World English Bible · Under Rome
2 Corinthians 8
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Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the of which has been given in the assemblies of , how in a severe ordeal of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep abounded to the riches of their generosity. For according to their , I testify, yes and beyond their , they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty to receive this and the fellowship in the to . This was not as we had expected, but first they gave their own selves to , and to us through the will of . So we urged , that as he had made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this . But as you abound in everything—in , utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us—see that you also abound in this . I speak not by way of , but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. For you know the of our , that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became , that you through his might become rich. I give in this: it is expedient for you who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing. But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don't have. For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed, but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack, that there may be equality. As , "He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack." But thanks be to , who puts the same earnest care for you into of . For he indeed accepted our exhortation, but being himself very earnest, he went out to you of his own accord. We have sent together with him the brother whose in the is known throughout all the assemblies. Not only so, but he was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this , which is by us to himself, and to show our readiness. We are avoiding this, that any man should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us. Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of , but also in the sight of men. We have sent with them our brother whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which he has in you. As for , he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are of the assemblies, the of Christ. Therefore show the proof of your love to them before the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.
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The world at this moment · Under Rome, 63 BC to AD 100 ›
Judea as a client kingdom and then a province. Roads, garrisons, taxes, crucifixion, and a common Greek language that let a message travel the empire faster than any before it.
- Rome
- The republic tears itself apart in civil war and comes out as an empire under Augustus. What follows is two centuries of relative peace across the whole Mediterranean, enforced by legions and paid for by taxes, with safe roads and safe sea lanes. Every one of Paul's journeys depends on that.
- Judea
- Governed first through Herod the Great, a client king of enormous ability and enormous brutality who rebuilds the temple into one of the wonders of the ancient world, then directly by Roman prefects. Crucifixion is the standard penalty for sedition and is used often and publicly.
- The wider world
- Greek is spoken from Spain to Syria, which means a letter written in Corinth can be read in Rome without translation. Jewish communities already exist in most major cities, which is where the first Christian preaching lands. Mystery religions, imperial cult, and philosophy all compete in the same marketplace.
- Further afield
- The Han dynasty rules China and trades silk westward along routes that touch the Roman world at second hand. In Britain the Roman conquest begins within a decade of the crucifixion.