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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
See how again he is careful to give no offence and softens down what he says, by these two things, by saying, "I give advice," and, "for your profit." 'For, neither do I compel and force you,' says he, 'or demand it from unwilling subjects; nor do I say these things with an eye so much to the receivers benefit as to yours.' Then the instance also which follows is drawn from themselves, and not from others. Who were the first to make a beginning a year ago, not only to do, but also to will. …
Theophylact of Ohrid
See how he takes care not to be a burden to them. "I give my advice," he says, that is, I counsel, and do not impose necessity; and I counsel so that there may be more benefit to you than to those who receive.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
Then when he says, "And in this matter I give my advice," he induces them to give on their part. In regard to this he does two things. First, he shows the benefit they will obtain from this; secondly, he shows that this is desired from itself, namely, that they would give alms. He says therefore: considering this benefit, "I give my advice," i.e., I urge you to give alms not only for the benefit of the saints in Jerusalem but also for your benefit: "The good counsels of a friend are sweet to the soul" (Prov. 27:9). …
Bonaventure
Likewise, on what follows in the same place: In this I give counsel; Augustine in the original: "He was made poor to such an extent that He did not have what foxes have; and in this I give counsel, that is to say, that you imitate His poverty"; but whoever renounces all things imitates His poverty: therefore etc.
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