Romans 12:13

“Distributing to the necessity of saints, etc..] Or “communicating”, as many versions render the word; “distributing” more properly belongs to the officers of the church, the deacons, and communicating to the members of it in common. All men in general are to be relieved that are in want, even our very enemies, and particularly such as are our own flesh and blood, nearly related to us, aged parents, etc.. and especially they that are of the household of faith, here called “saints”; and indeed, such only come under the care and notice of a church: and they are such, whom God has set apart for himself, has chosen in his Son, that they should be holy; whom Christ has sanctified, or whose sins he…”

“given to hospitality--that is, the entertainment of strangers. In times of persecution, and before the general institution of houses of entertainment, the importance of this precept would be at once felt. In the East, where such houses are still rare, this duty is regarded as of the most sacred character [HODGE].”

“Distributing - The word used here denotes having things in “common” κοινωνοῦντες koinōnountes. It means that they should be communicative, or should regard their property as so far common as to supply the needs of others. In the earliest times of the church, Christians had all things in common (Notes, Acts 2:44), and felt themselves bound to meet all the needs of their brethren. One of the most striking effects of Christianity was to loosen their grasp on property, and dispose them to impart liberally to those who had need. The direction here does not mean that they should literally have all things in common; that is, to go back to a state of savage barbarity; but that they should be…”

“Communicate to the necessities of the saints - Relieve all Christians that are in want. It is remarkable, that the apostle, treating expressly of the duties flowing from the communion of saints, yet never says one word about the dead. Pursue hospitality - Not only embracing those that offer, but seeking opportunities to exercise it. Romans 12:14”

“12:13 be ready to help them: The verb Paul uses is related to the familiar Greek word koinōnia (“fellowship”). When needs arise among our Christian brothers and sisters, we are not just to meet their needs; we should also enter into fellowship with these fellow Christians in ways that extend beyond material gifts.”

“Distributing: Rom 12:8, Rom 15:25-28; Psa 41:1; Act 4:35, Act 9:36-41, Act 10:4, Act 20:34, Act 20:35; Co1 16:1, Co1 16:2; Co2 8:1-4, Co2 9:1, Co2 9:12; Gal 6:10; Plm 1:7; Heb 6:10, Heb 13:16; Jo1 3:17 given: Gen 18:2-8, Gen 19:1-3; Ti1 3:2, Ti1 5:10; Tit 1:8; Heb 13:2; Pe1 4:9 Romans 12:14”