2 Corinthians 8:4
King James Version (KJV)
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Translations
2 Corinthians 8:4 - Amplified Bible
Begging us most insistently for the favor {and} the fellowship of contributing in this ministration for [the relief and support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].
2 Corinthians 8:4 - American Standard Version
beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:
2 Corinthians 8:4 - Bible in Basic English
Seriously requesting us that they might have a part in this grace of being servants to the needs of the saints:
2 Corinthians 8:4 - Darby Bible
begging of us with much entreaty [to give effect to] the grace and fellowship of the service which [was to be rendered] to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:4 - English Standard Version
begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints–
2 Corinthians 8:4 - King James Version
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:4 - La Biblia de las Americas
suplicándonos con muchos ruegos el privilegio de participar en el sostenimiento de los santos;
2 Corinthians 8:4 - The Message
2 Corinthians 8:4 - New American Standard Bible
begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints,
2 Corinthians 8:4 - Nueva Biblia Latinoamericana de Hoy
suplicándonos con muchos ruegos el privilegio de participar en el sostenimiento (servicio) de los santos.
2 Corinthians 8:4 - World English Bible
begging us with much entreaty in regard to this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:4 - Young's Living Translation
with much entreaty calling on us to receive the favour and the fellowship of the ministration to the saints,
2 Corinthians 8:4 - Additional Comments
How we are to lend/give:
Lev 25:35-37 help poor brethren without charging interest
Luke 6:34-35 even further, lend without expecting anything in return
Deu 15:7-15 lend to the poor, even if they may be released from their debt. And if they are, not only send them away free, but with extra to help their burden.
1 Cor 4:7 Don't feel proud of what is yours, for what do you have that you did not receive?
James 1:17 for every good gift is from God. We are not the author of riches or success - God is.
Acts 5:1-11 Don't try to be deceptive about what you give. Do not rob God.
Malachi 3:8-10 We rob God when we do not give what He ask asked us for. God even said we can test him in the area of giving, that He will reward us.
Heb 11:32-39 Yes, but where is our reward? Compare the "prosperity gospel" to this passage. We are promised riches, the same riches these faithful servants received. Yet, God still may also reward with earthly riches (e.g. Abraham, Joseph, Solomon, Job)
Luke 11:42 Giving is to be done with justice and the love of God. Never fail to give, but always check your attitude when you do.
Mat 6:1-4 In fact, any giving you do should not be visible, should be done in secret. If ever your gift is given to be noticed, you have lost your reward.
2 Cor 9:6-7 God tells us that the right way to give is to give bountifully, with a cheerful heart. Be glad to give to God. Despite their deep poverty, (verse 2) the Macedonians' rich giving flowed from their excessive joy. There was no relationship between their material worth and their generosity. Compare examples of 2 who had the option to give all-- widow with 2 coins who gave all (Luke 21:1-4) and the rich man who was asked by Jesus to give all but couldn't (Mat 19:16-23).
Prov 13:7 "There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches."
Mat 6:19-21 What wealth have you accumulated? When you hear someone comment "Wow, look at his riches!", will they be looking at your money or service to God? Which is your passion? What makes you "cheerful"? Your riches will follow your heart, your passions. Align your passions with God.
Eph 4:28 We must remember that >> the goal of working, of our labors, is not wealth, but being available to give to those in need <<
It appears that the Macedonians had their riches, their money, their passions, in the right place. So did the Israelites when the temple was to be built (see Exodus 35-36, esp. 36:3-7). And then Paul was hoping that the Corinthian church would do the same. May this be said of our church.
Now, ask yourself, if everyone in our church had the same attitude as you towards giving, what shape would our church be in? If everyone in our church gave as you have, what shape would the church be in?
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