2 Corinthians 9:4
Bashkir 2014 - Инжил Башҡортча
Бәлки, ҡайһы бер Македония кешеләре минең менән килер. Шул саҡта әҙер булмаһағыҙ, беҙ был эштә — һеҙҙең турала әйтеп торорға ла түгел — оятҡа ҡалырбыҙ.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, Paul is warning the Corinthians that if people from Macedonia come with him and find them unprepared to contribute financially as promised, it could make everyone feel embarrassed because of their confident boasting about giving generously.
Explained for Children
Imagine you told your friends at school that you would bring cookies for a party. But when they show up, there are no cookies! Now you feel really silly and embarrassed. Paul is worried something like this might happen with the Corinthians when people from Macedonia come to visit.
Historical Background
This letter was written by the Apostle Paul around 54-57 AD to the church in Corinth. The Corinthians had promised financial support for believers in Jerusalem, and Paul was encouraging them to follow through on their promise without delay.
Living It Out Today
Today, if someone promises something but fails to deliver, it can damage trust and cause embarrassment. Just like Paul's warning to the Corinthians about not letting others down, we should be mindful of our commitments and strive to fulfill what we say we will do.
Topics
GenerosityEmbarrassmentCommitmentsFinancial ResponsibilityEncouragementCommunity Support
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Paul's main concern in 2 Corinthians 9:4?
Paul was concerned that if the Corinthians did not follow through on their promise to give generously, it would lead to embarrassment when people from Macedonia came.
How can this verse apply to daily life?
It teaches us about the importance of keeping our promises and fulfilling commitments we make, especially in terms of generosity and support for others.
What does 'confident boasting' mean here?
Paul is referring to his confident statements about the Corinthians' willingness to give generously. He didn't want these claims to be proven wrong by their lack of preparation.
Why was Macedonia's visit significant?
The visit from Macedonia highlighted the importance of the Corinthians following through on their commitment, as it would validate Paul's confidence in them and prevent embarrassment.