2 Corinthians 8:13-14

2 Corinthians 8:13-14

[13] For  I mean not  that  other men  be eased,  burdened:  [14] an equality,  that now  at  this time  abundance  may be a supply for  their  want,  that  their  abundance  also  may be  a supply for  want:  that  there may be  equality: 

What does 2 Corinthians 8:13-14 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

The objective in view was not making the Judean Christians rich and the Corinthian Christians poor. It was that there should be more equality than presently existed. In the future the Corinthians might be in need of help from other Christians who had more than they did. Then it would be their turn to receive. Paul viewed Christians as being brothers and sisters in a large family. As such we have a responsibility to care for each other.
". . . the Scriptures avoid, on the one hand, the injustice and destructive evils of agrarian communism, by recognising [1] the right of property and making all almsgiving optional; and on the other, the heartless disregard of the poor by inculcating the universal brotherhood of believers, and the consequent duty of each to contribute of his abundance to relieve the necessities of the poor. At the same time they inculcate on the poor the duty of self-support to the extent of their ability. They are commanded "with quietness to work, and to eat their own bread." Could these principles be carried out there would be among Christians neither idleness nor want." [2]
Some people see any financial demand placed upon them by church leaders, governmental leaders, or others as an evidence of discrimination. Their argument is that they should not have to give since others do not give as much as they are being asked to give. It was to this attitude that Paul responded in these verses. Paul did not legislate equality. He appealed for it.