2 Corinthians 9:4

“Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, etc..] The apostle had determined to come himself, though he was afterwards prevented by Providence, but could not be certain of the coming of the Macedonian brethren with him; however, as it was probable that some of them would come, whose hearts were so much in this work, therefore he judged it fit and proper to send the brethren before hand, in case they should come: and find you unprepared; not so ready for this service as had been boasted of, and the collection not finished, which had been begun a year ago. We (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting; or “in this same substance”, or “subsistence of boasting”: a…”

“if they of Macedonia--rather as Greek, "if Macedonians." unprepared--with your collection; see Co2 9:2, "ready," Greek, "prepared." we, not to say ye--Ye would naturally feel more ashamed for yourselves, than we (who boasted of you) would for you. confident boasting--The oldest manuscripts read simply "confidence," namely, in your liberality.”

“Lest haply if they of Macedonia - If any of the Macedonians should happen to come with me, and should find that you had done nothing. He does not say that they would come with him, but it was by no means improbable that they would. It was customary for some of the members of the churches to travel with Paul from place to place, and the conversation was constant between Macedonia and Achaia. Paul had, therefore, every reason to suppose that some of the Macedonians would accompany him when he should go to Corinth. At all events it was probable that the Macedonians would learn from some quarter whether the Corinthians were or were not ready when Paul should go to them. should be ashamed ...}We…”

“they: Co2 9:2, Co2 8:1-5 be ashamed: Co2 8:24, Co2 11:17 2 Corinthians 9:5”