THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS 2 Corinthians 8 1 5

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS 2 Corinthians 8: 1 -5

WHO WERE THEY? • Paul uses the Macedonians as a pattern of giving (to the needy saints in Jerusalem) for the Corinthians (2 Cor. 8: 1 -5) • The Macedonian brethren (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) began their life in Christ amid trouble and trial (Acts 16 -17); but, this did not keep them from being givers (Phil. 4: 15)

THE GRACE OF GIVING • In between the defense of his ministry (1 -7), and the defense of his apostleship (10 -13), Paul reminds the Corinthians of their giving (8 -9) • He had given them brief instructions about giving in 1 Cor. 16: 1 -4

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS • They displayed the “grace of God” (favor, blessing) in their lives by giving (grace) to others; giving is grace (note: “this grace” in 8: 4, 6, etc. ) • They gave in unfavorable circumstances; in times of “affliction” (Acts 17: 6 -9, 13; 1 Thess. 1: 6; 2: 14)

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS • They were afflicted, but still gave through the “abundance of their joy” (1 Thess. 1: 6) • They gave even though they themselves were in “deep poverty” (Lk. 21: 1 -4)

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS • They gave generously from the “riches of their liberality” (singleness; Rom. 12: 8) • They did more than expected and gave “beyond their power” (ability, means)

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS • They gave, not forced, but freely and willingly of “their own accord” (Ex. 25: 2) • They were eager and enthusiastic to give “beseeching (begging) us with much entreaty” (Acts 20: 35)

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS • They gave, not just for financial reasons, but to share and participate in the “fellowship in the ministering to the saints” (Rom. 15: 25 -27) • They gave in a way that surprised Paul and “not as we had hoped” (expected)

THOSE MAGNIFICENT MACEDONIANS • They gave from consecration and dedication to the Lord and his apostles; they first “gave their own selves to the Lord” (2 Cor. 5: 15) • They gave “through the will of God” 16: 1) (1 Cor.