10 and an opinion in this do I give: for this to you 'is' expedient, who not only to do, but also to will, did begin before—a year ago, 11 and now also finish doing 'it', that even as 'there is' the readiness of the will, so also the finishing, out of that which ye have, 12 for if the willing mind is present, according to that which any one may have it is well-accepted, not according to that which he hath not; 13 for not that for others release, and ye pressured, 'do I speak,' 14 but by equality, at the present time your abundance—for their want, that also their abundance may be for your want, that there may be equality, 15 according as it hath been written, 'He who 'did gather' much, had nothing over; and he who 'did gather' little, had no lack.'
16 And thanks to God, who is putting the same diligence for you in the heart of Titus, 17 because indeed the exhortation he accepted, and being more diligent, of his own accord he went forth unto you, 18 and we sent with him the brother, whose praise in the good news 'is' through all the assemblies, 19 and not only so, but who was also appointed by vote by the assemblies, our fellow-traveller, with this favour that is ministered by us, unto the glory of the same Lord, and your willing mind; 20 avoiding this, lest any one may blame us in this abundance that is ministered by us, 21 providing right things, not only before the Lord, but also before men; 22 and we sent with them our brother, whom we proved in many things many times being diligent, and now much more diligent, by the great confidence that is toward you, 23 whether—about Titus—my partner and towards you fellow-worker, whether—our brethren, apostles of assemblies—glory of Christ; 24 the shewing therefore of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf, to them shew ye, even in the face of the assemblies.
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.