“By giving themselves to God first and then to their fellow believers, the Macedonians demonstrated their sincere desire to be made perfect. Paul quoted their example in the hope of persuading the Corinthians to do likewise.”
Ambrosiaster, 4th c. — COMMENTARY ON PAUL'S EPISTLES
Original
5And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Modern
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In context
3For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;
4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
— 2 Corinthians 8:5 —
6Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
7Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.