They gave generously because, though intensely poor, their newfound faith in Christ gave them a completely different outlook on life.
Les Feldick shows that these believers were poverty-stricken due to the mountainous terrain, yet they willingly gave offerings to the poor saints in Jerusalem. They gave because, as true children of God, their priorities changed from receiving to giving, inspired by the joy and grace of the Gospel.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2 — Paul highlights the grace of God in the Macedonian churches and their abundant joy despite deep poverty, which motivated their generosity.
In 2 Corinthians 8:1-2, Paul writes, "Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." This shows that even in extreme poverty, the Macedonian believers had an abundance of joy that overflowed into generous giving. Paul further notes in 2 Corinthians 8:3-4 that they gave beyond their ability and begged for the privilege of sharing in this ministry.
Les Feldick explains that the believers in Macedonia and Achaia were intensely poor because the region was mountainous, providing little opportunity for wealth (Clip 1). Despite this, they gave generously to the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem, which was a more prosperous area (Clip 2). Les emphasizes that when people become true children of God, they have a whole different outlook on everything—instead of expecting help, they were willing to send aid back to the homeland (Clip 2). He also notes that this giving was not from surplus but from their poverty, showing the depth of their commitment and the grace of God (Clip 0). The giving of these poor believers was so notable that Paul even used their example to challenge the wealthier Corinthian church (Clip 3).
Les Feldick explains that the region of Macedonia (northern Greece) and Achaia (southern Greece) is totally mountainous, leaving very little opportunity for creating wealth. The rural areas were especially poverty-stricken, making the believers intensely poor (Clip 1). He also notes that the terrain made it difficult to grow crops or earn a living, contributing to their destitute condition (Clip 7).
Les Feldick teaches that the key motivation was their transformation through the Gospel. When people become true children of God, they have a completely different outlook on everything. Instead of focusing on their own needs, they were eager to give to others, even sending offerings back to the homeland of Jerusalem (Clip 2). He also highlights that their giving was an act of obedience and a recognition of the spiritual debt they owed to the Jews (Clip 4).
The offering was collected primarily for the poor saints at Jerusalem (Clip 4). These Jewish believers had sold their possessions and pooled resources, but the common fund ran dry (Clip 6). They were destitute because of their obedience to the Word of God, and God used the Gentile believers' offerings to take care of them (Clip 4). Paul stressed that the Jews were worthy of these material gifts because of the spiritual blessings they had given to the Gentiles (Clip 4).
Paul pointed out that he took offerings from the poor believers in Macedonia to support his ministry, so he wouldn't be a burden to the wealthier Corinthian church (Clip 3). He boasted that he was chargeable to no one in Corinth, as the poverty-stricken Macedonians supplied his needs (Clip 3). This highlighted the contrast between the sacrificial giving of the poor and the lack of generosity among the more affluent Corinthians.
Geography and Poverty of Macedonia
Les explains that Macedonia and Achaia are mountainous regions, which limited wealth, making the believers there poor.
Poverty of the Believers
Les describes the new believers in Greece as intensely poor and poverty-stricken due to the mountainous terrain.
Generosity Despite Poverty
Les teaches that despite their poverty, these believers gave to the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating a transformed outlook as true children of God.
Paul's Use of Their Example
Les shows how Paul took offerings from the poor Macedonians to support his ministry, sparing the wealthier Corinthians from having to give.
Purpose of the Offering
Les notes that the offerings were primarily for the poor Jewish saints in Jerusalem, who were destitute after their resources ran out.
Why Paul's Gospel to Gentiles Is Different From Peter's
Everybody would enjoy the wealth of the Kingdom, so they did it gladly. But, Israel didn't respond. The Kingdom didn't come in. And what happened to their kitty? It ran dry. Now listen, once you have relieved yourself of all your material wealth, and it's gone, it's pretty hard to start over, isn't it? And it was back then. And so what did they become? Poor.
Why the Jerusalem Saints Were Poor
Les explains that the Jerusalem believers became poor because they sold their possessions and pooled resources, which eventually ran dry.
Paul's Reluctant Use of Their Offerings
Les reveals that Paul, though reluctant, accepted money from the poor Macedonians to avoid burdening the wealthy Corinthians.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2: Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
This verse highlights that even in deep poverty, the Macedonian believers' joy overflowed into generous giving.
2 Corinthians 8:3: For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
Shows that they gave beyond their ability, indicating their willingness and commitment.
2 Corinthians 8:4: Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Demonstrates that they begged for the privilege of giving, showing their eagerness.
Les Feldick explains that the regions were mountainous, offering little opportunity for wealth, so the new believers were intensely poor and poverty-stricken.
The offerings were for the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem, who had sold their possessions and pooled resources, but the common fund had run dry.
Their transformation through the Gospel gave them a new outlook, filled with joy and a desire to give rather than receive, as true children of God.
Watch the Teaching: Why Poor Churches Begged to Give - 2 Corinthians 8:1-6