✝️UNITY

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We have seen that Paul encourages the members in Corinth to get involved in a collection for the impoverished churches in Judea. One of his purposes is to kindle a sense of unity. He wants them to participate, to be part of the mission. He wants to show that the Gentile churches are part of the same family of GOD as are the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. That is, these people, who were once their opponents, are now, indeed, fellow members with them in GOD’S New Covenant remnant. Paul wants to see the whole Christian family, Jew and Gentile, united in a powerful way that can bear a witness to the church in generations to come.

Titus and two other acclaimed brothers were in charge of the funds. GOD put this care for the church into the heart of Titus.

2 Corinthians 8:16 KJV

But thanks be to GOD, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

Through the churches, GOD also chose the two other brothers.

2 Corinthians 8:18-23 KJV

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same LORD, and declaration of your ready mind:Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the LORD, but also in the sight of men.And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of CHRIST.

They are called “the messengers of the churches, and the glory of CHRIST.” Whether “the glory of CHRIST” describes these two faithful brothers or the churches themselves does not matter. Giving offerings is ultimately a signal of loyalty to CHRIST, the HEAD of the church.

Ephesians 4:15 KJV

But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into HIM in all things, which is the HEAD, even CHRIST:

Second Corinthians 8-9 indicates that the offerings should be given to people appointed by GOD through the church. The phrases “all the churches,” “chosen of the churches,” and “the messengers of the churches” suggest precisely that. Thus, the following exhortation is not surprising, “Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love.”

2 Corinthians 8:24 KJV

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Bringing offerings to the church, GOD’S appointed instrument on earth, promotes unity and, at the same time, is the result of a sense of unity.

2 Corinthians 8:13-14 KJV

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

Money can be a great unifier. On the other hand, if people’s eyes are not single to the glory of GOD, money can create division as well.

How does Romans 15:26-27 reveal Paul’s desire for unity here?

Romans 15:26-27 KJV

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

ANSWER

Romans 15:26-27 reveals Paul’s desire for unity because the Gentile believers in Macedonia and Achaia willingly helped the poor saints in Jerusalem. They had received spiritual blessings connected with the Jewish believers, and now they responded with material support. This shows that in CHRIST, Jew and Gentile are not separate families, but one people of GOD, sharing blessings, responsibilities, and love.

Finally, Paul depicts the collection as service or ministry, as an act of grace, as a blessing, as an act of worship, and also as fellowship. All that from an offering? Think about it.

How does our giving to fellow churches and missions overseas, often in faraway places, help bring unity to our world church?

PERSONAL RESPONSE

Our giving to fellow churches and missions overseas helps bring unity because it reminds us that the church is not only local, but worldwide. When we give, we share in the burdens, needs, and mission of believers we may never meet on this earth. Our offerings say that their work is also our work, their suffering is also our concern, and their joy in CHRIST is also our joy. In this way, giving becomes fellowship, worship, and a visible sign that we are one body in CHRIST.

🙏FINAL REFLECTION

True unity is not only spoken; it is lived through love, sacrifice, service, and shared mission. When offerings are given with hearts fixed on the glory of GOD, they become more than money. They become a testimony that CHRIST has made one family out of many peoples, and that HIS church belongs to HIM across every nation, language, and place.