The Mt Kenya Times 
As we noted, Paul began his discussion of grace giving by holding high the example of the impoverished Macedonians’ astounding giving: “And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:1, 2). The word used for “their extreme poverty” is the word from which we derive the English word bathysphere — a Jacques Cousteau word for the ship used to probe the bathos, the depth of the ocean. The great Greek scholar Alfred Plummer translates this, “their down-to-depth poverty.”
The Macedonians were at the bottom, they were truly poor. Not only were they dirt poor, they were under “the most severe trial” (v. 2). The literal sense is, they were being squeezed by the difficulties of their life. The surrounding culture rejected them and kept squeezing them harder and harder because of their devotion to Christ. They were in an unrelenting pressure cooker. Their situation was impossible: grinding poverty and severe trials. But out of it came incredible grace, and their extreme poverty and severe trials mixed with overflowing joy which “welled up in rich generosity.” This was the grace of giving.
This is truly amazing. But if this taxes one’s credulity, listen to Paul’s further description in verses 3 and 4: “For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” They gave “beyond [literally, “contrary to”] their ability.” St. Chrysostom marveled at this, saying, “They did the begging not Paul.” “Come on, Paul. Have a heart! Do not limit us!” The grace of giving has nothing to do with being well off. It is not dictated by ability. It is a willingness to give. Giving is viewed as a privilege. It is joyously enthusiastic and pleads for the opportunity to give more.
What else produces such giving? Paul gives the answer in verse 5 as he relates the vertical and horizontal angles of the Macedonians’ commitment: “And they did not do as we expected, but they GAVE THEMSELVES FIRST TO THE LORD AND THEN TO US IN KEEPING WITH GOD’S WILL.” Their remarkable giving was the result of their first giving themselves to God. It is so simple: when all one has is given to God, giving to others becomes the natural reflex of the soul. It is easy to surrender part when we have already given the whole.
HALELUJAH, MAY WE FIND OURSELVES AS SUCH, EVEN WHEN RICH BEYOND MEADURE! : AMEN& AMEN.
References:
The Living Bible
Discipline of a Godly Man( Book by Kent Hughes)
Evangelist Eric Musa:
(My message continuously: If you are not saved: Believe, accept, receive and confess Christ Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and be filled with the Holy Spirit, as it is written; “NOW is the acceptable time, TODAY is the day of SALVATION.- 2 Cor 6:2”. For prayers, devotion, and to support the ministry contact Evangelist on +254722157300 ( Email: EMEA.ericmusa@gmail.com). Remember, God Loves you and I unconditionally, perfectly and always: SHALOM
Similar Posts by The Mt Kenya Times:
- Mt Kenya Times ePAPER August 27, 2026
- Opposition will have a candidate by April, says Gachagua
- Kalonzo takes his campaign to the people across three counties
- Kenya’s election technology tender: A KSh10B procurement under fire
- The goon question: What Ruto’s vow to act personally really means for Kenya
About the Author
