The New Testament marks an explosion of God’s grace. On day of Pentecost the room was shaken; tongues of fire appeared on each of the 120. Great power was released. There were extraordinary miracles at the hands of Peter & Paul; ‘people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats to that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them’ (Acts 5.15). ‘Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him (Paul) were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and evil spirits left them’ (Acts 19.12).
And, significantly, there was an overflow of generosity. For example, in Acts 4.32-35, no one was left in need; there was a generous sharing of material goods (might be argued that this specific approach was not replicated elsewhere – even so the principle of generosity does recur in the NT).
A key principle at work here is that the new covenant of grace involves community and a deep commitment to one another.
This response to share their goods came not from any external pressure (a form of ‘Christian communism,’ as some say), but the inner conviction of the Holy Spirit amongst the followers of Christ.
‘As a result of the resurrection of Jesus, a new community was formed in the world, a radical community of hopelessly diverse people who were so united in heart and soul that they held their possessions loosely.’ (Stan Mast, Centre for Excellence of Preaching)
Commenting on the concept of the local church as family, Andy McCullough says; ‘Family is invasive, comments on everything, admits no no-go areas.’ (Global Humility)
Turning to the words of Paul; in his major teaching on giving, he opens by referring to grace (2 Cor 8.1). Grace is the basis and motivation for our giving. We do not revert to law. Here, in Paul’s longest single teaching on giving in these two chapters, there is no reference to tithing, nor any argument whether this is before or after tax! This is significant – he could have suggested using 10% as a basis. But the question is not to do with quantum, but a generous heart.
Paul commends the Macedonian Churches for giving ‘out of the most severe trial’ and from ‘their extreme poverty’ (2 Cor 8.2). This is reminiscent of the widow, who, Christ observed, gave two small copper coins, everything she had to live on (Mark 12.43-44).
One further detail here is that Paul references a willingness to accept a gift (8.4). Sometimes, an asceticism or false humility arises, as we refuse to accept a kindness from another. This is a form of godliness, but lacking power. Note that Christ Himself repeatedly received help and even asked for it! The incarnate Son of God, to whom all creation belonged and belongs, asked a woman for a drink of water, a small boy for his bread and fish, etc. This is profound and an example to us of receiving as well as giving.
Paul’s conclusion (9.15) refers to the God who gave an indescribable gift, even His Son. Whatever argument we may bring, whatever human logic or reservation we may have, God gave His Son. We do not and cannot attempt to out-give God, but we do give generously.