And Paul went on to expand his thought: “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints” (vv. 3, 4). They gave “beyond” (literally, “contrary to”) their ability. St. Chrysostom marveled, “They did the begging, not Paul.” The sense is that Paul, seeing their extreme poverty, was reticent to take their gifts because he knew it would deepen their deprivation and plight.