A.T. Robertson Commentary 2 Corinthians 8

The grace (την χαριν). As manifested in the collection in the churches, poor as they were. The Romans had lacerated Macedonia (Livy, XLV. 30).

Proof (δοκιμη). Tests as of metals as in 2:9.

Abundance (περισσεια). Late word from περισσευω, to overflow.

Their deep poverty (η κατα βαθους πτωχεια αυτων). Πτωχεια is old word from πτωχευω, to be a beggar, as of Jesus in 8:9 (from πτωχος, cowering in fear and poverty, as in Lu 14:13, but ennobled by Christ as in Mt 5:3; 2 Corinthians 8:9). Poverty down deep. Strabo (LX 419) has κατα βαθους, down to the bottom.

Liberality (απλοτητος). From απλους, single, simple (Matthew 6:22). "The passage from single-mindedness or simplicity to liberality is not quite obvious" (Plummer). Perhaps "heartiness" supplies the connecting link. See also 9:11-13.

Beyond their power (παρα δυναμιν). "Alongside" with accusative like υπερ δυναμιν in 1:8. Field (Ot. Nov.) quotes Josephus (Ant. iii. 6, 1) for κατα δυναμιν and παρα δυναμιν as here. Few give κατα δυναμιν (according to actual ability). Paul commends this high pressure collection because of the emergency.

Of their own accord (αυθαιρετο). Old verbal adjective (αυτοσ, αιρετος from αιρεομα, to choose), of their own initiative, voluntary. Only here and verse 17 in N.T. Papyri often have εκουσιως κα αυθαιρετως (willingly and voluntarily).

Beseeching us with much intreaty in regard of this grace (μετα πολλης παρακλησεως δεομενο ημων την χαριν). Literally, "with much intreaty begging of us the favour and the partnership in the ministry to the saints." The accusative (χαριν) after δεομα is unusual. By χαρις Paul means the privilege of giving (cf. Acts 24:27). Apparently Paul had been reluctant to press the Macedonians because of their manifest poverty. They demanded the right to have a share in it.

We had hoped (ηλπισαμεν). First aorist active indicative of ελπιζω. "Expected," he means. They went beyond his hopes about them.

First they gave their own selves (εαυτους εδωκαν πρωτον). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ (k aorist). "Themselves they gave first." That is the explanation of the generous giving.