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For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,

Verse Takeaways

1

Equity, Not Impoverishment

Commentators stress that Paul is not asking the Corinthians to become poor so that others can be rich. The goal of Christian giving isn't to simply swap who is 'eased' and who is 'distressed.' Rather, as scholars like Calvin and Spurgeon explain, it's about achieving a godly 'equality' or balance, where those with abundance relieve the needs of others without creating hardship for themselves.

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Book Overview

2 Corinthians

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Commentaries

9

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On 2 Corinthians 8:13

18th Century

Theologian

For I mean not that other men be eased, etc. I do not intend that others should be eased in order to relieve you. Literally, "Not that the…

AT Robertson

AT Robertson

On 2 Corinthians 8:13

Others may be eased (αλλοις ανεσις). "Release to others."

Ye distressed (υμιν θλιψις). "To you tribulation…

Charles Ellicott

Charles Ellicott

On 2 Corinthians 8:13

19th Century

Bishop

For I mean not that other men be eased.—The disclaimer is obviously an answer to something that had been said. The “chari…

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Charles Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon

On 2 Corinthians 8:12–14

19th Century

Preacher

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. For I mean not that o…

Expositor's Bible Commentary

Expositor's Bible Commentary

On 2 Corinthians 8:13

Perhaps one reason the collection project had been languishing at Corinth was an objection like this: “As if we had no financial problems of our ow…

John Calvin

John Calvin

On 2 Corinthians 8:13

16th Century

Theologian

Not that others. This is a confirmation of the preceding statement—that a readiness of will is well-pleasing to God both in poverty and in…

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John Gill

John Gill

On 2 Corinthians 8:13

17th Century

Pastor

For I mean not that other men should be eased and you should be burdened .
Referring either to the givers; and that either to …

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On 2 Corinthians 8:10–15

17th Century

Minister

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…