2 Corinthians 8:10 – “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.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul reminds the Corinthian believers that they had previously expressed a strong desire to give and were even the first to commit to helping. Now, he is encouraging them to follow through and complete what they started.

Paul is not commanding them to give, but he is offering his wisdom and counsel—his “judgment about what is best.” He knows that generosity is both a blessing to those who give and to those who receive. By reminding them of their original enthusiasm, he is gently pushing them to act on their good intentions.

This verse highlights an important truth: good intentions are not enough—there must be action. The Corinthians were eager to give at first, but their commitment had not yet been completed. Paul is encouraging them to finish what they started, not out of obligation, but because it is the right thing to do.

Historical Context

At this time, Paul was collecting an offering for the struggling believers in Jerusalem, who were suffering from famine and financial hardship (Acts 11:27-30). The Corinthians had been among the first to commit to helping, but they had not yet followed through with their giving.

In contrast, the Macedonian churches—despite being poor themselves—had already given generously (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Paul is now urging the Corinthians to fulfill their commitment, just as the Macedonians have already done.

Corinth was a wealthy city, and the church there had many well-off members. Paul is not criticizing them but is reminding them of their own eagerness to help. They had the resources and the willingness—now it was time to complete the task.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several important spiritual truths:

• Faithfulness means following through. It’s easy to be excited about doing good at first, but true faithfulness is seen in perseverance.
• Desire alone is not enough. Having the right intentions is a good start, but without action, intentions are meaningless.
• Generosity is a spiritual discipline. Just as faith, prayer, and worship require consistency, so does giving.
• Encouragement is part of Christian leadership. Paul is not commanding, but he is guiding and encouraging the Corinthians toward obedience.

This verse reminds us that commitment to generosity is not just about emotions or enthusiasm—it requires follow-through.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language here is gentle but direct:

• “Here is my judgment about what is best for you” – Paul is not forcing them to give but is offering wise counsel. He is speaking as a mentor, encouraging them to do what they already know is right.
• “Last year you were the first” – He reminds them that they were not only willing but eager to give. This is a subtle way of encouraging them to act now.
• “Not only to give but also to have the desire to do so” – Paul acknowledges that their generosity started with a sincere heart. Now, they need to finish what they started.

Paul’s approach is pastoral—he is urging them forward with encouragement, not guilt or pressure.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (Good intentions must be followed by action.)
• Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 – “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.” (Keeping commitments is important.)
• Luke 14:28-30 – Jesus talks about counting the cost before making commitments.
• Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Perseverance in doing good.)
• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (Giving should be joyful, not forced.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many believers today have good intentions about giving, serving, or obeying God in other ways, but they struggle with follow-through. This verse reminds us that enthusiasm is great, but obedience is what matters.

It’s easy to be moved by an emotional appeal to give or serve, but real generosity requires commitment and consistency. Paul challenges us to not just feel generous, but to actually be generous.

It also teaches that spiritual maturity includes follow-through. If we commit to something—whether it’s generosity, service, or a personal vow to God—we should be faithful in keeping our word.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse reflects God’s love in several ways:

1. God values faithfulness. Just as He is always faithful to His promises, He desires faithfulness in His people.
2. God does not force generosity. Paul does not command the Corinthians to give—just as God does not force anyone to give. He invites and encourages.
3. God gives opportunities to do good. The Corinthians were given a chance to participate in a great act of love. Likewise, God gives us opportunities to bless others through our obedience.

God is patient and loving, but He also wants His people to complete what they start.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate example of someone who followed through completely.

• John 17:4 – “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” (Jesus completed His mission.)
• Luke 22:42 – “Not my will, but Yours be done.” (Jesus didn’t just intend to save us—He went all the way to the cross.)
• Philippians 2:8 – “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Jesus was faithful to the end.)
• Hebrews 12:2 – “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Jesus endured suffering to complete our salvation.)

Jesus didn’t just have good intentions—He finished the work that saved us. As His followers, we are called to have that same faithfulness in doing good.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Have you ever committed to something for God but struggled to follow through? What happened?
2. Why do you think Paul reminded the Corinthians of their initial eagerness to give?
3. How can you apply this verse in your own life when it comes to generosity and faithfulness?
4. Are there commitments—financial, spiritual, or personal—that you need to complete?
5. How does Jesus’ example of faithfulness encourage you to finish what you start in your Christian walk?

This verse is a powerful reminder that good intentions are not enough—we need to act on them. Just as Jesus was faithful to the end, we are called to follow through in our commitments to God and others.