Surely the plea for a generous gift of money toward the collection which Paul was making for the poor saints in Jerusalem, could not have been more tenderly and convincingly urged than it is urged here. He begins by mentioning the generosity of the Christians in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, who were very poor, the inference being that the wealthier Corinthians would make similar sacrifices. He quotes the example of the Lord Jesus, who made Himself poor that they might be enriched and who for nineteen centuries since has had the joy of enriching myriads of souls. Paul reminds the Corinthians that a year ago they had resolved to make this gift. Finally he sketches his fair dream of reciprocity between church and church, so that wherever there was need the supplies of Christian benevolence should flow forth to meet it.
Notice, then, that Christian liberality originates in the grace of God, ministers abundant joy to those who give, is not staunched by deep poverty, begins with the consecration of the giver's soul to God, and does not wait to be entreated, because it demands the privilege of ministering thus to the lack of Christ's body. [source]
Chapter Summary: 2 Corinthians 8
1He stirs them to a generous gift for the poor saints at Jerusalem, by the example of the Macedonians; 7by commendation of their former forwardness; 9by the example of Christ; 14and by the spiritual profit that shall redound to themselves thereby; 16commending to them the integrity and willingness of Titus, and those other brothers
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:13
Others may be eased [αλλοις ανεσις] “Release to others.” [source]
Ye distressed [υμιν τλιπσις] “To you tribulation.” The verb ηι ēi (present subjunctive) with ινα hina is not expressed. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 8:13
Acts 24:23Liberty [ἄνεσιν] From ἀνίημι , to send up; thence, to loosen, release. It is almost exactly expressed by our vulgarism, to let up. The noun here is more correctly rendered by Rev., indulgence. In all the other New Testament passages it is rendered rest, ease, or relief. See 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 8:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7. [source]
Colossians 4:1That which is just and equal [το δικαιον και την ισοτητα] Paul changes from το ισον to ison (like το δικαιον to dikaion neuter singular adjective with article for abstract idea) to the abstract substantive ισοτης isotēs old word, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 8:13. If employers always did this, there would be no labour problem. [source]
Greek Commentary for 2 Corinthians 8:13
“Release to others.” [source]
“To you tribulation.” The verb ηι ēi (present subjunctive) with ινα hina is not expressed. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 2 Corinthians 8:13
From ἀνίημι , to send up; thence, to loosen, release. It is almost exactly expressed by our vulgarism, to let up. The noun here is more correctly rendered by Rev., indulgence. In all the other New Testament passages it is rendered rest, ease, or relief. See 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 8:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:7. [source]
From ανιημι aniēmi to let loose, release, relax. Old word, in the N.T. only here and 2 Thessalonians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 8:13. It is the opposite of strict confinement, though under guard, “kept in charge” (τηρεισται tēreisthai). [source]
Paul changes from το ισον to ison (like το δικαιον to dikaion neuter singular adjective with article for abstract idea) to the abstract substantive ισοτης isotēs old word, in N.T. only here and 2 Corinthians 8:13. If employers always did this, there would be no labour problem. [source]
Let up, release. Old word from ανιημι aniēmi from troubles here (2 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 8:13), and hereafter as in this verse. Vivid word. They shared suffering with Paul (2 Thessalonians 1:5) and so they will share (μετ meth') the rest. [source]