In our last two episodes, which covered chapters 6-7, Paul wrote to the Corinthian church about suffering and joy, including the sacrifices that he and others were making for the sake of the gospel and ultimately, for the good of the church. This is all part of his larger appeal to discontinue their support of the false apostles and to abandon their teachings. Today, Paul commends the churches of Macedonia who have sacrificially given to support the work of ministry. Our ultimate example in sacrificial love and giving is Christ Himself, who became poor so that we might become rich. Paul praises the work of Titus, whose life displays this kind of loving sacrifice as is evident in his devotion to the church.