2 Corinthians 8:11-12
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It's not just about wanting to give; it's about finishing the act of giving from what you actually possess. Paul is gently pushing them to connect their generous spirit with a tangible act of generosity, ensuring their desire translates into a completed deed.
So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to complete their generous pledge to support the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's building on their initial eagerness and reminding them that genuine generosity involves not just good intentions but also the tangible act of following through, just as other churches have done. This follows his praise for their initial commitment and precedes his instructions on the practicalities of collecting and delivering the funds.
Paul doesn't just want the Corinthians to start giving; he urges them to finish. What's driving this insistence?
In this passage, Paul is guiding the Corinthian church in a generous offering for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's already praised their eagerness and willingness to give (verse 10), but he's now calling for the completion of the task. This isn't about Paul imposing his will, but about spiritual maturity. The "readiness in desiring it" is a great start, a genuine impulse from the Holy Spirit. But true faithfulness is shown not just in good intentions, but in obedient action. Finishing the task demonstrates a deeper commitment and integrity, showing that their desire was sincere and not just a fleeting emotion.
Paul emphasizes giving 'out of what you have.' What does this teach us about the nature of true giving?
The phrase "out of what you have" is crucial. It means that the Corinthians' generosity should be proportionate to their resources. This isn't about giving sacrificially to the point of destitution, but about giving according to what God has blessed them with. This principle grounds generosity in reality and responsibility. It protects against empty vows or boasting and ensures that their giving is sustainable and reflects a faithful stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to them. It’s a practical outworking of their faith, demonstrating that their spiritual growth is translating into tangible, responsible actions.
Understand the original words
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prothymia · Greek Noun
A state of mental or spiritual preparedness; a willingness, eagerness, or zeal to act in accordance with God's will or charitable impulses.
prosdektos · Greek Adjective
In a theological context, this refers to that which is pleasing, acceptable, or favorable in the sight of God, often related to offerings or acts of devotion.
The Corinthian church had eagerly promised to contribute to a collection for believers in Jerusalem, but their commitment had wavered. Paul's encouragement here is practical, urging them to finish what they started, demonstrating that their spiritual willingness needs to be backed by concrete action.
c. AD 49-51
Council of Jerusalem
A major dispute about whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law was settled, affirming unity between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent a significant amount of time in Corinth, establishing a strong church community there.
c. AD 53-57
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul wrote his first letter to address serious issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions and moral failings.
c. AD 55-57— this verse
The Collection for Jerusalem
Paul organized a special offering from Gentile churches (like Corinth) to support the struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem, fostering unity.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Letter to Corinth (Severe Letter)
After a difficult visit, Paul wrote a stern letter expressing disappointment and pain, which seems to have caused great sorrow but also repentance.
c. AD 57
Second Letter to the Corinthians
Written shortly after the severe letter, this letter reflects a reconciliation, with Paul expressing joy at their repentance and encouraging the completion of the collection.
This passage echoes the sentiment of not giving up on good deeds, encouraging persistence in doing good, especially in supporting the church and those in need, much like the Corinthians were urged to finish their offering.
Philippians 4:15-16Paul reminds the Philippians that they, in their early days, were the only church to support him financially, and even then, they sent to him again when he was in need, highlighting a consistent spirit of giving that the Corinthians were called to emulate.
1 John 3:17-18This passage challenges us to not just have good intentions or words, but to demonstrate our love through actions, mirroring Paul's exhortation for the Corinthians to match their willingness with tangible completion.
James 2:15-17James emphasizes that faith without works is dead, a powerful reminder that genuine commitment, like the Corinthians' pledged offering, must be backed by concrete action to be truly meaningful.
It's not just about wanting to give; it's about finishing the act of giving from what you actually possess. Paul is gently pushing them to connect their generous spirit with a tangible act of generosity, ensuring their desire translates into a completed deed.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to complete their generous pledge to support the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's building on their initial eagerness and reminding them that genuine generosity involves not just good intentions but also the tangible act of following through, just as other churches have done. This follows his praise for their initial commitment and precedes his instructions on the practicalities of collecting and delivering the funds.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to complete their generous pledge to support the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He's building on their initial eagerness and reminding them that genuine generosity involves not just good intentions but also the tangible act of following through, just as other churches have done. This follows his praise for their initial commitment and precedes his instructions on the practicalities of collecting and delivering the funds.
"So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does…" — It's not just about wanting to give; it's about finishing the act of giving from what you actually possess. Paul is gently pushing them to connect their generous spirit with a tangible act of gen…
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Last reviewed October 2026
