2 Corinthians 8:12

12 For if the will be ready, it is accepted after that that it hath, not after that that it hath not.

2 Corinthians 8:12 Meaning and Commentary

2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind
If what is done springs from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully and freely, and according to a man's ability; the quantity matters not, whether it be more or less:

it is accepted;
both of God and man:

according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.
The widow's mite was as acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast into the treasury; a cup of cold water given to a prophet, in the name of a prophet, is taken notice of by God, and shall have its reward. The present sent by the Philippians to the Apostle Paul, and which perhaps was not very large, was "an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God", ( Philippians 4:18 ) .

2 Corinthians 8:12 In-Context

10 And I give counsel in this thing; for this is profitable to you, that not only have begun to do, but also ye began to have will from the former year [but and to desire from the former year].

11 But now [Now forsooth] perform ye in deed, that as the discretion of will is ready [to desire good], so be it also of performing of that that ye have.

12 For if the will be ready, it is accepted after that that it hath, not after that that it hath not.

13 And not that it be remission to other men [+Forsooth not that it be remission, or idleness/or sloth, to other men], and to you tribulation;

14 but of evenness in the present time your abundance fulfill the need of them, that also the abundance of them be a fulfilling of your need, that evenness be made; [but of evenness, in this present time your abundance fulfill the mis-ease of them, that and the abundance of them be supplement, or fulfilling, of your mis-ease, or need, that evenness be made;]