First off, I want to remind everyone reading this chapter, that Paul is directing his letters to the Churches – not to the populace at large.
The Church (Body of Believer in Yeshua Ha-Mashiach) were being heavily persecuted: the need was great for them to help each other in any/every way that help (physical and spiritual) could be given.
In today’s society, the politicians (in DC and in church pulpits) of this world, will twist and tweak the message of the Gospel to further their own biased agendas: but, stay focused on the actual message being given! In that way, you will not be easily manipulated; and the truth of the message will be true as carried out by Elohim’s Will for His Own who are struggling under persecutions today (losing jobs based on skin color, Christian faith, beliefs roots in God’s Word – not the obama bible that allows racist ideologies, and every perversion under the sun), as they were then.
Christians are to help their fellow Christians, first; then they are to do what they can for those suffering the chaos of the world’s mess. There may be some who falsely claim Christianity in order to benefit from the saint’s generosity … but that is not for us to judge: Elohim will deal with them in due time. Our obligation is to help those in the Body who need – and ask – for help.
**********
2 CORINTHIANS ~ Chapter 8
The Macedonian Attitude in Sharing With the Needy
“Brethren, we want to tell you about *Elohim’s grace (benefit, favor, gift) as it was given to the churches (a calling out; a meeting/assembly; a Christian community of members on earth) of Macedonia. They were being tested by afflictions, but they had a great store of joy (cheerfulness, delight, gladness); so, despite their deep poverty (indigence = destitute, lacking, disadvantaged, pauper, and down-and-out), they displayed a wealth (an abundance) of generosity (big-heartedness, open-handedness). For they gave to the limits of their means (assets, material goods, resources), to which I can testify, and they gave beyond their ability (wherewithal = means) and of their own freewill (given readily; voluntarily). They begged us earnestly and of their own accord to be allowed to share in the work of supporting their fellow-Christians. And they gave not only of money, as we had hoped they would, but they even gave themselves, first to the **Lord, then to us, by the ***Will of God. Since Titus had already made a beginning, we urged him also to complete among you this work of charity (aid, help, assistance, contributions, kindness, compassion, consideration). (vv. 1-6)
You are rich (fruitful, productive, powerful, significant) in so many things – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in enthusiasm, and in your love for us; may you also excel in this work of charity. I do not say this as a command (rule, sway, directive, mandate), but to test (prove, try, examine, analyze) the genuineness (realness, indisputability) of your love by comparing it with the eagerness of others. You recall the grace (spiritual = divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; acceptable, favor, joy, worthy) of our Lord ****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, that though *****rich, yet He became poor for your sakes, that by His poverty you might be made *#rich. In this manner, then, I offer my counsel: it is a good thing for you now not only to complete (accomplish) the task you began a year ago, but also to want to complete it. By all means, complete the work of ingathering (solicitation, appeal, collection). Do it in such a way that your willingness to give is matched by your actually giving out of what you have. If one is willing to give, a gift according to what he has is acceptable; rather than according to what he does not have. This does not mean that others should be relieved (dismissed, released) and that you should be distressed (troubled, anxious, suffering, stressed). No, it is a matter of *##equality. You give out of your abundance to supply their want. Some other time, their abundance may supply your want. (vv. 7-15)
Concerning the Messengers
But thanks be to *###Elohei HaChayim, Who put into the heart of Titus this same sincere (earnest, heartfelt, authentic) concern for you. He not only accepted our appeal (call, request, plea), but was so enthusiastic (eager, afire) about it that, of his own accord, he went to you. We are also sending with him another brother, one who has won praise from all the congregations for his preaching of the Gospel. And not only that, but he has also been appointed by all the congregations to be our companion (friend, chum, accompanying person, fellow traveler) in this gracious work of ours, to help further the glory of the Lord and to show our willingness. Thus, we shall avoid any criticism (reproach, disapproval) concerning the administration of the money we have collected. Our aim is to do the right thing, not only before the Lord, but also before men.
And so we are sending with them this brother of ours, who has in many matters and on many occasions given proof of his faithfulness (authenticity, fidelity, dependability, reliability, constancy); and now he is more eager than ever, because of the faith he has in you. Titus, then, is my partner, and a fellow-worker in your service; as for our other brethren, they are sent by the congregations, and they reflect the glory of Mashiach. Give proof, therefore, before them and all the congregations, of your love and of our pride in you.” (vv. 16-24)
*Elohim (from the Hebrew word, el-o-heem) = the Supreme God. Exceedingly great and mighty.
**Lord (from the Greek word, koo-ree-os) = supreme in authority, equal to God in status, master.
***Will (from the Greek word, thel-ay-mah) = a determination, choice act; specifically meaning purpose, decree, inclination: desire, pleasure.
****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach (from the Hebrew word, ישוע המשיח) = Jesus, the Messiah/the Anointed One.
*****rich (from the Greek word, ploo-see-os = abounding with) & (the Greek word, ploo-tos from the base Greek word, play-tho) = abundance, fill, impact, supply; specifically, to fulfil – accomplish, furnish; valuable bestowment: authority.
*#rich (from the Greek word, ploo-teh-o) = to be/become wealthy, literally or figuratively; to be increased with goods/be made, wax rich.
*##equality (from the Greek word, ee-sot-ace) = likeness in condition or proportion.
*###Elohei HaChayim = Hebrew, meaning The God of the living.
**2 CORINTHIANS 7: https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2022/04/2-corinthians-chapter-7thursday-bible.html
