2 Corinthians 8:13
It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.
It is not our intention
The phrase underscores the apostle Paul's deliberate and thoughtful approach to the matter of giving. The Greek word for "intention" (θέλω, thelō) implies a willful desire or purpose. Paul is clarifying that his guidance is not arbitrary but is rooted in a purposeful and divinely inspired plan. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God desires intentionality in our actions, especially in matters of charity and support.

that others may be relieved
The term "relieved" (ἄνεσις, anesis) in Greek conveys a sense of relaxation or easing of burdens. Historically, the early church was marked by a spirit of mutual support, as seen in Acts 2:44-45, where believers shared their possessions. Paul is advocating for a community where resources are shared to alleviate the hardships of others, reflecting the heart of Christ's teaching on loving one's neighbor.

while you are burdened
The word "burdened" (θλίψις, thlipsis) often refers to affliction or distress. Paul is sensitive to the potential for imbalance, where one group's relief could inadvertently cause another's hardship. This reflects a deep understanding of the Christian call to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2) without creating new ones, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and discernment in charitable acts.

but that there may be equality
The concept of "equality" (ἰσότης, isotēs) here is not about absolute sameness but rather fairness and balance. In the historical context of the early church, this principle was revolutionary, challenging societal norms of hierarchy and privilege. Paul envisions a community where resources are distributed in a way that reflects the kingdom of God, where each person's needs are met, and no one is left in want. This echoes the Old Testament principle of Jubilee (Leviticus 25), where debts were forgiven, and land was restored, symbolizing God's desire for justice and equity among His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem.

2. Corinth
A major city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth and diversity, where the church Paul is addressing is located.

3. Jerusalem Church
The recipients of the collection, experiencing poverty and persecution, needing support from other churches.

4. Macedonian Churches
Mentioned earlier in the chapter as examples of generosity despite their own poverty.

5. Titus
A fellow worker with Paul, who was involved in organizing the collection and encouraging the Corinthians to participate.
Teaching Points
Principle of Equality
The verse emphasizes the importance of equality within the body of Christ. This is not about creating hardship for some while others live in ease, but about ensuring that resources are shared so that everyone's needs are met.

Generosity as a Christian Duty
Christians are called to be generous, not out of compulsion, but out of love and a desire to reflect Christ's generosity. This involves being willing to share our resources to support those in need.

Avoiding Imbalance
Paul warns against creating an imbalance where one group is burdened while another is relieved. This teaches us to strive for fairness and balance in our giving and support.

Community Support
The early church model of supporting one another financially and spiritually is a powerful example for us today. We are encouraged to look beyond our immediate circles and consider the global body of Christ.

Faith in Action
Our faith should manifest in practical ways, such as financial support for those in need. This is a tangible expression of our love and commitment to the teachings of Christ.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the principle of equality in 2 Corinthians 8:13 challenge our current understanding of giving within the church?

2. In what ways can we apply the example of the Macedonian churches' generosity in our own lives?

3. How can we ensure that our giving does not create an imbalance, as Paul warns against in this verse?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to support the global church community, especially those in need?

5. How does the concept of bearing one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2, relate to the message of 2 Corinthians 8:13?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 11:29-30
Describes the early church's practice of sending relief to the brethren in Judea, illustrating the principle of mutual support.

Romans 15:26-27
Paul speaks of the contribution made by the churches of Macedonia and Achaia for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem, reinforcing the theme of shared responsibility.

Galatians 6:2
Encourages believers to bear one another's burdens, aligning with the principle of equality and mutual aid.

Philippians 4:15-16
Paul commends the Philippians for their financial support, showing the importance of generosity in the Christian community.
Appeal to the CorinthiansC. Lipscomb 2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Things that Belong to CharityE. Hurndall 2 Corinthians 8:10-15
Christian LiberalityF. W. Robertson, M. A.2 Corinthians 8:13-15
New Testament EqualityC. Hodge, D. D.2 Corinthians 8:13-15
People
Corinthians, Paul, Titus
Places
Achaia, Corinth, Macedonia
Topics
Affliction, Burdened, Distress, Distressed, Ease, Eased, Equality, Equality-, Free, Mean, Order, Pressed, Pressured, Release, Relief, Relieved, Saying, Speak, Unduly, Urge, Weight
Dictionary of Bible Themes
2 Corinthians 8:1-15

     6710   privileges

2 Corinthians 8:11-15

     7912   collections

2 Corinthians 8:13-14

     5308   equality
     5886   individualism
     7025   church, unity

2 Corinthians 8:13-15

     5448   poverty, attitudes to
     5503   rich, the
     7925   fellowship, among believers

