Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Corinthians 8:2

2 How that in a great trial of afflictions , the abundance of their joy , and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality d.

How great the afflictions of the Churches in Macedonia were, both from the Iews and Pagans, may be read in Chap. 16, & 17. of the Acts. Afflictions are called Trials, because under them God maketh a trial of our Faith, Patience, and Constancy; and the Devil also, ordinarily by them, trieth to draw out our lusts and corruptions.

God made their inward peace and joy in the Holy Ghost so to abound in them under their trials▪ that though they were poor, (deeply poor) yet they abounded in the riches of liberality; not ministring to the necessities of their poor Brethren, in proportion to their abilities, or as might have been expected from men under their circumstances, but shewing themselves rich in their liberality, though poor in their Estates, and as to what they had of this Worlds goods.