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.
Parallel translations
- WEB I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.
- BSB And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.
- 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;
- NASB I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it.
- 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.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul offers wise counsel rather than a command, urging the Corinthians to finish the giving they had eagerly begun a year before. Good intentions must be carried through to completion.
Overview
The Corinthians had been the first to desire and start the collection for the poor saints. Paul gently reminds them that initial enthusiasm is not enough; willingness must mature into action. His tone is pastoral persuasion, not coercion, honoring their freedom while calling them to follow through on their commitment.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 17
- Heb 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
- 1 Tim 6:18–19That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
- Prov 19:17He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
- 2 Cor 9:2For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
- Jas 2:15–16If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
- 1 Cor 7:25Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
- 1 Cor 16:2Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
- 1 Cor 7:40But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.
- Phil 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.
- 2 Cor 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
- 2 Cor 12:1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
- Matt 10:42And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
- John 11:50Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.
- 1 Cor 6:12All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
- 1 Cor 10:23All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
- John 16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.
- John 18:14Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people.
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 8:10 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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