Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 8:4
they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church while coordinating a financial relief collection for believers in Jerusalem. He points to the Macedonian churches as a precedent for this ongoing initiative.
The words — The text employs δεόμενοι (deomenoi), meaning imploring or pleading, and πολλῆς παρακλήσεως (pollēs paraklēseōs), meaning much entreaty or earnest request. These terms describe the Macedonians actively begging Paul to permit their inclusion in the aid effort.
The thread — The collection of resources for fellow believers appears in Acts 24:17, Galatians 6:10, and 2 Corinthians 9:1. These passages consistently frame financial aid to the church as a formal service or grace.
Why it lands — The verse records that the believers did not wait for an invitation but requested the opportunity to give. A reader must recognize that participation in God’s work requires proactive pursuit rather than passive availability.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Cross-references
- Acts 24:17 After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
- Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.
- 2 Corinthians 9:1 Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
- Hebrews 6:10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
- 1 Corinthians 16:3 Then, on my arrival, I will send letters with those you recommend to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
- 1 Corinthians 16:15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,
- 1 John 3:16 By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
- Acts 11:29 So the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.
- Romans 15:25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.
- 2 Corinthians 9:12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.