John Chrysostom

"I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would make up beforehand this your bounty, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty and not of extortion." Again, he resumed the subject in a different manner: and that he may not seem to be saying these things without object, he asserts that the sole reason for this journey was, that they might not be put to shame. Seest thou how his words, "It is superfluous for me to write," were the beginning of advising? …

Homily 19 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Lest he seem to contradict what was said above — "it is superfluous for me to write to you" — while now speaking again about the same thing, he discusses generosity and the completion of the deed with cheerfulness, for which reason, he says, I also sent the brothers. Urging toward two opposite things, namely, that they give abundantly and with cheerfulness, he very wisely transitions to both. For first he speaks of cheerfulness in giving, and then of the other point. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, So I thought it necessary, he urges them to give abundantly. In regard to this he does two things. First, he gives the admonition; secondly, he gives the reason for it (v. 6). He says therefore: lest our boasting be voided and you be put to shame, I thought it necessary to urge the brethren, namely, Titus and Apollos, to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift [blessing] you have promised, namely, the alms, which is called a blessing because it is a cause of eternal blessedness. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