2 Corinthians 8:5

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

If it seems strange to us that a large portion of an inspired Epistle should be occupied with directions as to a charitable collection which was going forward at the time, it should be remembered; that Christianity introduced into human society new and more powerful principles of benevolence, and further, that the new and Divine revelation was one which laid the foundation for this as for all human duties in the character and action of God himself. I. THE PRIMARY AND ALL - ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:5

Praise from St. Paul was worth having. He was a serious man, who could not pay empty compliments, and having a high sense of the Christian calling, he would never think of praising a Church merely to please the people or ingratiate himself with them, if he had not judged it worthy of commendation. Here are two marks of a Church on which the grace of God has been bestowed. I. CONSECRATION OF ITS MEMBERS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST . Before they made their contribution to the... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:5

And this they did ... - They did not give what we expected only. We knew their poverty, and we expected only a small sum from them.Not as we hoped - Not according to the utmost of our hopes. We were greatly disappointed in the amount which they gave, and in the manner in which it was done.But first gave their ownselves to the Lord - They first made an entire consecration of themselves and all that they had to the Lord. They kept nothing back. They felt that all they had was his. And where a... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 8:3-5

2 Corinthians 8:3-5. For to their power, &c. According to their ability, yea, and beyond their ability; they were willing of themselves Without our soliciting them. This, as Macknight justly observes, is no hyperbole, but an animated expression, strongly descriptive of the generosity of the Macedonians. They were willing to give more than they were well able, considering the distresses under which they themselves laboured. Praying us with much entreaty Probably St. Paul had... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

8:1-9:15 COLLECTION FOR THE POOR IN JERUSALEMAbout a year earlier Paul had given instructions to the Corinthians about the collection of money he was organizing for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). The Corinthians had made a start (see 9:2), but in the meantime they became so concerned with their own difficulties that they neglected their responsibilities in the matter. Now that they have cleared up their local troubles, Paul reminds them of the importance of this... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 2 Corinthians 8:5

not . Greek. ou . App-105 . Lord. App-98 . unto = to. by = through. Greek. dia. App-104 . 2 Corinthians 8:1 . will. Greek. thelema . App-102 . read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:5

5. And this they did, not as we hoped—Translate, "And not as we hoped (that is, far beyond our hopes), but their own selves gave they first to the Lord." "First," not indicating priority of time, but first of all, above all in importance. The giving of themselves takes precedency of their other gifts, as being the motive which led them to the latter ( :-). by the will of God—not "according to the will of God," but "moved by the will of God, who made them willing" ( :-). It is therefore called (... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7

A. The example of the Macedonians 8:1-7Paul was not only proud of the Corinthians but he also rejoiced over the Christians in Macedonia, the Corinthians’ neighbors to the north. This joy connects the present section with the former one. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

III. INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE COLLECTION FOR THE POOR SAINTS IN JUDEA 8:1-9:15The New Testament reveals that Paul was actively collecting money for "the poor among the saints in Jerusalem" (Romans 15:26) for about five years (A.D. 52-57). He solicited funds from the Christians in Galatia (Acts 18:23; 1 Corinthians 16:1), Macedonia (Acts 19:22; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 9:4), Achaia (Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8-9), and Asia Minor (Acts... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 2 Corinthians 8:3-5

Three characteristics marked the giving of these Macedonian brethren.First, they gave sacrificially, beyond their ability (2 Corinthians 8:3 a). They gave more generously than their limited means and their difficult circumstances might have warranted."The meaning of this paradox is that, because of their extreme poverty, the amount collected by them was not huge in quantity; a man possessing only ten pounds cannot be expected to contribute a hundred pounds, for ten pounds is the absolute limit... read more

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