Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:3-5

3–5. The main clause in this long sentence is ἑαυτοὺς ἔδωκαν τῷ κυρίῳ: totam periochae structuram sustinet (Bengel). Of this self-sacrifice four things are stated: (1) it was to the extent of their power and beyond it; (2) it was of their own free will; (3) it was accompanied by much entreaty that they might be allowed to share in the ministering to the saints; (4) it was beyond the Apostle’s experience. Both the A.V. and the R.V. break up the long sentence by inserting words which are not in the Greek. In the A.V., not only ‘they were’ and ‘they did’ should be in italics, but also ‘take upon us’ and ‘this’ before ‘they did’: all these are insertions. Moreover ‘that we would receive’ is no part of the true text. See critical note. The whole sentence runs thus; For according to their power, I bear witness, and beyond their power, of their own accord, with much entreaty (or, exhortation, as 2 Corinthians 5:17) beseeching of us the grace and the fellowship of the ministering to the saints, and not just as we expected, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord. Comp. Luke 21:2-4.

Continues after advertising

BibliaPlus

Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:3-5

Old Testament

New Testament