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Principles for Biblical Giving (2 Corinthians 8:1-8)
Although the New Testament doesn’t command tithing, it gives us principles to determine the amount. Most of these principles for biblical giving are found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. These chapters provide the richest, most detailed teaching on giving in the Bible. Read, listen, or watch this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn more.
https://youtu.be/sCmBIcmYGcg
The New Testament doesn’t command tithing, but it gives us principles for biblical giving in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 to determine the amount.
Table of contentsThe Macedonians' Example in GivingPrinciple One: Biblical Giving Is a Reflection of Our Relationships with the LordPrinciple Two: Biblical Giving Means Giving WillinglyPrinciple Three: Biblical Giving Requires Deciding How Much to GiveThe Old Testament Foreshadowed Giving WillinglyJacob Gave UnwillinglyAbraham Gave WillinglyGiving Willingly Produces More than Obligatory GivingWhy Do We Give?
We wonder how much to give because the New Testament doesn’t command giving a tithe. Although the New Testament doesn’t tell us how much, it does give us principles to determine the amount. Most of these principles are found in two chapters: 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. These chapters provide the richest, most detailed teaching on giving in the Bible.
The Macedonians' Example in Giving
First, here’s the context for these chapters: One of the primary goals of Paul’s third missionary journey was to gather a special offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The Corinthians said they would give, but they hadn’t given yet. It is much easier to talk about giving than give. So, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give by telling them about the Macedonians who set a powerful example with their sacrificial giving. Just as Job is synonymous with suffering and Solomon is synonymous with wisdom, the Macedonians can be synonymous with giving.
2 Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 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.
Notice in verse it says the Macedonians gave “in a severe test of affliction.” Macedonia was the northern region of Greece, where the Philippian, Thessalonican, and Berean churches were located. Many wars had ravaged this area, and Rome was still plundering it even at the time of Paul’s writing. In other words, living in Macedonia was difficult.
During trials, who do we tend to think about? Ourselves. Who do we tend not to think about? Others. But not the Macedonians! Even while suffering, they still thought about and gave “a wealth of generosity” to the Jerusalem believers.
Because the Macedonians gave so much, we would expect them to have been given much; in other words, we would expect them to be wealthy. But it was the opposite! Verse 2 also says they were in “extreme poverty.” The Greek word translated as “poverty” refers to a beggar with nothing and no hope of getting anything. When I think of first-century Christians, I think of people who were already poor. The Macedonians must have been among the lowest of the low, but they still found a way to give much.
2 Corinthians 8:3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord. 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints
They gave “beyond their means,” which means they gave more than they could afford. They didn’t have the money, but they gave anyway. They resemble the widow who gave her last two mites.
How many times have you heard of Christians begging to be able to give? They called being able to give a “favor,” or some Bibles say privilege. The Greek word for favor or privilege is charis, the same word translated as “grace” elsewhere in Scripture. Verse 1 says that “the grace of God” allowed them to give. It’s like they’re asking for more grace or more favor so that they can give more.
The Greek word for “taking part” is koinonia, often translated as “fellowship.” The word means “strong association, community, or participation.” The Macedonians wanted such strong fellowship with the Jerusalem believers they “[took] part in [their] relief” and participated in their suffering through their giving. Whenever we give, we also associate with others and take part in “the relief” of their burdens or suffering.
Principle One: Biblical Giving Is a Reflection of Our Relationships with the Lord
2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
Because Paul is speaking, the words “not as we expected” mean the Macedonians gave even more than Paul and his companions anticipated. That’s incredible. They gave so much it surprised Paul.
The word “first” doesn’t refer to time or chronology but priority. They gave themselves “first” to God, which led to their generosity. Their giving was related to their relationship with the Lord. Consider these statistics about how much Jesus discussed money:
Jesus talked about money more than anything except the kingdom of God.
He spoke of money more than heaven and hell…combined.
There are 39 parables and 11 of them, almost one-third, are about money.
In the Gospels, 1 out of 10 verses – 288 total – is about money.
Because Jesus said so much about money, what we do with money says much about our relationships with Him. And this account with the Macedonians is a good example!
Their giving was an outpouring of their relationships with the Lord.
They gave the way they did BECAUSE of their relationships with Christ.
Similarly:
Our giving is an outpouring of our relationships with the Lord.
We give the way we do because of our relationships with Christ.
Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). What we do with money is a window into our hearts and reveals what we value. To know what’s important to people, look at their calendars and checkbooks. Then, you can see what they do with their most valuable resources: time and money.
Principle Two: Biblical Giving Means Giving Willingly
2 Corinthians 8:7 But as you excel in everythingin faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for yousee that you excel in this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.
The “act of grace” Paul is referring to is giving. He says they excel in these other areas and wants them to excel in giving, too.
