2 Corinthians 8:13-9:5 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:7-15

In these verses the apostle uses several cogent arguments to stir up the Corinthians to this good work of charity. I. He urges upon them the consideration of their eminence in other gifts and graces, and would have them excel in this of charity also, 2 Cor. 8:7. Great address and much holy art are here used by the apostle. When he would persuade the Corinthians to this good thing, he commends them for other good things that were found in them. Most people love to be complimented, especially... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

8:1-15 Brothers, we want you to know about the grace of God which was given in the Churches of Macedonia. We want you to know that even when they were going through a severe test of their faith when things were pressing sorely on them, their overflowing happiness and their poverty which reached the very depths of destitution combined to overflow into the wealth of their generosity. For, I bear witness, they gave according to their ability, yes, beyond their ability, quite spontaneously,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:13

For I mean not that other men be eased and you burdened. Referring either to the givers; and that either to the richer and meaner sort in this church; the apostle's sense being, not to put the whole burden of the collection upon some only, whilst others were excused doing little or nothing; but that everyone should give according to his ability; or to other churches in poorer circumstances; and the apostle's meaning was, not that these churches by reason of their meanness should be entirely... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:13

That other men be eased - I do not design that you should impoverish yourselves in order that others may live affluently. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:13

Verse 13 13.Not that others. This is a confirmation of the preceding statement — that a readiness of will is well-pleasing to God alike in poverty and in wealth, inasmuch as God does not mean that we should be reduced to straits, in order that others may be at ease through our liberality. True, indeed, it is certain, that we owe to God, not merely a part, but all that we are, and all that we have, but in His kindness He spares us thus far, that He is satisfied with that participation of which... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

These two chapters (8 and 9) form an independent section of the Epistle. The plural alone ("we") is used throughout; participial and unfinished constructions abound; the style is a little embarrassed; and various words, such as "grace," "blessing," "righteousness," "simplicity," occur in somewhat unusual shades of meaning. All this arises: 1 . From St. Paul's natural delicacy in alluding to pecuniary subjects. 2 . From a desire to conciliate the Corinthians, while at the same... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:13

And ye be burdened; literally, for not that there may be relief to others, but to you affliction . In other words, I have no wish that you should distress yourselves to set others at ease. You must not suspect me of Jewish proclivities which would lead me to impoverish you to provide luxuries for the Christians at Jerusalem. Others refer it to the Macedonians: "I do not wish to burden you, but the Macedonians, who are poor, have contributed, and if you join them in this good work now... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:13

For I mean not that other men be eased ... - I do not intend that others should be eased in order to relieve you. Literally, “Not that there should be rest (ἄνεσις anesis, a letting loose; remission, relaxation) to others, but affliction (θλίψις thlipsis) to you.” Probably the Corinthians were able to contribute more than many other churches, certainly more than the churches of Macedonia 2 Corinthians 8:2, and Paul therefore presses upon them the duty of giving according to their means, yet... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 2 Corinthians 8:13-15

2 Corinthians 8:13-15. I mean not that other men Those who are now in want; should be eased Plentifully supplied; and ye be burdened Straitened to relieve them; that is, that ease should be to the brethren in Judea, through distress to you. But by ( εξ , on account of) an equality That a distribution should be made according to their necessity and your ability; that at the present time your abundance may be a supply for the wants of the brethren in Judea, and that at another time,... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

8:1-9:15 COLLECTION FOR THE POOR IN JERUSALEMAbout a year earlier Paul had given instructions to the Corinthians about the collection of money he was organizing for the poor Christians in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). The Corinthians had made a start (see 9:2), but in the meantime they became so concerned with their own difficulties that they neglected their responsibilities in the matter. Now that they have cleared up their local troubles, Paul reminds them of the importance of this... read more