8:4 8:4

2 Corinthians 8:5

8:6 8:6

Bible Versions

And [this they did], not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
And {G2532} this they did, not {G3756} as {G2531} we hoped {G1679}, but {G235} first {G4412} gave {G1325} their own selves {G1438} to the Lord {G2962}, and {G2532} unto us {G2254} by {G1223} the will {G2307} of God {G2316}.
Also, they didn’t do this in the way we had expected, but first they gave themselves to the Lord, which means, by God’s will, to us.
And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.
and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

Context

Second Corinthians chapter 8 introduces Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church concerning the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem. To encourage their generosity, Paul presents the Macedonian churches (which included believers in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea) as a prime example. Despite their own severe poverty and affliction, these believers displayed extraordinary liberality and joy in their giving. Verse 5 highlights the profound spiritual foundation of their remarkable financial contribution, setting it apart from mere monetary donation. This passage is crucial for understanding the principles of Christian giving and the relationship between spiritual devotion and material stewardship.

Key Themes

  • Self-Giving as the Foundation: The core message of this verse is that true generosity begins not with money, but with the complete dedication of one's self to God. The Macedonians' financial contribution was a natural outflow of their prior spiritual surrender.
  • Surpassing Expectations: Paul admits that the Macedonians' level of commitment and giving went "not as we hoped," meaning it far exceeded his expectations. This speaks to the power of a heart fully devoted to Christ, capable of extraordinary acts of faith and love.
  • Partnership in Ministry: Having first given themselves to the Lord, the Macedonian believers then gave themselves "unto us by the will of God." This signifies their willingness to partner with Paul and his apostolic ministry, recognizing it as God's ordained work. Their support was not just financial, but a personal commitment to the work of the Gospel.
  • Divine Initiative: The phrase "by the will of God" underscores that their remarkable actions were not merely human initiative or emotional impulse, but were divinely inspired and aligned with God's perfect plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "gave their own selves" emphasizes the voluntary and personal nature of their devotion. The Greek term for "gave" (edokan) implies a decisive act of giving. The emphasis on "their own selves" (heautous) highlights that this was a radical, personal surrender of their very being, not just their possessions. This profound act of self-dedication to the Lord precedes and enables their subsequent giving to Paul and the collection for Jerusalem, illustrating that all genuine Christian service flows from a surrendered heart.

Practical Application

2 Corinthians 8:5 challenges believers to examine the foundation of their giving and service. Is our financial contribution or ministry involvement merely an obligation, or does it stem from a deeper, prior commitment of our entire lives to Christ?

  • Prioritize Personal Dedication: Before we consider what we can give financially or physically, we are called to first give ourselves completely to the Lord. This echoes the call to present our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God.
  • Generosity as a Spiritual Outflow: When our lives are truly surrendered to God, generosity in all forms becomes a natural, joyful expression of our devotion, rather than a grudging duty.
  • Support God's Work: Our commitment to the Lord should also lead us to partner with and support those whom God has called into ministry, recognizing it as an extension of His will for the church and the world.
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.

  • Romans 12:1

    ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    ¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

  • Romans 14:7

    For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

  • Romans 14:9

    For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

  • Romans 6:13

    Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.

  • 2 Chronicles 30:12

    Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes, by the word of the LORD.

  • 1 Chronicles 12:18

    Then the spirit came upon Amasai, [who was] chief of the captains, [and he said], Thine [are we], David, and on thy side, thou son of Jesse: peace, peace [be] unto thee, and peace [be] to thine helpers; for thy God helpeth thee. Then David received them, and made them captains of the band.
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