Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Paul concludes his gift list with four more examples. He that exhorteth (ὁ παρακαλῶν, ho parakalōn) refers to those who encourage, comfort, and urge believers toward faithfulness—the word paraklēsis combines encouragement and exhortation. Next, he that giveth (ὁ μεταδιδούς, ho metadidous) describes generous financial supporters who share their resources. This should be done with simplicity (ἐν ἁπλότητι, en haplotēti)—single-mindedness, sincerity, without ulterior motives or desire for recognition. Jesus warned against giving to be seen by others (Matthew 6:2-4).
He that ruleth (ὁ προϊστάμενος, ho proistamenos) means those who lead or manage—elders, deacons, or patrons who oversee the church's affairs. This requires diligence (σπουδή, spoudē), earnest care and attentiveness. Finally, he that sheweth mercy (ὁ ἐλεῶν, ho eleōn) describes those who care for the suffering, sick, or marginalized. Mercy ministry must be done with cheerfulness (ἐν ἱλαρότητι, en hilarotēti)—the root of our word 'hilarity'—joyful compassion, not grudging duty. Each gift requires its appropriate virtue: generosity needs purity of motive, leadership needs diligence, mercy needs cheerfulness.
Historical Context
Roman society operated on patron-client relationships, where wealthy benefactors supported clients in exchange for honor and political loyalty. Paul transforms this dynamic: Christian giving should be without expectation of return ('simplicity'). Leadership in the church wasn't based on social status but spiritual maturity and calling. Mercy ministry addressed the empire's vulnerable populations—widows, orphans, slaves, the sick—whom pagan society often neglected. Jewish synagogues had structured charity; Paul calls Christians to exceed this with cheerful, Spirit-empowered compassion.
Questions for Reflection
When you give financially to God's work, is it 'with simplicity'—no strings attached, no desire for recognition or control?
If you're in leadership (in church, family, or workplace), are you leading 'with diligence'—careful, attentive, accountable?
How can you grow in showing mercy 'with cheerfulness' rather than viewing compassion as a burdensome obligation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. Paul concludes his gift list with four more examples. He that exhorteth (ὁ παρακαλῶν, ho parakalōn) refers to those who encourage, comfort, and urge believers toward faithfulness—the word paraklēsis combines encouragement and exhortation. Next, he that giveth (ὁ μεταδιδούς, ho metadidous) describes generous financial supporters who share their resources. This should be done with simplicity (ἐν ἁπλότητι, en haplotēti)—single-mindedness, sincerity, without ulterior motives or desire for recognition. Jesus warned against giving to be seen by others (Matthew 6:2-4).
He that ruleth (ὁ προϊστάμενος, ho proistamenos) means those who lead or manage—elders, deacons, or patrons who oversee the church's affairs. This requires diligence (σπουδή, spoudē), earnest care and attentiveness. Finally, he that sheweth mercy (ὁ ἐλεῶν, ho eleōn) describes those who care for the suffering, sick, or marginalized. Mercy ministry must be done with cheerfulness (ἐν ἱλαρότητι, en hilarotēti)—the root of our word 'hilarity'—joyful compassion, not grudging duty. Each gift requires its appropriate virtue: generosity needs purity of motive, leadership needs diligence, mercy needs cheerfulness.