2Cor 8:4-7 | RWP | e4.org | Beseeching us with much intreaty in regard of this grace ( μετα πολλης παρακλησεως δεομενο ημων την χαριν ). Literally, "with much intreaty begging of us the favour and the partnership in the ministry to the saints." The accusative ( χαριν ) after δεομα is unusual. By χαρις Paul means the privilege of giving (cf. ). Apparently Paul had been reluctant to press the Macedonians because of their manifest poverty. They demanded the right to have a share in it.

‏ 2 Corinthians 8:4-7

Beseeching us with much intreaty in regard of this grace ( μετα πολλης παρακλησεως δεομενο ημων την χαριν ). Literally, "with much intreaty begging of us the favour and the partnership in the ministry to the saints." The accusative ( χαριν ) after δεομα is unusual. By χαρις Paul means the privilege of giving (cf. Ac 24:27). Apparently Paul had been reluctant to press the Macedonians because of their manifest poverty. They demanded the right to have a share in it.

We had hoped ( ηλπισαμεν ). First aorist active indicative of ελπιζω. "Expected," he means. They went beyond his hopes about them.

First they gave their own selves ( εαυτους εδωκαν πρωτον ). First aorist active indicative of διδωμ (k aorist). "Themselves they gave first." That is the explanation of the generous giving.

Insomuch that we exhorted Titus ( εις το παρακαλεσα ημας Τιτον ). Use of εις το and the infinitive for result with accusative of general reference ( ημας ). See Robertson, Grammar, p. 1003.

He had made a beginning before ( προενηρξατο ). First aorist active indicative of the double compound verb προ-εν-αρχομα, still found only here and verse 10, to make a start before others.

Complete ( επιτελεσε ) First aorist (effective) active subjunctive of επιτελεω, to finish, with perfective use of επ in composition.

In this grace also ( κα εν ταυτη τη χαριτ ). This gifted church (1Co 12-14) had fallen behind in the grace of giving. Kindly irony in this allusion.