2 Corinthians 8

we make known
This is translated “we make known” rather than “we wish to make known” to rightly represent the present tense of the verb γνωρίζομεν (gnōrizomen). This is not merely something Paul and his ministry companions wish to do, it is what they are actually doing via this letter. Paul tells the Corinthians about these churches as examples of abundant generosity to imitate.

testing by affliction
While some translations have something like “ordeal of suffering” or “trial of affliction” here, the phrase “testing by affliction“ better conveys the Greek construction δοκιμῇ θλίψεως (dokimē thlipseōs), emphasizing the testing or proving nature of this time period for the Macedonian churches. This testing by affliction shaped the faith of these genuine Macedonian believers to abound in joy and generosity, and Paul is pointing out their example to the Corinthians to encourage them also in the same.

generosity
The Greek word ἁπλότης (hapolotēs) used here communicates the idea of sincerity, integrity, and uprightness of motive. In contexts in which giving is involved, this implies the idea of generosity, not so much as a quantity but as a motive (cf. 2 Cor 1:12). Thus, Paul is speaking here of giving with a mindset that allows one to give freely and generously because one is not hindered by selfish motives. Paul uses this word is used in the same way in Romans 12:8 and later in 2 Corinthians 9:11 and 9:13, where it is also consistently translated “generosity.” In contexts where giving is not involved, it is rendered as simplicity (2 Cor 11:3) or integrity (Eph 6:5; Col 3:22).

sharing
“Sharing” translates the familiar Greek word κοινωνία (koinōnia), which usually designates fellowship because of its main idea having something in common. This version thus consistently translates this term as either “fellowship” or “sharing” depending on context. Here, “sharing” best fits Paul’s intention in the text as the Macedonian churches begged to be able to share in the ministry to the saints by generous giving.

ministry
Different translations show much variety here in rendering διακονία (diakonia), using something like “support,” “relief,” “helping,” or “gift.” However, διακονία (diakonia) is the word for “service” or “ministry,” which is one of the major themes of this epistle. The root word διάκονος (diakonos) appears 20 times throughout the letter. The consistent translation with the English words “minister” and “ministry” helps the reader to see this theme come out more clearly as the word is repeated throughout the letter. Here, the Macedonian believers beg to help in this ministry because of their love for God and His saints.

encouraged
Though many translations have “urged” here, this translation renders the Greek verb παρακαλέω (parakaleō) with “encouraged.” Terms sharing the root of this word appear 18 times throughout 2 Corinthians, mostly with the sense of “comforting” or “encouraging,” though sometimes “pleading.” Because of this letter’s emphasis on comfort and encouragement, the sense of the term here is best taken as “encouraging” Titus rather than “urging” him (cf. 2:8; 9:5; 12:18). Here, Paul and his ministry companions encourage Titus to complete the Corinthian’s gracious work by gathering from them the collection they had begun at first.

gracious work
The word χάρις (charis) here is consistently translated with “grace” in 2 Corinthians (excepting three occurrences where it is an expression of thankfulness: 2:14; 8:16; 9:15). Consistent translation of this word, especially in this epistle, is important because God’s grace is a major theme throughout 2 Corinthians (cf. note for v. 1:11). Here, it is Titus’ burden to encourage the Corinthians to complete the generous monetary gift for the saints in Jerusalem, which is called a “gracious work.”

gracious work
Refer to the discussion on verse 6 above.

being rich
While many translations have the phrase “though He was rich,” the phrase “though being rich” better accounts for the present participle ὤν (ōn). Paul’s specific wording emphasizes that Jesus remained rich the entire time, and the translation here appropriately brings this out. Thus, Christ displayed the greatest example for sacrificial giving. Though He remains eternally rich as God, He impoverished Himself according to His humanity in order to make others rich, and Paul points this out to encourage the Corinthians likewise unto sacrificial generosity.

profitable
Though some translations portray that Paul’s opinion is for their “benefit” or “advantage,” the underlying Greek word συμφέρω (sympherō) and its cognates are consistently translated as “profitable” everywhere the term appears in the Corinthian epistles (1 Cor 6:12; 10:23; 12:7; here; 2 Cor 12:1), including within the famous statement, “All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable” (1 Cor 10:23). This consistency in translation helps the reader to more clearly see the recurring theme of what is profitable for believers.

relief
The word “relief” translates ἄνεσις (anesis), which conveys the idea of relaxation, alleviation, leisure, or rest generally after hard work or great difficulty (coming from the root word ἀνίημι [aniēmi], “let go” or “release”). Paul was concerned that the Corinthians might have seen this as a situation in which the both they and the saints in Jerusalem saints were experiencing suffering and difficulty, where this gift was unfair because it relieved others while causing them greater affliction. Thus, he emphasizes that this is not the situation at all, but in comparison, the Corinthians actually have an abundance (v. 14), making this gift really a matter of equality. He assures them that were the situation reversed, the Jerusalem saints would also supply their need our of the same goal of equality (v. 14).

thanks
This is one of three instances in 2 Corinthians in which a word sharing the χάρις (charis) root is not translated with some form of the English word “grace” (refer to the discussion on 1:15; cf. 2:14; 9:15). This is because contextually, it is an expression of thanksgiving. Thankfulness aptly compliments grace as it is the appropriate response to receiving grace. In Greek, this is more evident because the words for “grace” and “thanks” share the same root (χάρις; charis). Because English does not have the same advantage, “thanks” is used in cases like this to give the best contextual meaning possible in English, allowing the reader to discern the inherent connection between grace and gratefulness.

praise
“Praise” literally translates ἔπαινος (epainos), which is consistently translated as such everywhere it appears in the New Testament. This maintains consistency so readers can recognize the same word everywhere it appears, and also conveys the most appropriate sense of the word here, as this man is spoken highly of and admired throughout all the churches.

respect what is good
The phrase “respect what is good” has the same Greek construction behind it as Romans 12:17, where Paul says the same thing. Thus, the phrase is translated the same way in both places. Here, Paul is saying that even though his ministry is genuine, he does not want it to be discredited in the eyes of men. This is because he has consideration for what all men regard as “good” by God’s common grace, and he hopes to maintain that kind of blamelessness even before the eyes of men.

earnest
Some translations may render the Greek adjective σπουδαῖος (spoudaios) here with something like “eager” or “diligent.” Though those are accurate translations, the translation here as “earnest” helps the reader most clearly see the word play which Paul has used throughout chapters 7 and 8, and which continues here. Readers will recognize the noun σπουδή (spoudē) consistently rendered as a variation of “earnest” in this translation within this letter (2 Cor 7:11, 12; 8:7, 8, 16; cf. 8:7). In chapter 7, Paul spoke of the earnestness which godly sorrow and repentance produce. Here, Paul commends the earnestness of faithful service in sacrificing for other local churches, for which Titus is commended specifically.