Paul tells the Corinthians to be prepared to give. He also says that their giving stirred up the Macedonians to give.

Paul tells us the giving of the Corinthians is honorable in God's sight and in man's sight. He also inform them more about the two men he is sending.

Paul talks about Titus and Trophimus. These two men were sent to take care of the offering. They were accountable for the offering.

Paul is talking about equality in the church. Equality was very important in the early church. It is important today. We must share with each other.

The process of giving. First, a desire to give, second the faithfulness to complete it, third the ability.

Paul is not commanding the Corinthians to give. That would violate the Word of God. But he is proving their love by giving them the opportunity to give. Jesus is our example of a great giver.

The Apostle Paul calls giving a gracious work or ministry. This shows us the importance of giving. It is a ministry that all believers should be doing. Paul wants us to excel in that ministry.

Paul gives us two essential things that need to be a part of our lives for us to give like the Macedonians. First a complete surrender to the Lord. Second, that we give ourselves to the one taking the offering. Trust is a very big part in giving.

The Macedonians begged Paul to participate in the this offering to the saints in Jerusalem. They gave according to their ability and beyond their ability. They gave of their with one will or accord.

Paul begins his teaching on giving. Giving is an act of the grace of God. The Macedonian churches gave liberally even though they we deeply poor.