2 Corinthians 8:10

KJV

And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} herein {G1722}{G5129} I give {G1325} my advice {G1106}: for {G1063} this {G5124} is expedient {G4851} for you {G5213}, who {G3748} have begun before {G4278}, not {G3756} only {G3440} to do {G4160}, but {G235} also {G2532} to be forward {G2309} a year {G4070} ago {G575}.

Complete Jewish Bible

As I say, in regard to this matter I am only giving an opinion. A year ago you were not only the first to take action but the first to want to do so. Now it would be to your advantage

Berean Standard Bible

And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.

American Standard Version

And herein I give my judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Corinthians 8:10, the Apostle Paul offers counsel to the Corinthian church, urging them to complete the collection they had enthusiastically initiated a year prior for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He emphasizes that fulfilling this commitment is not merely an obligation but is genuinely advantageous and spiritually beneficial for them, highlighting the importance of translating good intentions and initial zeal into completed action.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's extensive appeal to the Corinthian church regarding their participation in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, spanning chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians. Paul has just presented the Macedonian churches as a profound example of sacrificial and joyful giving, even in extreme poverty, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 8:1-5](/2_corinthians/8-1-5 "2 Corinthians 8:1-5 - The Generosity of the Macedonian Churches"). He uses their extraordinary generosity not to shame the Corinthians, but to inspire them to complete what they had already begun. Verse 10 directly follows Paul's expression of confidence in the Corinthians' readiness and his purpose in sending Titus to help facilitate the collection, building on their own prior commitment rather than imposing a new burden.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem was a significant undertaking for Paul, serving multiple purposes. It was a tangible expression of Christian unity, demonstrating the solidarity between the predominantly Gentile churches in the Aegean region and the mother church in Jerusalem (cf. [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - Paul's Ministry to the Saints in Jerusalem")). This act of benevolence was voluntary, not a tax, reflecting the early church's commitment to mutual aid and the practical outworking of love. The Corinthians had pledged their participation a year earlier, indicating an initial eagerness that, perhaps due to various reasons, had not yet culminated in the full completion of the collection. Paul's gentle reminder here acknowledges their pioneering spirit while encouraging follow-through.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Paul's letter and Christian theology. It underscores the theme of **Initiative and Follow-Through**, emphasizing that while starting a good work with enthusiasm is commendable, completing it is crucial for spiritual integrity and effectiveness. Paul highlights the **Mutual Benefit in Giving**, asserting that the act of generosity is "expedient" or profitable not only for the recipients but also for the spiritual well-being and growth of the givers, aligning with the principle that [it is more blessed to give than to receive](/acts/20-35 "Acts 20:35 - The Words of the Lord Jesus"). Furthermore, the verse touches upon **Willingness and Eagerness**, recalling the Corinthians' initial "forwardness" and urging them to rekindle that spirit, a hallmark of genuine Christian giving, as Paul later elaborates that [God loves a cheerful giver](/2_corinthians/9-7 "God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Advice (Greek, _gnṓmē'_):** From G1106, this term signifies "opinion," "resolve," or "counsel." Paul is not issuing a command but offering a well-considered recommendation based on wisdom and their own prior commitment. It underscores his pastoral approach, appealing to their good judgment rather than exercising apostolic authority.
* **Expedient (Greek, _symphérō'_):** From G4851, meaning "to bear together," "to conduce," or "to be profitable/advantageous." This word is crucial, as it conveys that fulfilling their pledge would be genuinely beneficial for the Corinthians themselves, not merely a burden. It implies spiritual, relational, and perhaps even reputational advantages.
* **Have begun before (Greek, _proenárchomai'_):** From G4278, this compound verb means "to commence already" or "to be the first to begin." Paul commends the Corinthians for their pioneering spirit and initial zeal in committing to this collection, highlighting their proactive and eager involvement a year earlier.
* **To be forward (Greek, _thélō'_):** From G2309, this verb denotes "to determine," "to choose," "to prefer," or "to wish/be inclined to." It captures the Corinthians' initial eagerness, willingness, and strong desire to participate in the collection, emphasizing their subjective impulse and active option to give.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And herein I give [my] advice:"**: Paul introduces his counsel regarding the collection. He is not issuing a strict command but offering a pastoral recommendation, emphasizing that his words are a helpful suggestion rather than an absolute dictate. This approach respects the Corinthians' autonomy and appeals to their reason and conscience.
* **"for this is expedient for you,"**: This clause provides the rationale for Paul's advice. He explains that completing the collection is not just for the benefit of the recipients in Jerusalem but is genuinely advantageous, profitable, and spiritually beneficial for the Corinthians themselves. It implies that their faithfulness will yield positive returns for their own spiritual well-being and integrity.
* **"who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago."**: Paul recalls the Corinthians' past initiative and enthusiasm. They were the first to "begin" this work, demonstrating both the practical intent ("to do") and the eager willingness or desire ("to be forward") to participate in the collection a full year prior. This serves as a gentle reminder of their initial commitment and zeal, urging them to rekindle that spirit and bring their good intentions to fruition.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to make his appeal both persuasive and pastoral. The use of **Ethos** is evident as Paul leverages his apostolic authority and their shared history, reminding them of their own commendable initiative. His choice of "advice" (gnōmē) rather than "command" demonstrates **Gentle Persuasion** or **Rhetorical Appeal**, fostering a spirit of cooperation rather than obligation. There is an implicit **Contrast** between the Corinthians' initial eagerness ("to be forward a year ago") and the current need for completion, subtly urging them to bridge the gap between intention and action. Finally, Paul's acknowledgment of their having "begun before" functions as a form of **Commendation**, affirming their past zeal even as he encourages their present follow-through.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the biblical theology of Christian giving and faithfulness. It teaches that true generosity involves not just the initial impulse or declaration but the diligent follow-through and completion of one's commitments. Paul highlights a crucial theological truth: giving is not a one-way transaction but a reciprocal act that benefits the giver as much as, if not more than, the receiver. When believers act on their good intentions and complete their pledges, it demonstrates their integrity, strengthens their faith, and opens them up to God's continued blessing and provision. This act of completion is a testament to their sincerity and a vital aspect of their spiritual maturity, reflecting a heart that trusts God to provide and delights in being a channel of His grace.

