How was Paul provided for when he was in need while ministering in Corinth?
Paul writes that when he was present with the Corinthians and in want, he was chargeable to no man; the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied what was lacking to him. He kept himself from being burdensome, even though some Corinthians could have afforded to give him money.
Les explains that the Corinthian church included well-to-do people, but Paul says he spared those who could have afforded it by not taking money from them, and instead he took it from poor folks up in the mountains. In verse 9 Paul says that when he was present with them and wanted, he was chargeable to no man, for the brethren who came from Macedonia supplied what was lacking to him. Macedonia was Northern Greece, described as poverty-stricken Greece, while Achaia was the southern half. Paul kept himself from being burdensome, and he did so because he loved the Corinthians.
And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself.