8:5a And not only did they do as we expected,

And they gave differently than we (excl.) expected,
-or-
We did not expect them to do this:

8:5b but they gave themselves first to the Lord

⌊namely,⌋ they first decided to always do what the Lord wanted them to do,
-or-
they first ⌊completely⌋ dedicated themselves to serve the Lord ⌊Jesus⌋.

8:5c and then to us, because it was the will of God.

and then ⌊followed⌋ us as God wanted them to do.
-or-
Then/Next they dedicated themselves to ⌊following⌋ us in God’s will.

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