The abundance of their joy; their spiritual joy in Christ. This abounded unto the riches of their liberality by prompting them to give a richly liberal gift.

Their deep poverty; this abounded unto the riches of their liberality by making their gift a richer expression of faith and love. Though persecuted and poor, they had contributed largely for the benefit of others. Compare what the Saviour says of the poor widow's gift in Mark 12:43-44; Luke 21:3-4.

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Old Testament