2 CORINTHIANS 8:13 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:”
Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality — the principle is *isotēs*, literally equal measure or fairness. Paul is not demanding the Corinthians impoverish themselves; rather, he seeks *balance* between communities. The Jerusalem collection aims at koinonia, communion, expressed in mutual material aid. Abundance in one place should supply lack in another.
Church Fathers on 2 Corinthians 8:13
“For I say not this, that others may be eased, and you distressed.” And yet Christ praised the contrary conduct in the widow's case, that she emptied out all of her living and gave out of her want. Mark 12:43 But because he was discoursing to Corinthians among whom he chose to suffer hunger; “for it were good for me rather to die, than that any man should make my glorying void;” 1 Corinthians 9:15 he therefore uses a tempered exhortation, praising indeed those who had done…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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