, ‘And you are to be over five cities.’ Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow.’He said to him, ‘I will condemn you with your own words, you wicked servant! You knew that I was a severe man, taking what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? Why then did you not put my money in the bank, and at my coming I might have collected it with interest?’ And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ And they said to him, ‘Lord, he has ten minas!’ ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. But as for these enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, bring them here and slaughter them before me.’”
Discussion Questions:
This is a complex parable in which there seem to be two themes that run throughout. Instead of taking this parable verse by verse, I think it will be helpful to take one theme one week and the other theme the following week. Hopefully, by the end of our study we will have a well-rounded understanding of this parable.
Theme: Establishing a timeline for the disciples
In verse 11, Jesus said that he spoke this parable to show that the kingdom of God was not to appear immediately.
In this context, how are we to understand the following?
· verse 12: the journey to receive the kingdom
· verse 14: delegation of citizens that followed him
· verse 15: return having received the kingdom
· verse 15: dealing with his servants
· verse 27: dealing with enemies (delegation)
Discussion Summary:
This parable was spoken by Jesus to his disciples, but the meaning of the parable (verse 11) was not understood until after Jesus had been crucified and the holy spirit had been given. Luke supplied the meaning which believers at his time (40+ years after) understood the parable to be teaching. This parable then only fully explained what had already happened to the disciples. It also prepared them and us for the future that we still don’t fully understand.
This story is based on true events that took place around the time of Jesus’ birth. When King Herod the Great died, his son Archelaus inherited the territory that his father had ruled. But he did not inherit the title of King and so he went to Rome to receive it. The people of the region also sent a delegation asking for autonomy instead. They were denied. This parable then is not teaching us a chronological timeline of events. This parable is using history to teach us how events must take place in conjunction with each other. We discussed 3 concepts.
The first is that the kingdom comes in various stages. Even though Jesus was proclaimed a king at his birth (Luke 1:32,33) and he preached that the Kingdom of God was at hand, he still had to die and be resurrected and ascend to the Father before legally receiving the power to reign. His reign could not take place until the proper time, after his bride would be selected and the time for the restoration would come. Until that time he would remain in heaven (Acts 3:21).
The second is that judgment of both his servants and his enemies would take place at his return (Revelation 11:17,18; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). During the interval between his ascension and his return these two classes of people are being manifested. His servants are being tested as to whether they are good stewards of what they have been given. His enemies are being tested as to the degree with which they oppose his authority.
The third is that his enemies must answer for their opposition. We see that the religious rulers during the time of Jesus opposed him (Matthew 27:9,10). We see prophetically the political rulers opposing the kingdom throughout this interval (Psalm 2:1-6). We see prophetically the religious rulers opposing the kingdom throughout this interval (Revelation 18:1-3). All this opposition will be dealt with in a just and thorough way during his kingdom (1 Corinthians 15:24-26).
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace. But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairnessyour abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you. For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord. With him we are sending the brother who is famous among all the churches for his preaching of the gospel. And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will. We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
Discussion Questions:
In chapter 8 the Apostle Paul turns to the topic of the collection for the poor in Jerusalem (“relief of the saints” verse 4).
1) In verses 1-15 the Apostle Paul is appealing to the brethren in Corinth to contribute. How does the Apostle Paul encourage them to give generously?
2) In verses 16-24 Paul informs the Corinthian brethren that three brothers will be coming to Corinth to collect the money.
· Titus
· Brother “A” (verses 18-21)
· Brother “B” (verse 22)
Why are three brothers commissioned to do this work?
Discussion Summary:
Verses 1-15: Paul appealed to the Corinthian brethren to take up the collection for the poor brethren in Jerusalem. He gives them the example of the brethren in Macedonia in northern Greece. These brethren were poorer than the brethren in southern Greece but they gave generously. The brethren in Corinth had worked through many of their issues and Paul recalled the positive things that they were known for in verse 7. He told them that they excelled in many things and they should excel in giving. Paul reminded them of how generous Jesus had been in coming to earth as their saviour. Their giving should be an outpouring of their heart for what Jesus had done for them. Paul also used an example from the Old Testament in Exodus 16:18. This refers to the gathering of manna every morning by the Israelites while in the wilderness. Even though they could not gather more than one day’s worth, and even though some gathered more and some less, everyone always had what was needed.
This collection is often referred to by other words such as “grace” in verse 1. While this has the meaning of generosity, it also can have theological implications. This shows that the collection meant more than just money for brethren. It was a way to establish unity and brotherhood between the Jewish and gentile brethren. It made them see themselves as one body of Christ.
Verses 16-24: Three brothers were appointed by Paul to handle the collection of the money. In this way they were witnesses that the funds of which Paul was ultimately responsible for, were being handled properly. We also read in 2 Corinthians 11:26 that bandits were a problem that Paul had dealt with in the past. He was assuring the brethren that these funds would be safeguarded on the way to Jerusalem.
No one knows exactly who these two brethren accompanying Titus were. We do know that they were part of the brothers that accompanied Paul and helped him in his ministry. In Acts 20:4 we are given some of the names of these brethren.
