8:1–9:15 Paul now turns his attention to the collection for the Jerusalem church (8:4; 9:1). This relief fund was intended to aid the poverty-stricken saints in the holy city (Acts 11:27-30; Rom 15:25-27, 31; Gal 2:10). Paul had earlier given instructions about this matter (1 Cor 16:1-2); now it was time to collect the funds (2 Cor 8:6). Paul hoped this gift from Gentile congregations to the Jewish church would cement relations between the two groups in the early Christian community. 8:1-2 The churches in Macedonia included the church in Philippi, which we know from Acts and Philippians was being tested by many troubles and was very poor. Yet they were generous in sending gifts to Paul and in supporting the collection (8:4-5; Phil 1:5; 2:25-30; 4:15-20).