Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 CORINTHIANS 8:1KJV
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2 Corinthians 8:1 (KJV)

What does 2 Corinthians 8:1 mean?

2 Corinthians 8:1 describes how Paul wants the believers in Corinth to know about the special kindness (“grace of God”) that God has given to the churches in Macedonia. Paul is drawing attention to something remarkable God has done among these other churches.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Corinth, a city in Greece, and he is telling them about the generosity shown by the churches in Macedonia, a nearby region. The “grace of God” here refers to the way God enabled the Macedonian churches to be generous, even though they were not wealthy themselves. Paul is setting up an example for the Corinthians to notice and consider.

The Greek behind 2 Corinthians 8:1

  • χάρις (charis, “grace”): This word often means kindness or favor, and here it highlights that the generosity of the Macedonian churches is seen as a gift or work from God, not just human effort.
  • ἐκκλησίαι (ekklēsiai, “churches”): This word means gatherings or assemblies, reminding the reader that Paul is talking about real groups of believers in specific places, not just individuals.
  • Μακεδονία (Makedonia, “Macedonia”): Naming Macedonia points to a real region known for its poverty at the time, making their generosity even more striking.

Why 2 Corinthians 8:1 matters

  • This verse clears up that Paul is not just praising the Macedonian churches for their own sake, but is pointing to God’s work in them, emphasizing that true generosity comes from God’s grace.
  • By mentioning the churches of Macedonia, Paul is preparing the Corinthians to think about their own giving, setting the stage for the rest of chapter 8, which discusses generosity and support for others.
  • The verse helps readers see that acts of kindness and generosity among believers are not just personal achievements, but are signs of God’s grace at work in a community.

Where else these words appear

“Macedonia” Greek G3109 · used in 22 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Acts 20:3 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“do” Greek G1107 · used in 23 verses

  • Luke 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
  • Ephesians 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

“churches” Greek G1577 · used in 115 verses

  • Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
  • Colossians 1:24 Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.