2 Corinthians 8:3

Beyond their power (para dunamin). "Alongside" with accusative like uper dunamin in Matthew 1:8 . Field (Ot. Nov.) quotes Josephus (Ant. iii. 6, 1) for kata dunamin and para dunamin as here. Few give kata dunamin (according to actual ability). Paul commends this high pressure collection because of the emergency. Of their own accord (auqairetoi). Old verbal adjective (auto, aireto from aireomai, to choose), of their own initiative, voluntary. Only here and verse Matthew 17 in N.T. Papyri often have ekousiw kai auqairetw (willingly and voluntarily).