| Geneva Study Bible {6} For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (6) Against those who excused themselves because they are not rich, as though it were only the duty of rich men to help the poor. People's New Testament 8:12 For if there is first a willing mind. The willing mind had been shown in the readiness to will. The willing mind is essential to the acceptance of the gift. If there be this pre-requisite, then God accepts the gift and measures it according to a man's means. Wesley's Notes 8:12 A man - Every believer. Is accepted - With God. According to what he hath - And the same rule holds universally. Whoever acknowledges himself to be a vile, guilty sinner, and, in consequence of this acknowledgment, flies for refuge to the wounds of a crucified Saviour, and relies on his merits alone for salvation, may in every circumstance of life apply this indulgent declaration to himself. Scofield Reference Notes Margin willing See 2Cor 8:10-12, See Scofield Note: "2Cor 8:1". Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 12. For-Following up the rule "out of that which ye have" (2Co 8:11), and no more. a willing mind-rather, as Greek, "the readiness," namely, to will, referring to 2Co 8:11. accepted-Greek "favorably accepted." according to that a man hath-The oldest manuscripts omit "a man." Translate, "According to whatsoever it have"; the willing mind, or "readiness" to will, is personified [Alford]. Or better, as Bengel, "He is accepted according to whatsoever he have"; so 2Co 9:7, The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." Compare as to David, 1Ki 8:18. God accepts the will for the deed. He judges not according to what a man has the opportunity to do, but according to what he would do if he had the opportunity (compare Mr 14:8; and the widow's mite, Lu 21:3, 4). Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 8:10-15 Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Ex 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them. | 
