Chapter Summary

Collection for the poor. Exhortation concerning the grace of giving.

Discussion Questions for 2 Corinthians, Chapter 8

1. What "task" is Paul asking the Corinthians to finish? Why do you think Paul has a right to request the Corinthians perform this task? What role does his Apostolic authority play in making this appeal to this particular church?
2. How could the churches of Macedonia be generous and yet poor? What does that teach you about how to use your own resources for the Kingdom of God?
3. Why do you think the Macedonian churches "begged" (HCSB) Paul to help those affected by the famine in Jerusalem? What principles might this teach us about how to relate to different socioeconomic backgrounds in ministry?
4. Knowing that Paul recognized that the gift they received was a "large sum" (HCSB), what does this teach us about financial accountability and trust? How do you practice financial accountability in your life? How do you see your church practice financial accountability?
5. How does this chapter inspire you to be more sacrificial in your giving? Do you see "giving" as monetary only, or are there other ways to sacrifice for the Kingdom of God? What are some of these ways to be sacrificial?
6. In what ways is sacrifice a "privilege" (HCSB)? How would you adjust your pattern of thinking to view generosity and sacrifice as a privilege rather than a burden?
7. What are the characteristics that Paul encourages the Corinthians to "excel in" (HCSB)? What are ways that you personally can grow in these areas, and what would that look like for you?
8. What is the significance of Paul giving an "opinion" (HCSB) in verse 10? How do you think that correlates with Scripture being inspired by God? Does this make Paul's opinion less authoritative? Why or why not?
9. Paul uses the word "equality" (HCSB) in verse 13 in regards to financial prosperity. How does that make you feel? In what ways might this challenge your political beliefs and how that relates to the operations of the Church?
10. Why is Titus' reputation important in this chapter? How do you view your own reputation, and what role does it play in your interactions with both the church and the lost?

Key Words/Phrase

Liberality, v. 2.

Characters

God, Christ, Paul, Titus.

Strong Verse(s)

7, 9, 12, 21.