2 Corinthians 8:2

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

[It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity.

Cross References

Matthew 20:15

Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my own money? Or, is it that your eye is envious because I choose to be so generous?’

Romans 12:8

Or, if our gift is encouraging others, we should devote ourselves to encouraging. Or, if our gift is sharing with others, we should do so generously. Or, if our gift is leading others, we should do so diligently. Or, if our gift is showing caring concern for others, we should do it cheerfully.

Romans 2:4

Or, do you despise the abundance of God’s kindness and tolerance and patience [toward you], not realizing that His kindness is intended to cause you to repent? [i.e., to change your hearts and lives].

2 Corinthians 1:12

For this is what we boast of: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and godly sincerity, not with human wisdom, but with the favor of God.

2 Corinthians 2:9

For this also was my purpose in writing you, that I might test your willingness to obey everything [I required of you].

2 Corinthians 6:10

sad and yet always joyous; poor and yet making many people [spiritually] rich; destitute and yet possessing everything.

2 Corinthians 9:11

You will be made rich in everything so you can be generous in every way. This will result in people thanking God [for what you have done] through us.

2 Corinthians 9:13

Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.

1 Thessalonians 1:6

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,

1 Thessalonians 2:14

For you brothers became imitators of the churches of God in Judea, which are in [fellowship with] Christ, for you people also suffered the same things from your own countrymen that they did from the Jews,

James 2:5

Listen, my dearly loved brothers; did not God choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be wealthy in faith and to inherit the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

Revelation 2:9

I know [about] your suffering and your poverty (but you are [really] rich), and the slander of those who say they are Jews, though they [really] are not, but are a synagogue of Satan [i.e., they claimed to be an assembly of God’s people, but in reality were serving Satan].