2 Corinthians 8:5
and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Notice how their giving wasn't just about money; it started with a profound surrender of themselves to the Lord. This shows that true generosity flows from a heart fully committed to God, not just a desire to help others.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church to encourage them in their giving to the suffering believers in Jerusalem. Following a plea for generosity, this verse explains that the Corinthian believers' giving wasn't just a reluctant obligation; it stemmed from a deeper commitment of themselves to God first, demonstrating their willingness to obey His will as expressed through the apostles. This sets the stage for Paul's further instructions on the practicalities of their generous offering.
We often think of giving as a transaction, a response to a need. But what if the true source of generosity is far deeper?
The Corinthian believers' giving wasn't just about money; it was rooted in a profound personal commitment. They didn't just give to the Lord; they gave themselves first.
Giving isn't always straightforward. How do we know we're giving in a way that truly aligns with God's purposes?
The passage shows a beautiful progression: from self-surrender to God, to giving "by the will of God." This means our generosity is not arbitrary; it's guided by divine purpose.
Understand the original words
Kyrios · Greek Noun
The ultimate authority, Creator, and Redeemer to whom all believers owe complete allegiance, obedience, and devotion.
thelēma · Greek Noun
The sovereign purpose and design of God, which believers are called to discern, submit to, and walk in as they live out their faith.
The Corinthians' giving wasn't just a financial act; it was a profound spiritual commitment born out of deep conviction, demonstrated during a time of intense relational and theological interaction between Paul and the early church.
c. AD 49-51
First Jerusalem Council
A foundational council where apostles addressed key issues for Jewish and Gentile believers, affirming unity in Christ despite differing practices.
c. AD 53-56
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively, including a significant stay in Ephesus, strengthening churches and preparing for a collection from the Gentiles for the poor in Jerusalem.
c. AD 57— this verse
Collection for Jerusalem Believers
Paul actively organizes and encourages the collection of funds from Gentile churches to aid the suffering Jewish believers in Jerusalem, a project that took years.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthians, addressing divisions and spiritual immaturity, and urging them to complete their promised generous contribution.
This passage shows Barnabas encouraging believers in Antioch to remain true to the Lord, mirroring the spirit of 'giving themselves first to the Lord' before anything else.
Romans 12:1Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, which is a profound act of consecration—giving themselves completely to God.
1 Corinthians 16:2This verse instructs believers to set aside money regularly for the poor, based on their income, implying a prior commitment to God's will and the community's needs.
Joshua 24:15Joshua's challenge for the Israelites to 'choose this day whom you will serve' echoes the decision the Corinthian believers made to commit themselves wholly to the Lord.
Notice how their giving wasn't just about money; it started with a profound surrender of themselves to the Lord. This shows that true generosity flows from a heart fully committed to God, not just a desire to help others.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church to encourage them in their giving to the suffering believers in Jerusalem. Following a plea for generosity, this verse explains that the Corinthian believers' giving wasn't just a reluctant obligation; it stemmed from a deeper commitment of themselves to God first, demonstrating their willingness to obey His will as expressed through the apostles. This sets the stage for Paul's further instructions on the practicalities of their generous offering.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church to encourage them in their giving to the suffering believers in Jerusalem. Following a plea for generosity, this verse explains that the Corinthian believers' giving wasn't just a reluctant obligation; it stemmed from a deeper commitment of themselves to God first, demonstrating their willingness to obey His will as expressed through the apostles. This sets the stage for Paul's further instructions on the practicalities of their generous offering.
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c. AD 57
Paul's Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a painful 'visit of tears' to Corinth, likely due to ongoing issues and a lack of progress on the collection.
c. AD 57
Paul Writes Second Corinthians
Written after the 'visit of tears,' Paul's second letter reflects on the painful visit and strongly encourages the Corinthians to fulfill their pledge, highlighting the generosity of the Macedonian churches.
"and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us." — Notice how their giving wasn't just about money; it started with a profound surrender of themselves to the Lord. This shows that true generosity flows from a heart fully committed to God, not just…
