contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
Verse 13. Distributing. The word used here denotes having things in common, (κοινωνουντες). It means, that they should be communicative, or should regard their property as so far common as to supply the wants of others. In the earliest times of the church, Christians had all things in common, and felt themselves bound to meet all the wants of their brethren.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. (s) A true rule of charity, that we feel for other men's wants as we do for our own, and having that feeling, to help them as much as we can. (t) Not upon pleasures and needless duties, but upon necessary uses.
The next duty exhorted to, is that of charity and alms-giving to the poor members of Jesus Christ, especially when under persecution; showing hospitality towards them, and giving entertainment to them, when they seek it of us. Learn, 1. That charity to all persons, but especially to the persecuted members of Jesus Christ, is a necessary and important duty. Learn, 2.