Library
Willing and not Doing
'Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will so there may be a performance also.'--2 COR. viii. 11. The Revised Version reads: '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.' A collection of money for the almost pauper church at Jerusalem bulked very largely in the Apostle's mind at the date of the writing of the two letters to the Corinthian church. We learn that that church had
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Rich yet Poor
'For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich yet for your sakes He became poor, that ye through His poverty might be rich.'--2 COR. viii. 9. The Apostle has been speaking about a matter which, to us, seems very small, but to him was very great viz., a gathering of pecuniary help from the Gentile churches for the poor church in Jerusalem. Large issues, in his estimation, attended that exhibition of Christian unity, and, be it great or small, he applies the highest of
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Giving and Asking
'Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; 2. How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. 3. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; 4. Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5. And this they did, not as we hoped,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Condescension of Christ
And now, dear friends, the argument of the apostle shall be our subject to-day. It divides itself in an extremely simple manner. We have first, the pristine condition of our Saviour--"He was rich." We have next, his condescension--"He became poor." And then we have the effect and result of his poverty--"That we might be made rich." We shall then close by giving you a doctrine, a question, and an exhortation. May God bless all these, and help us to tell them aright. I. First, then, our text tells
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

The Faithful Steward
Systematic beneficence is capable of a twofold division. There is a general or universal system, binding indiscriminately and equally on all of every rank and condition; and a particular system adapted alone to the circumstances of each individual. The latter stands related to the former, as the edifice to the foundation on which it rests. This distinction must be kept clearly before mind, if we would have definite views of our obligations relative to this important subject. In the ensuing discussion,
Sereno D. Clark—The Faithful Steward

Of the Matters to be Considered in the Councils.
Let us now consider the matters which should be treated in the councils, and with which popes, cardinals, bishops, and all learned men should occupy themselves day and night, if they loved Christ and His Church. But if they do not do so, the people at large and the temporal powers must do so, without considering the thunders of their excommunications. For an unjust excommunication is better than ten just absolutions, and an unjust absolution is worse than ten just excommunications. Therefore let
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Indeed in all Spiritual Delights, which Unmarried Women Enjoy...
27. Indeed in all spiritual delights, which unmarried women enjoy, their holy conversation ought also to be with caution; lest haply, though their life be not evil through haughtiness, their report be evil through negligence. Nor are they to be listened to, whether they be holy men or women, when (upon occasion of their neglect in some matter being blamed, through which it comes to pass that they fall into evil suspicion, from which they know that their life is far removed) they say that it is enough
St. Augustine—On the Good of Widowhood.

Epistle xxxi. To Theodorus, Physician.
To Theodorus, Physician. Gregory to Theodorus, Physician to the Emperor. I myself give thanks to Almighty God, that distance does not separate the hearts of those who truly love each other mutually. For lo, most sweet and glorious son, we are far apart in body, and yet are present with each other in charity. This your works, this your letters testify, this I experienced in you when present, this I recognize in your Glory when absent. May this make you both beloved of men and worthy for ever before
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Therefore Let the Rest of the Faithful, who have Lost virginity...
28. Therefore let the rest of the faithful, who have lost virginity, follow the Lamb, not whithersoever He shall have gone, but so far as ever they shall have been able. But they are able every where, save when He walks in the grace of virginity. "Blessed are the poor in spirit;" [2081] imitate Him, Who, whereas "He was rich, was made poor for your sakes." [2082] "Blessed are the meek;" imitate Him, Who said, "Learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly of heart." [2083] "Blessed are they that mourn;" imitate
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Epistle xxviii. To Theodore, Physician.
To Theodore, Physician. Gregory to Theodore, Physician at Constantinople. My most beloved son the deacon Sabinianus [1709] , on his return to me, brought me no letter from your Glory; but he conveyed hither what had been sent for the poor and captives; whence I understood the reason. It was that you would not speak by letters to a man, having by a good deed made your address to Almighty God. For this same deed of yours has a voice of its own, which calls to the secret ears of God, as it is written,
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Church of Christ. "It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is ruth."--1 John v. 6. We now proceed to discuss the work of the Holy Spirit wrought in the Church of Christ. Altho the Son of God has had a Church in the earth from the beginning, yet the Scripture distinguishes between its manifestation before and after Christ. As the acorn, planted in the ground, exists, altho it passes through the two periods of germinating and rooting, and of growing upward and forming trunk and
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Balak's Inquiries Relative to the Service of God, and Balaam's Answer, Briefly Considered.
"Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with, thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my first born for my transgression; the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?--He hath shewed thee, 0 man, what is good: And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" As mankind are
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

On Account Then of These Either Occupations of the Servants of God...
17. On account then of these either occupations of the servants of God, or bodily infirmities, which cannot be altogether wanting, not only doth the Apostle permit the needs of saints to be supplied by good believers, but also most wholesomely exhorteth. For, setting apart that power, which he saith himself had not used, which yet that the faithful must serve unto, he enjoins, saying, "Let him that is catechised in the word, communicate unto him that doth catechise him, in all good things:" [2531]
St. Augustine—Of the Work of Monks.

