Verse 1
We do you to wit; we make known to you.

Verse 2
In a great trial; in a time of great trial.

Verse 3
To their power; to the extent of their power.

Verse 4
The fellowship of the ministering, &c.; the charge of conveying the contribution to those for whom it was intended.

Verse 5
Not as we hoped; not merely as much as we hoped.

Verse 6
Finish in you the same grace, call upon you to finish the work, by your contributions.

Verse 7
In this grace; liberality.

Verse 8
The forwardness of others; the readiness and zeal of others, that is, of the churches in Macedonia.

Verse 9
The grace; the goodness and mercy.

Verse 15
This language refers to the gathering of the manna. (Exodus 16:18,) and is used here as illustrative of the nature of Christian liberality.

Verse 17
The exhortation; the request which I made that he would go to you.

Verse 18
The brother, whose praise, &c. It is not known to whom Paul here refers. Some conjecture that it was Luke; others, Mark; others, Silas or Barnabas.

Verse 19
This grace; this gift; that is, the contribution before referred to.--And declaration of your ready mind; that is, to the manifestation of your ready liberality.

Verse 20
In this abundance; in respect to this property, namely, the money contributed.

Verse 21
For honest things; things reputable, free from all appearance of wrong.

Verse 22
Our brother. There are no means of ascertaining what individual is here referred to.

Verse 23
Whether any, &c.; if any.

Verse 24
And of our boasting, &c.; that is, show that the praises we have given you were deserved.