Paul's approach is interesting! He was an apostle, which means he had the apostolic authority to command his readers to give. We know he wanted them to give because that’s the point of his writing, but when it sounded like he was about to command them to give, he clarified that he was not doing that. Why? He wanted them to give willingly!
The end of 2 Corinthians 8:3 says, “of their own accord.” Paul pointed out to the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave "willingly. And this is part of the reason God doesn’t want us to tithe or give a certain percentage. He wants us to give willingly out of thankfulness rather than obligation to a command.
Paul is still trying to get the Corinthians to give the money they said they would in the next chapter:
2 Corinthians 9:5 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...7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This is almost comical: Paul reminded them of their promise to give by sending Christians ahead to receive their gift. But he still said he wanted it to be a willing gift, not something he had to force out of them. “Not under compulsion” also means giving willingly.
We’re not supposed to give because of external pressure, such as the demands of others. Giving under compulsion resembles taxation more than worship. This is why we don’t pass the plate at Woodland Christian Church.
Paul’s words are clear, which is why it’s disappointing when Christian leaders disobey them. We can’t help but think of televangelists and pastors saying almost anything to get people to give. They will guilt, shame, lie, and make ridiculous promises if it helps them obtain one more dollar. They aren’t trying to help people grow in their relationships with the Lord. Instead, they’re motivated by greed and covetousness.
During my years of ministry I have endured many offering appeals. I have listened to pathetic tales about unbelievable needs. I have forced myself to laugh at old jokes that were supposed to make it easier for me to part with my money. I have been scolded, shamed, and almost threatened, and I must confess that none of these approaches has ever stirred me to give more than I planned to give. In fact, more than once I gave less because I was so disgusted with the worldly approach.”
Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2: Ephesians–Revelation (Colorado Springs, CO; David C. Cook, 1989), 656.
Mark Twain wrote, “I was so sickened by the long appeal that I took a bill out of the plate.”
Principle Three: Biblical Giving Requires Deciding How Much to Give
Because we are not told how much, it is something we must decide as 2 Corinthians 9:7 states: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." If we were commanded to give a tithe, Paul would have said, “Let each one give a tithe.” Instead, Paul says we must decide. Can I be honest with you? I don’t like these words! I prefer black and white. I wish I were told how much to give.
This means no one can tell you how much to give.
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By Scott LaPierre
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Although the New Testament doesn’t command tithing, it gives us principles to determine the amount. Most of these principles for biblical giving are found in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. These chapters provide the richest, most detailed teaching on giving in the Bible. Read, listen, or watch this material from Your Finances God’s Way to learn more.
https://youtu.be/sCmBIcmYGcg
The New Testament doesn’t command tithing, but it gives us principles for biblical giving in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 to determine the amount.
Table of contentsThe Macedonians' Example in GivingPrinciple One: Biblical Giving Is a Reflection of Our Relationships with the LordPrinciple Two: Biblical Giving Means Giving WillinglyPrinciple Three: Biblical Giving Requires Deciding How Much to GiveThe Old Testament Foreshadowed Giving WillinglyJacob Gave UnwillinglyAbraham Gave WillinglyGiving Willingly Produces More than Obligatory GivingWhy Do We Give?
We wonder how much to give because the New Testament doesn’t command giving a tithe. Although the New Testament doesn’t tell us how much, it does give us principles to determine the amount. Most of these principles are found in two chapters: 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. These chapters provide the richest, most detailed teaching on giving in the Bible.
The Macedonians' Example in Giving
First, here’s the context for these chapters: One of the primary goals of Paul’s third missionary journey was to gather a special offering for the poor Christians in Jerusalem. The Corinthians said they would give, but they hadn’t given yet. It is much easier to talk about giving than give. So, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give by telling them about the Macedonians who set a powerful example with their sacrificial giving. Just as Job is synonymous with suffering and Solomon is synonymous with wisdom, the Macedonians can be synonymous with giving.
2 Corinthians 8:1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, 2 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.
Notice in verse it says the Macedonians gave “in a severe test of affliction.” Macedonia was the northern region of Greece, where the Philippian, Thessalonican, and Berean churches were located. Many wars had ravaged this area, and Rome was still plundering it even at the time of Paul’s writing. In other words, living in Macedonia was difficult.
During trials, who do we tend to think about? Ourselves. Who do we tend not to think about? Others. But not the Macedonians! Even while suffering, they still thought about and gave “a wealth of generosity” to the Jerusalem believers.
Because the Macedonians gave so much, we would expect them to have been given much; in other words, we would expect them to be wealthy. But it was the opposite! Verse 2 also says they were in “extreme poverty.” The Greek word translated as “poverty” refers to a beggar with nothing and no hope of getting anything. When I think of first-century Christians, I think of people who were already poor. The Macedonians must have been among the lowest of the low, but they still found a way to give much.
