Who begged for the opportunity to give in 2 Corinthians 8?
The poor believers in Greece begged the apostle Paul for the opportunity to give. They earnestly entreated him to receive their gift for the needy saints in Jerusalem, acting beyond their power and willingly, not from arm-twisting but from a desire to help.
Les explains that Paul and Titus did not go in to promote or twist arms; they simply expressed the need to help the poor saints in Jerusalem. The believers in Greece, though poor themselves, were willing beyond their power and begged Paul with much entreaty that he would receive their gift. Les contrasts this with today, where telethons and arm-twisting are often used to get people to give. He notes they first gave themselves to the Lord, and that it does no good for an unbeliever to give to the things of God, because God doesn't need it.
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
More Questions
How does giving today contrast with the Macedonian believers begging to give?
Today, in contrast to the Macedonians, people often have to be arm-twisted or prompted by a telethon to give.