2 Corinthians 8:2

“How that in a great trial of affliction, etc..] The apostle proceeds to show the condition these churches were in when, and the manner in which, they contributed to the relief of others. They were in affliction: they received the Gospel at first in much affliction, as did the church at Thessalonica, which was one of them; and afterwards suffered much from their countrymen for the profession of it, by reproaches, persecutions, imprisonments, confiscation of goods, etc.. They were under trying afflictions, which tried their faith and patience, and in many of them. Now for persons in prosperity, when all things go well with them, to be liberal is no such great matter; but for persons in…”

“trial of affliction--The Greek expresses, "in affliction (or, 'tribulation') which tested them"; literally, "in a great testing of affliction." abundance of their joy--The greater was the depth of their poverty, the greater was the abundance of their joy. A delightful contrast in terms, and triumph, in fact, of spirit over flesh. their deep poverty--Greek, "their poverty down to the death of it." abounded unto the riches of their liberality--another beautiful contrast in terms: their poverty had the effect, not of producing stinted gifts, but of "abounding in the riches of liberality" (not as Margin, "simplicity"; though the idea of singleness of motive to God's glory and man's good,…”

“How that, in a great trial of affliction - When it might be supposed they were unable to give; when many would suppose they needed the aid of others; or when it might be supposed their minds would be wholly engrossed with their own concerns. The trial to which the apostle here refers was doubtless some persecution which was excited against them, probably by the Jews; see Acts 16:20; Acts 17:5. The abundance of their joy - Their joy arising from the hopes and promises of the gospel. Notwithstanding their persecutions, their joy has abounded, and the effect of their joy has been seen in the liberal contribution which they have made. Their joy could not be repressed by their persecution, and…”

“In a great trial of affliction - Being continually persecuted, harassed, and plundered. 2 Corinthians 8:4”

“in: Th1 1:6, Th1 2:14, Th1 3:3, Th1 3:4 the abundance: Neh 8:10-12; Act 2:45, Act 2:46 their deep: Mar 12:42-44; Luk 21:1-4; Jam 2:5; Rev 2:9 the riches: Co2 6:10, Co2 9:11, Co2 9:13; Deu 15:4; Pro 11:25; Isa 32:5-8 liberality: Gr. simplicity, Co2 1:12; Rom 12:8 2 Corinthians 8:3”