Reader’s Guide: “The Word for Today” Monday, August 5, 2013 Read – 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 We are going to step away from Luke’s story in Acts one more time this week and listen to some more of Paul’s words – this time words written to the people of Corinth. We have often noticed that Paul’s letters tell a story significantly different from the story told by Luke in Acts. That will not be the case in our reading from 2 Corinthians – other than the fact that the content of Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians in chapters 8 and 9 speaks of the great importance that Paul placed upon the offering he was gathering to bring to the church in Jerusalem. According to Paul’s letters the delivery of this offering was Paul’s main reason for going to Jerusalem. Luke scarcely mentions this offering, and certainly does not see the delivery of the offering as the motive for Paul’s journey. Having said that, we can benefit from hearing more of Paul’s own words to leaders in the church, especially in light of Luke’s concern that leaders not become possessed by possessions, but rather to live out the word of Jesus, “It is better to give than it is to receive.” Let’s turn now to Paul’s words to the Corinthians. We have heard of Paul’s ministry in Macedonia – this is where the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea are to be found. From Paul’s letters we know that these were churches that were close to Paul and close to his heart. In his appeal to the Corinthian church Paul uses them as an example. The most powerful words he writes about the Macedonians are these – “first they gave themselves to the Lord” – generous stewardship flows out of commitment of one’s whole life to God. The Macedonians understood that. Paul was surprised at their generosity since they were experiencing great affliction and extreme poverty. We have heard often of Luke’s concern about the perils of wealth. Paul shares that concern with Luke. And so did Jesus before both of them. As the Macedonians became an example for the Corinthians, may they become an example for all of us.