* [Proverbs 11:24](/proverbs/11-24 "Proverbs 11:24 - Generosity Leads to Prosperity")
* [Luke 6:38](/luke/6-38 "Luke 6:38 - Give, and It Will Be Given to You")
* [Philippians 4:18-19](/philippians/4-18-19 "Philippians 4:18-19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's counsel to the Corinthians remains profoundly relevant for believers today, extending beyond financial giving to all areas of Christian life and service. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that good intentions, while commendable, must ultimately translate into concrete action and faithful completion. Many initiatives, whether in personal spiritual disciplines, church ministries, or acts of compassion, begin with enthusiasm but falter due to a lack of follow-through. Paul encourages us to reflect on our own commitments and to complete what we have started, not out of legalistic obligation, but out of a recognition that such faithfulness is "expedient" – genuinely beneficial for our own spiritual growth and the glory of God. Our integrity as believers is often measured not just by what we intend to do, but by what we actually accomplish, empowered by God's grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life, spiritual or practical, have I shown initial eagerness but struggled to follow through to completion?**
* **How does understanding that giving and faithfulness are "expedient" for me personally change my perspective on Christian service and generosity?**
* **What specific steps can I take this week to complete a commitment I have previously made, trusting God for the enablement?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul emphasize that the Corinthians "began before" in this context?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes their prior initiative to serve as a gentle, yet powerful, reminder. By acknowledging that they were the first to commit to this collection a year ago, he appeals to their own integrity, their initial zeal, and their reputation for being proactive in good works. It's a pastoral strategy that encourages them to complete what they themselves eagerly started, rather than imposing a new obligation.

**What does "expedient for you" mean in practical terms for the Corinthians?**

Answer: The phrase "expedient for you" (Greek: _symphérō_) means it would be advantageous, profitable, and genuinely beneficial for the Corinthians. In practical terms, completing their pledge would demonstrate their sincerity, strengthen their faith, foster spiritual growth, and bring them the blessing of seeing their good intentions bear fruit. It would also affirm their unity with other believers and bring glory to God through their obedience and generosity, aligning with the principles found in [2 Corinthians 9:6-11](/2_corinthians/9-6-11 "2 Corinthians 9:6-11 - The Blessings of Generous Giving").

**Is Paul commanding them to give, or simply advising?**

Answer: Paul explicitly states, "herein I give my advice" (Greek: _gnṓmē_). He is not issuing a direct command but offering wise counsel and a strong recommendation. While his words carry apostolic weight, he appeals to their willingness, their past commitment, and the spiritual benefits of fulfilling their pledge, rather than exercising an authoritarian decree. This approach aligns with his broader teaching on cheerful and voluntary giving, as seen in [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "God Loves a Cheerful Giver").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's advice to the Corinthians, urging them to complete what they had begun, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Our Lord did not merely begin a work of salvation; He brought it to glorious completion. The "grace of our Lord Jesus Christ," which Paul mentions in [2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - The Grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ"), is the supreme example of self-emptying and generous giving. Though He was rich, yet for our sakes He became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich. This was not a half-hearted intention but a divine resolve that led Him to the cross, where He declared, "[It is finished!](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - The Completion of Christ's Work")" The very essence of Christ's mission was to fulfill the Father's will and complete the work of redemption (cf. [John 4:34](/john/4-34 "John 4:34 - Jesus' Food Is to Do the Will of God")). Therefore, when believers are encouraged to complete their acts of generosity and faithfulness, they are not merely adhering to a moral principle but are imitating the very nature and finished work of Christ, who perfectly exemplified the divine commitment to bring every good intention to its glorious conclusion. Our giving and our follow-through are a reflection of His perfect, completed sacrifice on our behalf, a response to His unparalleled generosity and faithfulness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 Timothy 6:18

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

1 Timothy 6:19

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

1 Corinthians 7:40

But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Proverbs 19:17

¶ He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

2 Corinthians 9:2

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

1 Corinthians 7:25

¶ Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.