2 Corinthians 8 10

2 Corinthians 8:10 kjv

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

2 Corinthians 8:10 nkjv

And in this I give advice: It is to your advantage not only to be doing what you began and were desiring to do a year ago;

2 Corinthians 8:10 niv

And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so.

2 Corinthians 8:10 esv

And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.

2 Corinthians 8:10 nlt

Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.

2 Corinthians 8 verses

2 Corinthians 8 10 Meaning

In this verse, Paul offers his counsel to the Corinthians regarding their financial contribution for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He highlights that his advice is beneficial for them because they were the first among the Achaian churches to initiate this good work, not only by starting the collection (the "doing") but also by demonstrating a ready and willing heart (the "being forward") an entire year prior. The verse underscores the importance of consistency and follow-through in Christian generosity and service, encouraging them to complete what they had enthusiastically begun.

2 Corinthians 8 10 Context

Chapter 8 of 2 Corinthians begins Paul's extended appeal for the collection for the Jerusalem saints. Paul first extols the Macedonian churches (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea) for their exceptional generosity, despite their own severe poverty, showcasing their spontaneous and overflowing joy in giving (2 Cor 8:1-5). This serves as an example and a gentle challenge to the Corinthians. Paul then states that Titus has already begun gathering contributions among them and he urges the Corinthians to excel in this grace of giving as they excel in other spiritual gifts (2 Cor 8:6-7). Verse 10 directly follows this, serving as Paul's advice and encouragement, reminding them of their own past initiative in the matter. The historical context includes a widespread famine and poverty affecting believers in Jerusalem, leading Paul to organize a large-scale collection among the Gentile churches, fostering unity and mutual support between Jewish and Gentile Christians (Rom 15:25-27, Acts 11:29-30).

2 Corinthians 8 10 Word analysis

• And herein (Καὶ ἐν τούτῳ - kai en toutō): This phrase acts as a conjunction, connecting to the previous discussion about their leadership in various graces. "Herein" refers to the specific issue of completing the collection, presenting his subsequent statement as direct advice pertinent to their current situation. It emphasizes that what follows is relevant to their overall spiritual progress.
• I give (δίδωμι - didōmi): Paul presents this not as a command or authoritative directive, but as an offering of his insight and judgment. It softens the tone, making his subsequent points more palatable and persuasive, allowing them to freely respond rather than comply under duress.
• my advice (γνώμην - gnōmēn): This Greek term signifies an opinion, judgment, counsel, or decision. It distinguishes Paul's statement from an apostolic command (ἐπιταγή - epitagē). Paul invites the Corinthians to weigh his counsel based on its wisdom and their own previous commitment. It speaks to practical wisdom and strategic thinking in their spiritual journey, aiming for what is advantageous for them.
• for this is expedient for you (τοῦτο γὰρ ὑμῖν συμφέρει - touto gar hymin sympherei): "Expedient" (συμφέρει - sympherei) means advantageous, profitable, or beneficial. Paul appeals to their own self-interest in a positive sense—completing the task they started will bring spiritual benefits, fulfill their integrity, and contribute to their reputation for consistent generosity within the wider Christian community. It's about living congruently with their spiritual identity.
• who have begun before (οἵτινες προενήρξασθε - hoitines proenērxasthe): This highlights the Corinthians' leadership and initiative. "Begun before" (προενήρξασθε - proenērxasthe) is a compound verb emphasizing that they started ahead of others or prior to this moment. It speaks to their enthusiasm and vision in launching this initiative even before being explicitly pressed, placing them as pioneers among the churches in Achaia in this particular grace.
• not only to do (οὐ μόνον τὸ ποιῆσαι - ou monon to poiēsai): This refers to the actual initiation of the collection, the physical act of starting the process of gathering funds. It points to their early actions and tangible efforts.
• but also to be forward (ἀλλὰ καὶ τὸ θέλειν - alla kai to thelein): The phrase "to be forward" (τὸ θέλειν - to thelein) specifically means "to will" or "to desire" or "to wish." It speaks to their inner disposition, their readiness, their sincere intent, and willingness. It reveals that their initial act was not compelled but arose from a genuine desire to give. KJV's "to be forward" rightly captures the essence of eager readiness or enthusiastic intention, showing that their hearts were in it from the outset.
• a year ago (ἀπὸ πέρυσι - apo perysi): This temporal marker fixes the timing precisely. It serves as a gentle reminder of the extended duration since their commitment and implies a need to re-engage with that initial zeal. It establishes the historical fact of their early start, contrasting their current pace with their enthusiastic beginning, subtly urging them to bring their completion in line with their original timeline and fervor.

2 Corinthians 8 10 Bonus section

The reference "a year ago" (ἀπὸ πέρυσι - apo perysi) is quite specific. This direct and factual reminder of the elapsed time subtly yet effectively highlights a potential lapse or delay on the Corinthians' part without directly accusing them. It serves to gently nudge them to renew their focus on the task. Paul's approach demonstrates wisdom in dealing with people: instead of chastising for a delay, he commends their past, reminding them of their better self and encouraging them to live up to that initial commendable initiative. This technique avoids shaming and instead empowers them to return to their original, good intentions. The phrase "not only to do, but also to be forward" further emphasizes that true Christian charity involves both the physical act (the "doing") and the heart’s disposition (the "willingness" or "forwardness"). A mere mechanical completion without genuine desire falls short, while mere desire without action remains incomplete. Both elements, a willing heart and decisive action, are essential for spiritual completion.

2 Corinthians 8 10 Commentary

Paul’s counsel in 2 Corinthians 8:10 is a masterful piece of spiritual encouragement. He strategically reminds the Corinthians of their own past initiative and zeal concerning the collection. This is not a reprimand, but a nuanced appeal based on their spiritual identity and previous commitment. By acknowledging their leadership ("who have begun before") and distinguishing between their past "doing" (action) and "being forward" (willingness), Paul praises their integrity and intent. He emphasizes that the current call to complete the collection is not a new burden but a call to finish what they, themselves, willingly started a year ago.

The term "expedient" highlights the mutual benefit of their follow-through: it’s good for the Jerusalem saints, it’s good for the unity of the church, and most importantly, it's spiritually advantageous for the Corinthians themselves, as it demonstrates their consistency and sincerity in the grace of giving. This verse champions the virtue of perseverance in good works, suggesting that a strong start is only truly impactful when brought to a fruitful conclusion. It warns against initial bursts of enthusiasm that fade, advocating for enduring faithfulness. This principle extends beyond giving to all areas of Christian life: an initial commitment or spiritual zeal must be maintained and completed through consistent action. For example, if someone begins a ministry with great passion, this verse reminds them of the value of persevering to fulfill the long-term vision they initially embraced. Similarly, in a spiritual discipline like prayer or Bible study, beginning enthusiastically is good, but sustained, consistent engagement is truly transformative.