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the WILL of GOD

2 Corinthians 8:5&6
"5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also."

We are in the Second letter to the Corinthians from the Apostle Paul. He is trying to help this body of believers to stay together. Paul has used churches of Macedonia as an example. He has pointed out that the Macedonians were willing to give more than they should have been able. They did not wait to be urged and pressed to do it. They rejoiced in the opportunity of doing it. They came forward of their own accord and made the contribution. 

The Macedonians gave freely and generously, turning over their charity to the Apostles to redistribute it as needed. They were modle givers, great examples for the Corinthians to follow. An inspiration to all.

Paul emphasizes the point; they had done what was far beyond his hopes. They gave, not only their money, but themselves, their time, their energy, to the church. They were able to do this because they allowed the will of God to work upon them. Today's verses; "And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the WILL of GOD. Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same GRACE also."

Paul has begun to praise the Corinthians; Titus delivered the First Letter to them and witnessed improvement in their situation. Titus has returned to Corinth with this Second Letter to bring the good work to its completion.
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