2 Corinthians 8:4

4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

2 Corinthians 8:4 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much entreaty
They not only gave freely, being unasked by the apostles; but they sought to them, and earnestly entreated them,

that they would receive the gift;
the beneficence, what they had so freely and generously collected: and

the fellowship of the ministering to the saints;
what they had communicated for the service of the poor saints at Jerusalem, in which they testified their having and holding fellowship with the churches of Christ; and that they would receive it at their hands, and take it upon them, and carry it to Jerusalem, and distribute to the poor saints there, as should seem to them most proper and convenient; which they accordingly agreed to; see ( Romans 15:25 Romans 15:26 ) .

2 Corinthians 8:4 In-Context

2 In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

3 For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

5 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.

6 So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.