and this, not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

and not according as we expected, but themselves they did give first to the Lord, and to us, through the will of God,

And not according as we hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and to us byGod's will.