This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:10, is part of Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church to follow through on a charitable project they had enthusiastically begun the year before. Let's break down the meaning:
"I give a judgment in this...": Paul is offering his opinion and advice, presented with authority. He's making a reasoned argument, not simply giving a command.
"...for this is expedient for you...": "Expedient" means beneficial or advantageous. He argues that completing this project will ultimately be good for them.
"...who were the first to start a year ago...": This acknowledges the Corinthians' initial enthusiasm and leadership in starting this charitable collection for the Christians in Jerusalem. They were at the forefront.
"...not only to do, but also to be willing.": This is the key part. It highlights two aspects:
"to do": This refers to the actual act of giving, contributing their resources to the charitable collection.
"to be willing": This is about the attitude and eagerness behind the giving. They initially showed a strong desire and motivation. Paul reminds them that willingness is just as important as the action itself. It suggests that the initial fervor might have waned, and he's encouraging them to recapture that spirit.
In essence, Paul is saying:
"I'm giving you my judgment that it's in your best interest to complete this project. You were the first to enthusiastically begin this a year ago, and it's important not just to do the act of giving, but also to maintain the willingness and eagerness you initially showed."
Here's why this verse is important:
It emphasizes follow-through: Paul reminds them that starting something isn't enough; they need to finish it.
It highlights the importance of motive: He stresses that generosity should stem from a genuine willingness of the heart, not just obligation.
It encourages consistency: He encourages them to recapture the original enthusiasm and spirit that motivated them to start the project.
It speaks to potential for hypocrisy: He is subtly warning against appearing generous without a truly generous heart. It's easy to start something with fanfare but harder to see it through with the same enthusiasm.
Paul is trying to encourage the Corinthians to continue their generosity, not out of guilt or obligation, but because they truly desire to help their fellow believers. He wants them to live up to the generous reputation they initially established.
This verse, 2 Corinthians 8:10, is part of Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church to follow through on a charitable project they had enthusiastically begun the year before. Let's break down the meaning:
"I give a judgment in this...": Paul is offering his opinion and advice, presented with authority. He's making a reasoned argument, not simply giving a command.
"...for this is expedient for you...": "Expedient" means beneficial or advantageous. He argues that completing this project will ultimately be good for them.
"...who were the first to start a year ago...": This acknowledges the Corinthians' initial enthusiasm and leadership in starting this charitable collection for the Christians in Jerusalem. They were at the forefront.
"...not only to do, but also to be willing.": This is the key part. It highlights two aspects:
"to do": This refers to the actual act of giving, contributing their resources to the charitable collection.
"to be willing": This is about the attitude and eagerness behind the giving. They initially showed a strong desire and motivation. Paul reminds them that willingness is just as important as the action itself. It suggests that the initial fervor might have waned, and he's encouraging them to recapture that spirit.
In essence, Paul is saying:
"I'm giving you my judgment that it's in your best interest to complete this project. You were the first to enthusiastically begin this a year ago, and it's important not just to do the act of giving, but also to maintain the willingness and eagerness you initially showed."
Here's why this verse is important:
It emphasizes follow-through: Paul reminds them that starting something isn't enough; they need to finish it.
It highlights the importance of motive: He stresses that generosity should stem from a genuine willingness of the heart, not just obligation.
It encourages consistency: He encourages them to recapture the original enthusiasm and spirit that motivated them to start the project.
It speaks to potential for hypocrisy: He is subtly warning against appearing generous without a truly generous heart. It's easy to start something with fanfare but harder to see it through with the same enthusiasm.
Paul is trying to encourage the Corinthians to continue their generosity, not out of guilt or obligation, but because they truly desire to help their fellow believers. He wants them to live up to the generous reputation they initially established.
