2 Corinthians

God was totally fair in his distribution of food to the Israelites in the wilderness. He expects fairness among his people today.

Paul appealed to the Corinthians to give generously. Their response would prove the reality of their love for Paul, for the saints of Jerusalem and for the Lord Jesus himself.

The Christians of Macedonia had proved themselves by their giving. Now it was the Corinthians’ turn.

Paul could point to the Macedonian churches as examples of true Christian giving. They regarded giving for the relief of their fellow-believers not as a duty but as a privilege.

What was Paul’s big dream, his grand strategy? He longed to see Jews and Gentiles united in Christ to be the new humanity. That unity had to become visible within local churches and between local churches.