We might have hoped for something from them, though they were in that poor afflicted condition; but what they brought was much beyond what we could hope for, or expect from them. Or else this phrase may refer to what followeth: they did not only bring us their gift, but they also gave up themselves to us, to be disposed of for the good of the church, according to the will of God; for they first gave themselves up to the Lord, devoting themselves to his service and glory, and then to us, the will of God so ruling and directing them.
Related Commentaries of 2 Corinthians 8:5
2 Corinthians 8:5
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.