NET Bible
"And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God."
— 2 Corinthians 8:5, NET Bible
“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.”
“and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God. ”
“This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.”
“And not as we hoped: but they gave their own selves, first to the Lord, then to us by the will of God;”
“And going even farther than our hope, they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us after the purpose of God.”
“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.”
that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity.
For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily,
begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints.
And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you.
But as you excel in everything– in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you– make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.
I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others.