Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:11

"But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there may be] the completion also out of your ability." — 2 Corinthians 8:11 (ASV)

Again Paul emphasizes that he is not giving orders but offering advice (cf. v.8a), though an imperative follows in v.11! It is clear from 1 Corinthians 7:25, 40, however, that such a considered opinion came from one who regarded himself as worthy of trust. The apostle hints at several reasons why it was “best” for the Corinthians to bring their contribution to a speedy completion. (1) Considerable time had elapsed since they had expressed an “eager willingness” to help. (2 Since their enthusiastic intention had already been partially translated into action, it was incumbent on them, having put their hands to the plow, not to look back but to bring the project to a successful completion. (3) They thus enjoyed a twofold precedence over the Macedonians—both in deciding to contribute and then in beginning to collect money. But now the Macedonians themselves had completed their offering! (4) The Macedonians had contributed “even beyond their ability” (v.3); now the Corinthians were being asked to contribute “according to [their] means.”