Verse 8
Paul wanted his readers to understand that he did not want them to take the following exhortation incorrectly. It was not an apostolic command since obedience to a command is an inferior motive for giving to others. Rather he hoped that the good example of others would motivate them. The others in view are the Macedonians, the Corinthians’ themselves in their initial efforts, and Jesus Christ.
Paul claimed full apostolic authority (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:8; 2 Corinthians 13:10), which his critics challenged, but he chose not to use it. It is usually wiser and more effective to appeal for change by citing positive examples rather than by making authoritative demands.
"Paul uses the conventional rhetorical strategy of comparison (synkrisis), in this case competition, to spur the Corinthians to action (2 Corinthians 8:1-8, esp. 2 Corinthians 8:8)." [Note: Keener, p. 203.]
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