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Matthew Henry

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 8:11

Now therefore perform the doing of it ,.... This is a conclusion from the former advice, to finish what was readily willed; for as it is not enough to do a thing, unless it is done cheerfully and willingly, so it is not sufficient to express a good will to such service as is here called to, without doing it; both should go together: that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also ; in some cases there is neither power nor will to do good; in others there is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:12

For if there be first a willing mind ,.... If what is done springs from a truly noble, generous spirit, a spirit of bountifulness and liberality; and is given cheerfully and freely, and according to a man's ability; the quantity matters not, whether it be more or less: it is accepted ; both of God and man: according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not . The widow's mite was as acceptable, and more so, than all the rich men cast into the treasury; a cup of cold... 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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 8:14

But by an equality ,.... All that he meant was, that there might be an equality both in givers and receivers, proportioned to their several circumstances and stations of life: that now at this time ; which was a very necessitous time at Jerusalem, there being a famine there, and their common stock exhausted: your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want ; which respects either the different abilities of givers at different... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:11

A readiness to will, so there may be a performance - Ye have willed and purposed this; now perform it. Out of that which ye have - Give as God has enabled you; and give as God has disposed you. He requires each man to do as he can; and accepts the will where the means are wanting to perform the deed. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:12

According to that a man hath - According to his real property; not taking that which belongs to his own family, and is indispensably necessary for their support; and not taking that which belongs to others; viz. what he owes to any man. 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

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 2 Corinthians 8:14

But by an equality - That you may do to those who are distressed now, as, on a change of circumstances, you would wish them to do to you. And I only wish that of your abundance you would now minister to their wants; and it may be that there abundance may yet supply your wants; for so liable are all human affairs to change, that it is as possible that you rich Corinthians should need the charitable help of others as it is that those Jews, who once had need of nothing, should now be dependent... read more

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