2 Corinthians 8

Lord (Jesus Christ)

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5

Before giving money, the Macedonian Saints gave themselves to the Lord. True generosity starts with consecrating ourselves to Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ — rich yet became poor

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9

Jesus had all the glory of heaven, yet He came to earth in humble poverty and gave everything so we could receive eternal riches. His generosity is the pattern for ours.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Philippians 2:6-8 — Christ, being in the form of God, "made himself of no reputation" and humbled Himself unto death.
• the same event in 1 Nephi 11:26 — "Look and behold the condescension of God!"

Manna

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. 2 Corinthians 8:15

Paul quotes the story of manna, where God gave each person just enough. He uses it to teach equality in giving, but manna is also a known type of Christ, the bread from heaven whose poverty makes us rich (verse 9).

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Exodus 16:18 — The manna gathering: much had nothing over, little had no lack.
• typified by John 6:31-35 — Jesus identifies Himself as the true bread from heaven that the manna pointed to.

Lord (Jesus Christ)

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: 2 Corinthians 8:19–21

The collection is handled carefully and honestly to bring glory to the Lord. Paul wants the work to be clean both in the Lord's eyes and in the eyes of people.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

The glory of Christ

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. 2 Corinthians 8:23

Faithful Church messengers bring honor to Christ; their lives reflect His glory.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him