UTN uW Translation Notes:

2 Corinthians 8 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

6. Giving for the gospel (8:1–9:15) * Example of the Macedonians (8:1–6) * Paul appeals to the Corinthians to give generously (8:7–9:5)Some translations set quotations from the Old Testament farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. The ULT does this with the quotation from Exodus 16:18 in 8:15.

Special Concepts in this Chapter

The collection for the church in Jerusalem

Throughout this chapter, Paul encourages the Corinthians to finish collecting the money they were going to contribute to what Paul was gathering to send to the believers in Jerusalem. Paul sometimes calls participating in this collection a grace. He often refers to this collection indirectly, which was a polite way to talk about financial matters in his culture. If people in your culture speak more directly about financial matters, you may need to make some of the ideas more explicit. In order to encourage the Corinthians to give to this collection, Paul tells them that the Macedonian believers have already given generously (8:1–5), states reasons why the Corinthians should give (8:6–15), and assures the Corinthians that the people who are managing the collection are trustworthy (8:16–24). Make sure that your translation includes these elements that encourage the Corinthians to give to the collection.

The generosity of the Macedonians

In 8:1–5, Paul tells the Corinthians about how the Macedonian believers contributed generously to the collection even though they were poor and suffering. He does this to encourage the Corinthians also to give generously. While Paul does not directly compare how much the Corinthians and Macedonians have given, he does use the Macedonians as an example. Your translation should clearly present the Macedonians as an example to imitate.

Equality

In 8:13–14, Paul indicates that one of the reasons for the collection is “equality” among believers. He does not mean that every believer must have exactly the same amount of possessions and money. What he does mean is that believers who have much should share with believers who have little. He wants all believers to be doing “equally” well. So, while this does not mean that everyone has exactly the same amount of possessions and money, it does mean that some believers should not be rich when others are poor. Consider how you might express the idea of general, although not exact, “equality.”

Titus and two traveling companions

In 8:16–23, Paul commends Titus and then introduces and commends the two men who travel with him. Most likely, these three men traveled together and carried Paul’s letter (2 Corinthians) with them. Paul does not name the two men, but he does indicate that they are trustworthy and should be respected. If you have normal ways of introducing and commending people, you could use them here.

Other Possible Translation Difficulties in this Chapter

Exclusive “we”

Throughout this chapter, Paul uses the words “we,” “us,” and “our” to refer to himself and those who work with him. He does not include the Corinthians. You should assume that Paul only means himself and his fellow workers unless a note specifies otherwise. (See: figs-exclusive)