How we cite our quotes: (Chapter: Verse)
Quote #10
I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little." (NRSV 2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack. (KJV 2 Corinthians 8:13-15)
When Paul talks about community, he doesn't just mean Corinth—it's Christians everywhere. Here, Paul wants the Corinthians to give generously to other Christians in Jerusalem. One of the reasons he tells them to open their wallets wide is because he knows many of them have tons of resources and could easily part with some. He's not asking them to go without, but to share what they already have in excess. According to Paul, charity may begin at home, but it's supposed to travel all over the world.