10 I give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage , who were the first to begin a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 11 But now finish doing it also , so that just as there was the readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability . 12 For if the readiness is present , it is acceptable according to what a person has , not according to what he does not have . 13 For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction , but by way of equality - 14 at this present time your abundance being a supply for their need , so that their abundance also may become a supply for your need , that there may be equality ; 15 as it is written , " HE WHO gathered MUCH DID NOT HAVE TOO MUCH , AND HE WHO gathered LITTLE HAD NO LACK ."
16 But thanks be to God who puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of Titus . 17 For he not only accepted our appeal , but being himself very earnest , he has gone to you of his own accord . 18 We have sent along with him the brother whose fame in the things of the gospel has spread through all the churches ; 19 and not only this, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gracious work , which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself , and to show our readiness , 20 taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift ; 21 for we have regard for what is honorable , not only in the sight of the Lord , but also in the sight of men . 22 We have sent with them our brother , whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things , but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for Titus , he is my partner and fellow worker among you; as for our brethren , they are messengers of the churches , a glory to Christ . 24 Therefore openly before e the churches , show them the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:10-24
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:10-15
(Read 2 Corinthians 8:10-15)
Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to behold, and give hopes of good fruit; but they are lost, and signify nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are well; but we lose the benefit, unless there is perseverance. When men purpose that which is good, and endeavour, according to their ability, to perform also, God will not reject them for what it is not in their power to do. But this scripture will not justify those who think good meanings are enough, or that good purposes, and the mere profession of a willing mind, are enough to save. Providence gives to some more of the good things of this world, and to some less, that those who have abundance might supply others who are in want. It is the will of God, that by our mutual supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not such a levelling as would destroy property, for in such a case there could be no exercise of charity. All should think themselves concerned to relieve those in want. This is shown from the gathering and giving out the manna in the wilderness, Exodus 16:18. Those who have most of this world, have no more than food and raiment; and those who have but little of this world, seldom are quite without them.
Commentary on 2 Corinthians 8:16-24
(Read 2 Corinthians 8:16-24)
The apostle commends the brethren sent to collect their charity, that it might be known who they were, and how safely they might be trusted. It is the duty of all Christians to act prudently; to hinder, as far as we can, all unjust suspicions. It is needful, in the first place, to act uprightly in the sight of God, but things honest in the sight of men should also be attended to. A clear character, as well as a pure conscience, is requisite for usefulness. They brought glory to Christ as instruments, and had obtained honour from Christ to be counted faithful, and employed in his service. The good opinion others have of us, should be an argument with us to do well.