“This is the height of praise, for in the affliction they remained calm and in the depths of poverty they gave generously of what they had.”
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in a rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will. 2 Corinthians 8:1-5.
Theodoret of Cyr (c.393-458) in Commentary on the the Second Epistle to the Corinthians 327. NPNF 1 12:357.