Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Corinthians 8:10-15

"And herein I give [my] judgment: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will. But now complete the doing also; that as [there was] the readiness to will, so [there may be] the completion also out of your ability. For if the readiness is there, [it is] acceptable according as [a man] hath, not according as [he] hath not. For [I say] not [this] that others may be eased [and] ye distressed; but by equality: your abundance [being a supply] at this present time for their want, that their abundance also may become [a supply] for your want; that there may be equality: as it is written, He that [gathered] much had nothing over; and he that [gathered] little had no lack." — 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 (ASV)

Good purposes are like buds and blossoms, pleasant to see, and give hope of good fruit; but they are lost and mean nothing without good deeds. Good beginnings are good; but we lose the benefit unless there is perseverance. When people intend what is good and endeavor according to their ability also to perform it, God will not reject them for what is not in their power to do.

But this scripture will not justify those who think good intentions are enough, or that good purposes and the mere profession of a willing mind are enough for salvation. Providence gives more of the good things of this world to some and less to others, so that those who have abundance might supply others who are in need. It is God's will that by mutually supplying one another, there should be some sort of equality; not a leveling that would destroy property, for in such a case, there could be no exercise of charity.

All should consider it their concern to relieve those in need. This is shown by the gathering and distributing the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:18). Those who have the most of this world, have no more than food and clothing; and those who have but little of this world are seldom entirely without them.