Bible Strands
2 Corinthians 8:5
And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, through the will of God.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding a financial collection for Jerusalem believers. He reports that the Macedonian churches exceeded his expectations during this appeal for aid.
The words — The Greek ἑαυτοὺς (heautous) translates literally to "themselves," combined with ἔδωκαν (edōkan), "they gave." This phrasing describes a voluntary surrender of personal autonomy rather than a simple monetary transfer.
The thread — The sequence of surrendering to God before human ministry aligns with Romans 12:1, which commands offering one's body as a living sacrifice, and Romans 6:13, which instructs presenting oneself to God. It also reflects the principle in Romans 14:7 that no individual lives or dies to oneself alone.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to submit to divine authority before undertaking any human service or obligation. It establishes that effective ministry depends on a prior, total surrender to God rather than on external compliance.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Cross-references
- Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
- Romans 6:13 Do not present the parts of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and present the parts of your body to Him as instruments of righteousness.
- Romans 14:7 For none of us lives to himself alone, and none of us dies to himself alone.
- 2 Chronicles 30:12 Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.
- 2 Corinthians 8:1 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.
- 1 Samuel 1:28 I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.
- 1 Chronicles 12:18 Then the Spirit came upon Amasai, the chief of the Thirty, and he said: “We are yours, O David! We are with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you.” So David received them and made them leaders of his troops.
- 2 Corinthians 5:14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that One died for all, therefore all died.
- 2 Chronicles 30:8 Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you.
- Isaiah 44:3 For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and currents on the dry ground. I will pour out My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring.