Surely the plea for a generous gift of money toward the collection which Paul was making for the poor saints in Jerusalem, could not have been more tenderly and convincingly urged than it is urged here. He begins by mentioning the generosity of the Christians in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, who were very poor, the inference being that the wealthier Corinthians would make similar sacrifices. He quotes the example of the Lord Jesus, who made Himself poor that they might be enriched and who for nineteen centuries since has had the joy of enriching myriads of souls. Paul reminds the Corinthians that a year ago they had resolved to make this gift. Finally he sketches his fair dream of reciprocity between church and church, so that wherever there was need the supplies of Christian benevolence should flow forth to meet it.
Notice, then, that Christian liberality originates in the grace of God, ministers abundant joy to those who give, is not staunched by deep poverty, begins with the consecration of the giver's soul to God, and does not wait to be entreated, because it demands the privilege of ministering thus to the lack of Christ's body. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 8
1He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians; 7by commendation of their former forwardness; 9by the example of Christ; 14and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby; 16commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:3
Beyond their power [παρα δυναμιν] “Alongside” with accusative like υπερ δυναμιν huper dunamin in 2 Corinthians 1:8. Field (Ot. Nov.) quotes Josephus (Ant. iii. 6, 1) for κατα δυναμιν kata dunamin and παρα δυναμιν para dunamin as here. Few give κατα δυναμιν kata dunamin (according to actual ability). Paul commends this high pressure collection because of the emergency. [source]
Of their own accord [αυταιρετοι] Old verbal adjective (αυτοσ αιρετος autosαιρεομαι hairetos from εκουσιως και αυταιρετως haireomai to choose), of their own initiative, voluntary. Only here and 2 Corinthians 8:17 in N.T. Papyri often have hekousiōs kai authairetōs (willingly and voluntarily). [source]
They were willing [αὐθαίρετοι] The adjective stands alone. Only here and 2 Corinthians 8:17. Lit., self-chosen, and so Rev., of their own accord. [source]
What do the individual words in 2 Corinthians 8:3 mean?
Foraccording to[their] abilityI testify [that]andbeyond[they were] willing of themselves
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 1st Person Singular
Root: μαρτυρέω
Sense: to be a witness, to bear witness, i.e. to affirm that one has seen or heard or experienced something, or that he knows it because taught by divine revelation or inspiration.
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:3
“Alongside” with accusative like υπερ δυναμιν huper dunamin in 2 Corinthians 1:8. Field (Ot. Nov.) quotes Josephus (Ant. iii. 6, 1) for κατα δυναμιν kata dunamin and παρα δυναμιν para dunamin as here. Few give κατα δυναμιν kata dunamin (according to actual ability). Paul commends this high pressure collection because of the emergency. [source]
Old verbal adjective (αυτοσ αιρετος autosαιρεομαι hairetos from εκουσιως και αυταιρετως haireomai to choose), of their own initiative, voluntary. Only here and 2 Corinthians 8:17 in N.T. Papyri often have hekousiōs kai authairetōs (willingly and voluntarily). [source]
The adjective stands alone. Only here and 2 Corinthians 8:17. Lit., self-chosen, and so Rev., of their own accord. [source]