And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
Advice. Herein he does not disclaim inspiration, but, under the Spirit, states his sentiment or 'judgment' х gnoomeen (G1106)], not a command, that so their offering might be free.
This - my giving an advice.
Is expedient for you - it is your own good that ye will thereby promote.
Who have begun before - `seeing that ye have begun before;' i:e., already.
Not only to do, but also to be forward (willing) - not only to do the outward act of preparing the collection, but also to be forward (heartily-willing) in doing it. Bengel, "Not only to do," FOR THE PAST YEAR, "but also to be forward" or willing FOR THIS YEAR. But only one collection is spoken of throughout, begun in Titus' former visit, and now to be completed. Something had been done a year before: other texts show the collection was not yet paid (cf. 2 Corinthians 8:11; 2 Corinthians 9:5; 2 Corinthians 9:7). They had done so far as to lay by in store: they has not yet paid in what was laid by. This agrees exactly with Paul's injunction (1 Corinthians 16:2).