What is the context?
Paul asks Titus to help the Corinthians complete the work he had begun among them. Their faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness and love are to find expression in this grace of giving as well.
He explains his appeal as a test of sincere love, drawing on the earnestness of others. He expressly says he is not giving a command here. The question is whether the care they profess will take practical shape in a willing response.
The example at the center is the Lord Jesus Christ. Though rich, He became poor for their sake so that they might become rich through His poverty. His self-giving supplies the measure of generosity Paul wants them to consider.
The paragraph connects helping others with what believers have received through Christ. Completing the gift becomes an expression of love rooted in His grace.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read Christ’s riches and poverty as a picture of His saving self-giving and the riches His people receive through Him. Wesley’s note on verse 9 connects His poverty with becoming human, His life and His death, and the resulting riches with God’s favor and likeness. The USCCB note on verse 9 likewise places the contrast within Jesus’ saving work.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Philippians 2:5–11 describes Christ taking the form of a servant, humbling Himself to death on a cross, and being exalted as Lord. Paul calls believers to share the mind seen in Him.
That explicit connection shows why Christ’s self-giving belongs in a discussion of a collection. God’s saving purpose through His Son shapes the kind of people He is forming: people whose care for others reflects the Lord from whom they have received life.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.