Note 4 at 2 Cor. 9:3: Paul is sending the three men mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:23 to see that the offering for the Judean Christians is ready. In this way, Paul's boasting of the Corinthians will be confirmed.

The Corinthians were willing, but Paul knew there had to be more than just willingness. They needed actions, and Paul sent these men ahead to help them prepare their offering. Too many willing people fail to prepare and therefore fall short of the need and their own desire to give (see note 3 at 1 Cor. 16:2, p. 968).