ACC ~ 2 Corinthians 8 v5

THEY GAVE THEMSELVES TO THE LORD. AMBROSIASTER: By giving themselves to God first and then to their fellow believers, the Macedonians demonstrated their sincere desire to be made perfect. Paul quoted their example in the hope of persuading the Corinthians to do likewise. COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES.

HUMILITY AND WISDOM. CHRYSOSTOM: The secret of the Macedonians’ zeal was that first, they gave themselves to the Lord. Everything else flowed from that. As a result, when they showed mercy they were not filled with pride but rather displayed great humility and heavenly wisdom. HOMILIES ON THE EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 16.3.

GREAT GENEROSITY. THEODORET OF CYR: The words “not as we expected” refer not to the Macedonians’ willingness to give but to the amount which they gave. COMMENTARY ON THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS 328.

2 Cor