For to their power, &c. According to their ability, yea, and beyond their ability; they were willing of themselves Without our soliciting them. This, as Macknight justly observes, is no hyperbole, but an animated expression, strongly descriptive of the generosity of the Macedonians. They were willing to give more than they were well able, considering the distresses under which they themselves laboured. Praying us with much entreaty Probably St. Paul had lovingly admonished them not to do beyond their power; that we would receive the gift Which their bounty had prepared, and take a part in ministering it to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped That is, beyond all we could have hoped; and first gave their own selves, and all they had, to the Lord To his honour and service; and unto us Resigned themselves to us; by the will of God In obedience to his will, to be wholly directed by us; that is, to do what we should think most advisable in present circumstances.
Related Commentaries of 2 Corinthians 8:3
2 Corinthians 8:3-5
3 For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4 Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 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.