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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2 Corinthians 8:5
What does 2 Corinthians 8:5 mean?
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2 Corinthians 8:5
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What's really striking here is the order: they first surrendered themselves to the Lord, and then they gave to the collection. It wasn't just about giving money; it was about a profound, personal commitment to God that flowed out into their generosity.
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)
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about collecting a generous offering for believers suffering in Jerusalem. While the Corinthians had promised to contribute, their progress had been slower than Paul anticipated, so he's reminding them of their initial commitment and praising the Macedonian churches as an example. This verse highlights that the Corinthians' true generosity began with a personal dedication to God, which then flowed into their willingness to give to the needs of others.
We often think of giving as a transaction – what we have, we give away. But what if giving starts on the inside?
The Apostle Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about a collection he's organizing for the poor believers in Jerusalem. He's amazed by the Macedonian churches (mentioned in the preceding verses) because they gave far beyond what anyone expected.
He highlights why their giving was so remarkable: 'they gave themselves first to the Lord.' This wasn't just about parting with money; it was a profound act of self-surrender.
What does it mean for our giving to be 'by the will of God'?
The second part of the verse is just as crucial: 'and then by the will of God to us.' This means the Corinthians' generosity wasn't just a spontaneous overflow; it was aligned with God's purposes.
What This Means:
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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 generosity Paul describes wasn't just about money; it was a profound spiritual response rooted in their renewed commitment to Christ, especially after a difficult period of correction and reconciliation within the Corinthian church.
AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem
A significant meeting in the early church where leaders decided that Gentiles did not need to follow all Mosaic Law to become Christians. This eased tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent about 18 months in Corinth, establishing a strong Christian community but also facing significant opposition and internal divisions.
c. AD 55
Paul's 'Painful' Letter
Paul likely wrote a severe letter to the Corinthian church before the letter we know as 2 Corinthians. This letter addressed serious ongoing problems and likely caused them pain.
c. AD 55-56— this verse
The Writing of 2 Corinthians
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians from Macedonia, following his 'painful' letter and a subsequent visit. He's addressing the church's response to his previous communication and the ongoing collection for Jerusalem.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Visit to Corinth
Paul made a final visit to Corinth, where he stayed for three months. The issues addressed in 2 Corinthians were likely largely resolved by this point.
This passage highlights leaders recognizing the genuine grace of God at work in believers, mirroring Paul's observation of the Corinthians' giving.
Romans 12:1Paul calls for believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, a concept that echoes the Corinthians giving themselves first to the Lord before anything else.
1 Corinthians 1:10This verse speaks of being united in the same mind and same judgment, which provides context for how the Corinthians' generous offering could be coordinated and effective.
Philippians 4:18Paul describes gifts from the Philippians as a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God, reinforcing the spiritual significance of the Corinthians' offering.
What's really striking here is the order: they first surrendered themselves to the Lord, and then they gave to the collection. It wasn't just about giving money; it was about a profound, personal commitment to God that flowed out into their generosity.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about collecting a generous offering for believers suffering in Jerusalem. While the Corinthians had promised to contribute, their progress had been slower than Paul anticipated, so he's reminding them of their initial commitment and praising the Macedonian churches as an example. This verse highlights that the Corinthians' true generosity began with a personal dedication to God, which then flowed into their willingness to give to the needs of others.
Paul is writing to the Corinthian church about collecting a generous offering for believers suffering in Jerusalem. While the Corinthians had promised to contribute, their progress had been slower than Paul anticipated, so he's reminding them of their initial commitment and praising the Macedonian churches as an example. This verse highlights that the Corinthians' true generosity began with a personal dedication to God, which then flowed into their willingness to give to the needs of others.
"and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us." — What's really striking here is the order: they first surrendered themselves to the Lord, and then they gave to the collection. It wasn't just about giving money; it was about a profound, personal…
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Last reviewed October 2026