1-2. Out of the midst of all their persecutions and afflictions the heart of the churches of Macedonia has been preserved so fresh and fearless that the surplus of their joy and gladness has taken the form of a bountiful gift to God.
10. the way he gave up all has brought you great riches, and now is the time to show how genuine is the love which has been opened to you.
11-12. My opinion is that the time has now arrived for this fund and collection to be completed, and for your final gifts to be made.
13-14. I know that you have already given sums to it, and your good will and desire to give has long been shown. Complete the matter now, and since you have this desire, give now what you can afford. Our giving is not the kind that injures and depletes oneself in order to confer largess on another; but it illustrates a law of fairness.
15. “He that gathered little had no lack, and he that gathered much had nothing over” (Ex. xvi. 18).
16-17. This principle goes so deep that in our faith what you have in abundance will minister to that where-with they are less well provided, whilst that which fills them to overflowing will supply all that you can want in the same direction. So wonderful is the spiritual manna of the word.