The Duty of Self-Denial.
"Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child."--Psalm cxxxi. 2. Self-denial of some kind or other is involved, as is evident, in the very notion of renewal and holy obedience. To change our hearts is to learn to love things which we do not naturally love--to unlearn the love of this world; but this involves, of course, a thwarting of our natural wishes and tastes. To be righteous and obedient implies self-command; but to
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of the Nature of Regeneration, with Respect to the Change it Produces in Men's Affections, Resolutions, Labors, Enjoyments and Hopes.
2 Cor. v. 17. 2 Cor. v. 17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold, all things are become new. AMONG the various subjects, which exercise the thoughts and tongues of men, few are more talked of than Religion. But it is melancholy to think how little it is understood; and how much it is mistaken and misrepresented in the world. The text before us gives us a very instructive view of it: such a view, that I am sure, an experimental knowledge of its sense would
Philip Doddridge—Practical Discourses on Regeneration

Covenanting a Duty.
The exercise of Covenanting with God is enjoined by Him as the Supreme Moral Governor of all. That his Covenant should be acceded to, by men in every age and condition, is ordained as a law, sanctioned by his high authority,--recorded in his law of perpetual moral obligation on men, as a statute decreed by him, and in virtue of his underived sovereignty, promulgated by his command. "He hath commanded his covenant for ever."[171] The exercise is inculcated according to the will of God, as King and
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

Meditations to Stir us up to Morning Prayer.
1. If, when thou art about to pray, Satan shall suggest that thy prayers are too long, and that therefore it were better either to omit prayers, or else to cut them shorter, meditate that prayer is thy spiritual sacrifice, wherewith God is well pleased (Heb. xiii. 15, 16;) and therefore it is so displeasing to the devil, and so irksome to the flesh. Bend therefore thy affections (will they, nill they) to so holy an exercise; assuring thyself, that it doth by so much the more please God, by how much
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful.
IN ANSWER TO A BOOK WRITTEN BY THE BAPTISTS, AND PUBLISHED BY MR. T. PAUL AND MR. W. KIFFIN, ENTITLED, 'SOME SERIOUS REFLECTIONS ON THAT PART OF MR BUNYAN'S CONFESSION OF FAITH, TOUCHING CHURCH COMMUNION WITH UNBAPTIZED BELIEVERS.' WHEREIN THEIR OBJECTIONS AND ARGUMENTS ARE ANSWERED, AND THE DOCTRINE OF COMMUNION STILL ASSERTED AND VINDICATED. HERE IS ALSO MR. HENRY JESSE'S JUDGMENT IN THE CASE, FULLY DECLARING THE DOCTRINE I HAVE ASSERTED. BY JOHN BUNYAN. 'Should not the multitude of words be answered?
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Parables Exemplified in the Early History of the Church.
"To Him shall prayer unceasing And daily vows ascend; His Kingdom still increasing, A Kingdom without end." We have seen that our Lord described in His Parables the general character and nature of "The Kingdom of Heaven." Consequently, if the Church established by the Apostles under the guidance of the Holy Ghost is "The Kingdom of Heaven," it will necessarily be found to agree with the description thus given. Let us therefore now consider how far the history of the Church, in the Acts of the Apostles
Edward Burbidge—The Kingdom of Heaven; What is it?

Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing

Sanctification.
I. I will remind you of some points that have been settled in this course of study. 1. The true intent and meaning of the law of God has been, as I trust, ascertained in the lectures on moral government. Let this point if need be, be examined by reference to those lectures. 2. We have also seen, in those lectures, what is not, and what is implied in entire obedience to the moral law. 3. In those lectures, and also in the lectures on justification and repentance, it has been shown that nothing is
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Links
2 Corinthians 8:13 NIV
2 Corinthians 8:13 NLT
2 Corinthians 8:13 ESV
2 Corinthians 8:13 NASB
2 Corinthians 8:13 KJV

2 Corinthians 8:13 Commentaries

Bible Hub
2 Corinthians 8:12
Top of Page
Top of Page