SEV Biblia, Chapter 8:3
Porque conforme a sus fuerzas, (como yo testifico por ellos), y aun sobre sus fuerzas han sido liberales;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:3
Verse 3. For to their power, &c.] In their liberality they had no rule but their ability; they believed they were bound to contribute all they could; and even this rule they transgressed, for they went beyond their power-they deprived themselves for a time of the necessaries of life, in order to give to others who were destitute even of necessaries.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 3. For to [their] power, I bear record , etc..] They gave according to their ability, to the utmost of it, which is the most that can be desired, or be given; for no man can give more than he has, nor is he required to do more than he is able: yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves ; not that they did or could do beyond their power; but they were willing beyond their power; their hearts were larger than their purses; they would gladly have done more than they had ability to do; and to this the apostle bears testimony to give it credit, which otherwise might have been called in question: and it is to be observed, that these churches communicated in this cheerful manner and large way, considering their circumstances, to the utmost of their ability, of themselves; unasked, not having been put upon, pressed, and urged to such a service; for persons to give when they are asked, especially when they do it readily, at once, without demurring upon it, and with cheerfulness, is much; but to give unasked discovers a very generous and beneficent disposition: this is reckoned by the Jews as one of the excellencies in giving of alms f68 , when a man gives into the hands of another lay dwq , before he asks; and the next degree to this is, when he gives to him after he asks; and the next to this, who gives less than is proper, but with a cheerful countenance.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-6 - The grace of God must be owned as the root and fountain of all the goo in us, or done by us, at any time. It is great grace and favour from God, if we are made useful to others, and forward to any good work. He commends the charity of the Macedonians. So far from needing that Pau should urge them, they prayed him to receive the gift. Whatever we us or lay out for God, it is only giving him what is his own. All we giv for charitable uses, will not be accepted of God, nor turn to ou advantage, unless we first give ourselves to the Lord. By ascribing all really good works to the grace of God, we not only give the glory to him whose due it is, but also show men where their strength is Abundant spiritual joy enlarges men's hearts in the work and labour of love. How different this from the conduct of those who will not join in any good work, unless urged into it!
Greek Textus Receptus
οτι 3754 CONJ κατα 2596 PREP δυναμιν 1411 N-ASF μαρτυρω 3140 5719 V-PAI-1S και 2532 CONJ υπερ 5228 PREP δυναμιν 1411 N-ASF αυθαιρετοι 830 A-NPM
Vincent's NT Word Studies
3. They were willing (auqairetoi). The adjective stands alone. Only here and ver. 17. Lit., self-chosen, and so Rev., of their own accord.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
8:3 {Beyond their power} (para dunamin). "Alongside" with accusative like huper dunamin in #1:8. Field (_Ot. Nov_.) quotes Josephus (_Ant_. iii. 6, 1) for kata dunamin and para dunamin as here. Few give kata dunamin (according to actual ability). Paul commends this high pressure collection because of the emergency. {Of their own accord} (auqairetoi). Old verbal adjective (autos, hairetos from haireomai, to choose), of their own initiative, voluntary. Only here and verse #17 in N.T. Papyri often have hekousiws kai auqairetws (willingly and voluntarily).
