81 Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
81 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches.
81 We want you to know, brothers,
81 Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province.
81 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
81 Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:1
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:1-6
(Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-6)
The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the good in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. So far from needing that Paul should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Whatever we use or lay out for God, it is only giving him what is his own. All we give for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God, nor turn to our advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord. By ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to him whose due it is, but also show men where their strength is. Abundant spiritual joy enlarges men's hearts in the work and labour of love. How different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work, unless urged into it!