2 Corinthians 8:5

And this they did The words this they didare not in the original. They were added by Tyndale in order to explain the meaning of the passage. The construction of the Greek is not clear, but the general sense is that by the readiness of their offers of service and by their devotion to God, the Macedonians had surpassed St Paul's expectations.

first gave their own selves Firsthere may be a reference to the order of time, but it is better, with most commentators, to understand it of the order of importance; -above all." Alford. For a similar expression see the Greek of John 1:27; John 1:30.

and unto us The sense requires -and thenunto us," i.e. as God's ministers and representatives. Cf. Acts 15:28.

by the will of God See note on 2 Corinthians 8:3. It was God's Will that they should have the power to act thus, if they were willing to carry out His Will. Cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 1Th 5:18; 1 Timothy 2:4.