2 Corinthians 8:3 For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord. 4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints
They gave “beyond their means,” which means they gave more than they could afford. They didn’t have the money, but they gave anyway. They resemble the widow who gave her last two mites.
How many times have you heard of Christians begging to be able to give? They called being able to give a “favor,” or some Bibles say privilege. The Greek word for favor or privilege is charis, the same word translated as “grace” elsewhere in Scripture. Verse 1 says that “the grace of God” allowed them to give. It’s like they’re asking for more grace or more favor so that they can give more.
The Greek word for “taking part” is koinonia, often translated as “fellowship.” The word means “strong association, community, or participation.” The Macedonians wanted such strong fellowship with the Jerusalem believers they “[took] part in [their] relief” and participated in their suffering through their giving. Whenever we give, we also associate with others and take part in “the relief” of their burdens or suffering.
Principle One: Biblical Giving Is a Reflection of Our Relationships with the Lord
2 Corinthians 8:5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
Because Paul is speaking, the words “not as we expected” mean the Macedonians gave even more than Paul and his companions anticipated. That’s incredible. They gave so much it surprised Paul.
The word “first” doesn’t refer to time or chronology but priority. They gave themselves “first” to God, which led to their generosity. Their giving was related to their relationship with the Lord. Consider these statistics about how much Jesus discussed money:
Jesus talked about money more than anything except the kingdom of God.
He spoke of money more than heaven and hell…combined.
There are 39 parables and 11 of them, almost one-third, are about money.
In the Gospels, 1 out of 10 verses – 288 total – is about money.
Because Jesus said so much about money, what we do with money says much about our relationships with Him. And this account with the Macedonians is a good example!
Their giving was an outpouring of their relationships with the Lord.
They gave the way they did BECAUSE of their relationships with Christ.
Similarly:
Our giving is an outpouring of our relationships with the Lord.
We give the way we do because of our relationships with Christ.
Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). What we do with money is a window into our hearts and reveals what we value. To know what’s important to people, look at their calendars and checkbooks. Then, you can see what they do with their most valuable resources: time and money.
Principle Two: Biblical Giving Means Giving Willingly
2 Corinthians 8:7 But as you excel in everythingin faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for yousee that you excel in this act of grace also. 8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.
The “act of grace” Paul is referring to is giving. He says they excel in these other areas and wants them to excel in giving, too.
Paul's approach is interesting! He was an apostle, which means he had the apostolic authority to command his readers to give. We know he wanted them to give because that’s the point of his writing, but when it sounded like he was about to command them to give, he clarified that he was not doing that. Why? He wanted them to give willingly!
The end of 2 Corinthians 8:3 says, “of their own accord.” Paul pointed out to the Corinthians that the Macedonians gave "willingly. And this is part of the reason God doesn’t want us to tithe or give a certain percentage. He wants us to give willingly out of thankfulness rather than obligation to a command.
Paul is still trying to get the Corinthians to give the money they said they would in the next chapter:
2 Corinthians 9:5 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...7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This is almost comical: Paul reminded them of their promise to give by sending Christians ahead to receive their gift. But he still said he wanted it to be a willing gift, not something he had to force out of them. “Not under compulsion” also means giving willingly.
We’re not supposed to give because of external pressure, such as the demands of others. Giving under compulsion resembles taxation more than worship. This is why we don’t pass the plate at Woodland Christian Church.
Paul’s words are clear, which is why it’s disappointing when Christian leaders disobey them. We can’t help but think of televangelists and pastors saying almost anything to get people to give. They will guilt, shame, lie, and make ridiculous promises if it helps them obtain one more dollar. They aren’t trying to help people grow in their relationships with the Lord. Instead, they’re motivated by greed and covetousness.
During my years of ministry I have endured many offering appeals. I have listened to pathetic tales about unbelievable needs. I have forced myself to laugh at old jokes that were supposed to make it easier for me to part with my money. I have been scolded, shamed, and almost threatened, and I must confess that none of these approaches has ever stirred me to give more than I planned to give. In fact, more than once I gave less because I was so disgusted with the worldly approach.”
Warren Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2: Ephesians–Revelation (Colorado Springs, CO; David C. Cook, 1989), 656.
Mark Twain wrote, “I was so sickened by the long appeal that I took a bill out of the plate.”
Principle Three: Biblical Giving Requires Deciding How Much to Give
Because we are not told how much, it is something we must decide as 2 Corinthians 9:7 states: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." If we were commanded to give a tithe, Paul would have said, “Let each one give a tithe.” Instead, Paul says we must decide. Can I be honest with you? I don’t like these words! I prefer black and white. I wish I were told how much to give.
This means no one can tell you how much to give.