How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.
Trial of affliction - `in affliction which tested them;' literally, 'in a great testing х dokimee (G1382)] of affliction' (Acts 16:20, etc.; 17:5; 1:6; 2:14).
Abundance of their joy - in giving: flowing from their possession of the heavenly treasure amidst 'trials,' and going side by side with
Their deep poverty - literally, 'their poverty down to the depth.' Their very 'depth of poverty' combined with their "joy" in making them abundantly liberal. A delightful paradox, and triumph, in fact, of spirit over flesh.
Abounded unto the riches ... - another beautiful paradox; their poverty, instead of producing stinted gifts, "abounded unto the riches of their liberality:" margin, 'simplicity:' singleness of motive to God's glory and man's good enters into the idea: genuine liberality (cf. Romans 12:8, margin; 2 Corinthians 9:11, note; 2 Corinthians 9:13; James 1:5; James 2:5).