HIS POVERTY LED TO YOUR RICHES [Pt 1] - Min. Awe Hilary

 The second epistle by Paul the Apostle to the Corinth church, starts with his usual signature salutation and a recognition of the saints at Achaia.

2 Corinthians 1:1 [AMP]:

Paul, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Christ Jesus (the Messiah) by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God which is at Corinth, and to all the saints (God’s people) throughout Achaia (southern Greece).

Achaia is located in the southern part of Greece which has Corinth as its administrative capital, and also the church in Corinth was planted by Apostle Paul and his companions - Silvanus and Timothy.

2 Corinthians 1:19 [AMP]:

For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but has proved to be “Yes” in Him [true and faithful, the divine “Yes” affirming God’s promises].

In his second letter to the church at Corinth, Paul the Apostle gives a good report about the liberality of the church in Macedonia, who were committed by first giving themselves unto the Lord, then showing forth commitment to the ministering of the saints in Jerusalem through their generosity which could not be hindered by either affliction or poverty as a church.

2 Corinthians 8:2 [AMP]:

for during an ordeal of severe distress, their abundant joy and their deep poverty [together] overflowed in the wealth of their lavish generosity.

2 Corinthians 8:3 [AMP]:

For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave voluntarily,

2 Corinthians 8:4 [AMP]:

begging us insistently for the privilege of participating in the service for [the support of] the saints [in Jerusalem].

This report by Paul the Apostle to the Corinth Church about his experience in the Macedonian Church was to encourage Titus to also ensure that the Corinth church was trained to also excell in giving, even as they were already excelling in others aspects like faith, speech, knowledge, diligence and love.

2 Corinthians 8:6 [AMP]:

So we urged Titus that, as he began it, he should also complete this gracious work among you as well.

2 Corinthians 8:7 [AMP]:

But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also.

The phrase "act of grace" or "gracious work" as recorded in the book of 2 Corinthians 8:7, is translated from the Greek word CHARIN which is interpreted as an unmerited favour or a gift, which in this instance refered to the collections [free will offerings] which Titus started at the church in Corinth for the welfare of the saints in Jerusalem.

2 Corinthians 8:10 [AMP]:

I give you my opinion in this matter: this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to take action [to help the believers in Jerusalem], but also [the first] to desire to do it.

2 Corinthians 8:11 [AMP]:

So now finish this, so that your eagerness in desiring it may be equaled by your completion of it, according to your ability.

2 Corinthians 8:12 [AMP]:

For if the eagerness [to give] is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

However, what did Paul the Apostle infer by making the statement that Jesus Christ became poor though He was rich, that through His poverty they may become rich, and also the inquisition into why that comparism was made with respect to the collections that were being made to the saints in Jerusalem?

..... To be Continued.

Min. Awe Hilary 

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