耶穌本來富足卻為我們變為貧窮 — 哥林多後書讀經隨筆 第8章

哥林多後書第八章，保羅給哥林多教會的弟兄們講述了馬其頓教會在捐助方麵的慷慨。保羅說雖然馬其頓教會身處患難，但是仍然有大喜樂，他們雖然極度貧窮，但是格外樂捐。他們的捐助不僅超過了他們自己的力量，還甘心樂意。保羅然後對哥林多教會說，哥林多教會的弟兄們在信心、口才、知識、熱心和愛心上都格外富有，就當在捐助的事上也顯出慷慨。保羅說，主耶穌基督本來富足，卻為我們變為了貧窮，好叫我們因他的貧窮可以成為富足。
 林後8:1 弟兄們、我把　神賜給馬其頓眾教會的恩告訴你們．
Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;
 林後8:2 就是他們在患難中受大試煉的時候、仍有滿足的快樂、在極窮之間、還格外顯出他們樂捐的厚恩。
how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.
 林後8:3 我可以證明他們是按著力量、而且也過了力量、自己甘心樂意的捐助．
For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,
 林後8:4 再三的求我們、準他們在這供給聖徒的恩情上有分．
begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.
 林後8:5 並且他們所作的、不但照我們所想望的、更照　神的旨意、先把自己獻給主、又歸附了我們。
This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.
 林後8:6 因此我勸提多、既然在你們中間開辦這慈惠的事、就當辦成了。
So we urged Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.
 林後8:7 你們既然在信心、口才、知識、熱心、和待我們的愛心上、都格外顯出滿足來、就當在這慈惠的事上、也格外顯出滿足來。
But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.
 林後8:8 我說這話、不是吩咐你們、乃是借著別人的熱心、試驗你們愛心的實在。
I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.
 林後8:9 你們知道我們主耶穌基督的恩典、他本來富足、卻為你們成了貧窮、叫你們因他的貧窮、可以成為富足。
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.