Faith without religion.
Exploring Generosity and Community in 2 Corinthians
In a recent teaching session, we delved into a unique exploration of 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, marking a first in our campus history by covering two full chapters in one day. This deep dive into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians sparked a range of reactions and reflections on his approach to encouraging the believers to support the saints in Jerusalem.
Paul’s appeal, which he admits was not made with divine authority, stirred mixed feelings. While some found his methods manipulative, others saw the human side of an apostle striving to do good. The discussion highlighted the tension between Paul’s human efforts and the spiritual principles taught by Jesus, such as giving without making a show of it and trusting in God’s provision.
The session also touched on the concept of communal living, drawing parallels between Paul’s message and historical attempts at communal sharing, from early Christian communities to modern religious groups. While the idea of equality and shared resources is noble, history shows that such systems often falter under the weight of human self-interest.
Despite the critiques, Paul’s letters offer valuable insights. His encouragement to give willingly and cheerfully, as led by the Spirit, aligns with biblical truths. The teaching concluded with a reminder of the ultimate gift—God’s only begotten Son—and a call to seek Him in spirit and truth, allowing the Spirit, rather than human persuasion, to guide our generosity.