The Macedonian churches The Macedonian churches are a testimony that it is possible not merely to experience joy but to have it overflow in the midst of trials. Even more, just as persecution did not take away from their joyfulness, neither did poverty diminish their ability to be generous Paul says that their poverty welled up in rich generosity (v. 2). The text is literally a wealth of liberality (to ploutos tes haplotetos). The basic meaning of haplotes is singleness, and it denotes simplicity of character (noble), heart (pure) or intent (sincere; Bauernfeind 1964). Here it signifies an openheartedness toward ones possessions (generosity). Sadly, it is often those having the least, rather than the most, who are the generous givers. Charles Spurgeon tells of receiving a wealthy mans invitation to come preach at his rural church to help the members raise funds to pay off a debt. The man also told Spurgeon that he was free to use his country house, his town house or his seaside home. Spurgeon wrote back, Sell one of the places and pay the debt yourself. It is easy to see how affluence can well up in generous giving. But how is it possible for extreme poverty to overflow in a wealth of liberality? Verses 3-5 provide the explanation. First, it is because the Macedonians gave not just as much as they were able (literally according to their ability) but beyond (v. 3). How much beyond Paul does not say. But there is no hint that this was a reckless action on their part. The sense is that they determined what they could comfortably contribute and then went beyond this figure. Second, what they gave, they gave entirely on their own (v. 3). Authairetos (autos self + haireomai to choose) refers to something done of ones own accord or by a free choice. In essence, the Macedonians were not pressured into giving. They gave willingly. In fact, they urgently pleaded to be involved (v. 4). The thrust of the Greek is that they begged (deomenoi) Paul most earnestly (meta pollhs parakleseos). This was because they considered involvement in the relief effort a privilege (charis; see v. 1) and a sharing (koinonia, v. 4). Koinwnia, commonly translated fellowship in the New Testament, means that which we hold in common or have a share in. In Christian circles it came to denote the close union and common faith that believers have as members of Christs church. Implicit in this close union is a responsibility to care for those in need in the family of God. Finally, the Macedonian generosity was possible because they gave themselves first to the Lord and only then to Paul (v. 5). Their preeminent concern was how best to serve Christ. It is here that they exceeded Pauls expectations. They gave out of their poverty because of the sincerity of their commitment to Christ as Lord (to kyriw). So great was their desire to serve Christ that they would not allow their economic situation to keep them from being involved in the Lords work (Waldrop 1984:38). This is why Paul describes the collection as a service (v. 4). It is not just a financial obligation. It is a ministry opportunity to the saints (v. 4)--those set apart to be Gods possession.
Posted on: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 15:26:13 +0000
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