Discovery Box2 Corinthians 8:3-4 
Context8:3 For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, 1 8:4 begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping 2 the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:12
Context8:12 For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself 3 is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have.
2 Corinthians 8:17
Context8:17 because he not only accepted our request, but since he was very eager, 4 he is coming 5 to you of his own accord. 6
1 tn Or “spontaneously.”
2 tn Or “of ministering to.”
3 tn The words “the gift itself” are not in the Greek text but are implied. Translators often supply an English phrase like “it is” (NASB) but in the context, Paul is clearly referring to the collection Titus was to oversee (2 Cor 8:4-7). Therefore there is no reason not to specify the referent (the gift) more narrowly for clarity.
4 tn The comparative form of this adjective is used here with elative meaning.
5 tn This verb has been translated as an epistolary aorist.
6 tn Or “of his own free will.”
