Epistle Essay 2 Corinthians

Epistle Essay: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
The letter of 2 Corinthians – Historical Content:
Paul was the author and the letter was written after Pentecost A.D.56, in Macedonia. In the letter Paul gives an explanation of his ministry, speaks on collection for the saints, and vindicates his apostleship. Throughout 2 Corinthians Paul changes his attitude with being joyous, gentle, to consoling to full of reproof. Working toward ministering on sowing generously Paul deferred his original visit by taking Corinth on his way to Macedonia. In passages prior to 9:6-8 Paul speaks of the collections made in Macedonia for the poor saints in Jerusalem. It is believed that the contributions came from many churches in the area of Macedonia but filtered through the church in Philippi as it was the chief town of providence.

Literary Content:
Paul was teaching with a loving heart on Christian Ministry. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 tells us of the laws of giving and receiving. Paul is full of a loving emotion when teaching the importance of giving of ourselves. This is an important lesson for us today as in the day it was written (giving with an open heart). Paul had left Macedonia where the collections of finance for the poor saints in Jerusalem had been very commendable. Paul had on his heart to teach a lesson in generosity, and humility. Paul also speaks in Chapter 8 verse 9 of the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who was rich yet became poor for our sakes. If our Lord would take the lesser for us how could we not try to meet the extraordinary example? Regarding 9:6-8 if you give sparingly you will get sparingly, and if you give generously you will receive generously.

Grammar Content:
NIV 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
6) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7) Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion – Greek (anagke = constraint, by distress, must needs (of) necessity), for God loves a cheerful giver. 8) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things (in everything) at all times; having all that you need, you will abound in every good work – Greek (or charity of others, which will be your seed sown).
Note: The words highlighted in BOLD are word studies, as you can see the original Greek meaning in parenthesis does not always translate as we would think. For me compulsion means hastily and it translate by distress…

Reference:
NIV Study Bible, Strong’s Concordance, Nelson’s Compact Bible Handbook, Crosswalk commentaries. http://biblestudy.crosswalk.com/references/DescriptionRead.aspx?refid=1321&l=3&section=Commentaries&type=Commentary&title=

Hermeneutical Interpretation: I believe the original meaning of the passage was to understand the laws of giving and receiving and doing so with our heart or spirit in the right place. That if we give with a right heart it will result in God’s favor and blessing. I also believe it is giving in all ways of Charity (love), not just the monetary but sharing all the gifts we are given. We can always apply these principals to our everyday lives it is a choice we are free to make each day.

There is something to be said for Kindness……

KINDNESS

But when the kindness and love
Of our God and Savior appeared; he saved us,
Not because of righteous things we had done,
But because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of rebirth
And renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Titus 3:4-5 (NIV)

Kindness is looking outside of ourselves,
It is looking to the needs of someone else.
Kindness is a friendly smile or a simple hello.
Kindness is listening with an open mind,
It’s giving a little of our time.
It’s sharing the kindness you know to be true,
The kindness that Christ showed towards you.

Be kind and compassionate to one another,
Forgiving each other,
Just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)

©Tonya Smith 2006