Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:3

"For according to their power, I bear witness, yea and beyond their power, [they gave] of their own accord," — 2 Corinthians 8:3 (ASV)

In describing the nature of the Macedonians’ generosity, Paul makes several observations. First, they gave far more generously than their slender means and adverse circumstances permitted. Their eagerness to contribute led them to surpass all expectations.

Second, acting on their own initiative, they “urgently pleaded” with Paul for the “privilege of sharing” (Gk. koinonia, “fellowship”; GK 3126) in the collection. Since 1 Corinthians 16:1 mentions only “the Galatian churches,” not the Macedonian churches, and since 1 Corinthians 16:5 makes no reference to the collection, it seems likely that the collection in Macedonia began after the spring of A. D. 55. One reason for Paul’s sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia (Acts 19:22) may have been to introduce the collection project there, though Paul was reluctant to encourage the poor Macedonians to contribute (v.2). A third reason why the Macedonians exceeded Paul’s expectations was that they did not restrict their contribution to financial aid. Rather, they dedicated themselves to Christ first and then also to Paul for the performance of any service in connection with the collection. They recognized that dedication to Christ involved dedication to his servants. All was part of God’s will.