CLAIM: Paul writes, “As it is written, ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack’” (2 Cor. 8:15). Paul is citing Exodus 16:18 here, which refers to the manna given out during the Exodus. Why does he cite this passage?

RESPONSE: In the Exodus, the Jews could only gather enough manna for one day to eat. If they stored an abundance of manna, it would quickly spoil and rot (Ex. 16:20). Paul uses this imagery to refer to our current finances. He argues that our current finances will rot and spoil when we die. Therefore, argues Paul, why would we store up treasures on Earth, when there are other people with needs right now? Our money will not be of any use in eternity; therefore, now is the time to use our financial resources to make an impact on others before everything rots away.