Did God really mean riches?

There has been much controversy and debate both within and outside of the Christian community with regards to the Prosperity Gospel. What is a Prosperity Gospel? In short, it is a warped version of the message of Christ, in which preachers talk more about material gains and earthly possessions than the true riches that is found in the Kingdom of God. While there is grave danger of falling into this pit of materialism and turning our image of God into that of a Santa Claus or a wish-answerer, I'm afraid both ends of line may lead us away from the verse. Rather than discuss what is the Prosperity Gospel or try to define what other preachers are doing wrong, we endeavor to see what the Bible really says, verse by verse.

This brief introduction is really to set-up the tone of today's short post: we are not here to argue or shoot down other "false prophets", instead, let us lift up the word of God and study what it really says. Today's verse is commonly held up to scrutiny from many people, and many have come to different conclusions. We pray that we come with open eyes and hearts today to see what Paul was referring to.

"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." 2 Corinthians 8:9

Context of 2 Corinthians 8 9

The whole context of 2 Corinthians is set on the aftermath of Paul's letter in 1 Corinthians. In short, Paul's previous letters and Titus' arrival at the Corinthian Church had mended some of the negative impressions of the Church towards their beloved apostle. And it is with great joy that Paul received the good news from Titus, though there are still matters on which he has things to say and correct.

And when we reach 2 Corinthians 8, Paul talks about the churches of Macedonia, who despite being poor, implored the apostle to allow them to contribute to the cause of the saints. While not mentioned explicitly, it is almost definitely referring to material supplication. The word used here is "charis", which is commonly translated as "Grace" or "Favor" or "Thanks". In the words of Paul:

"with much entreaty calling on us to receive the favor and the fellowship of the ministration to the saints," 2 Corinthians 8:4

While the Young's Literal Translation translates the word as "Favor", it is understood by most scholars that Paul was referring to some sort of gift. This can be seen from the many different translations of the same word/verse in this context in different words: "gift" (KJV), "giving their money" (CEV), "participation in the support of the saints" (NASB), etc. Paul used the word "Charis" for the aid and support of the ministry work they were doing.

"But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also." 2 Corinthians 8:7

And when we come to the verse just before our main one for today, we can see that Paul was encouraging the Corinthian Church to provide the same kind of aid, presumably material aid to the work of the ministry. And with this exhortation to give, Paul gives one more encouraging reason for them to give:

"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." 2 Corinthians 8:9

The word "grace" here, is also "charis". We can see that Paul is using that same word to parallel the "gift" that the Church was encouraged to give, to the "gift" from Christ. Now, we know for a fact that Jesus died on the cross, and the gift from Him is the gift of righteousness.

What does 2 Corinthians 8:9 mean?

Well, for starters, based on the context that we have examined so far, the "poverty" and "rich" mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:9 does seem to be in relation to material wealth: mainly because the context is about giving alms for the work of the ministry!

There is also one more clue which seems to further support the notion that Paul is saying that the Corinthians were made rich (materially) by Jesus being made poor. And it is found a few verses later:

"but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may supply their lack, that their abundance also may supply your lack—that there may be equality. " 2 Corinthians 8:14

This verse, and its context, certainly was talking about how rich the Corinthians were, and that they should give to their brothers in other churches who are in need, so that in times when they (the Corinthians) are in need, another Church in abundance can give to them too. Well, give what? We believe it should be something material, since Paul had to send Titus and one more unnamed brother to collect it, and it is a gift that Paul's group travelled around with. And within this context of giving, Paul reminds them, that through Christ's poverty, they were made rich. Not just spiritually, but also materially.

Conclusion: Yes, Paul did meant riches

Although, it is certainly possible that Paul is reminding the Corinthian Church about their spiritual poverty before being saved, and out of thankfulness for their present spiritual richness, they should be able to give what they have as an offering. However, that kind of reading, we feel, kind of comes from the other end of reason: where one is trying to read off the idea of material gain, instead of just reading the material at hand. It could be a noble attempt with noble intentions, but it does seem a stretch with the whole context of the situation, plus the wordings used, to come to the conclusion of spiritual wealth, in this verse.

That being said, the most important conclusion should be what is God trying to say through His apostle? Definitely, He is not encouraging us to run after material wealth, money and riches; but it definitely does suggest, at least according to Paul's revelation, that God does enrich the Church, materially. Before we start getting out of our seats and running for the rat race, let us consider what other parts of scripture say: in Jesus' sermon on the mount in Matthew 6, He talks about the material goods and needs that we seek on earth, and His advice?

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." Matthew 6:33

(Read more about this verse and its context in our article on Matthew 6:33!)

Furthermore, the reason Paul raises this idea of riches is to encourage the Corinthians to give and support ministry work! God shall supply His work and He does it through His church, His people!

So, while many may feel uncomfortable (rightly so) with the idea of running to God for material gain, let us not forget that our Father is the Creator and the Master of the whole world. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills! And when Solomon asked for wisdom, God made made him the richest man on earth, as a gift! It is of utmost importance not to let the love for riches cloud our vision of God, but let us also not mistaken our God for someone who neglects your material needs! He cares for you even to the physical hairs on your head!