From the early Church Fathers to now.
3 Patristic · 1 Orthodox · 1 Catholic
“And do not forget to do good, and to impart; for by such sacrifices God’s favour is obtained.”
“"But to do good and to communicate forget not." I speak not merely with reference to the brethren present, but to those absent also. But if others have plundered your property, display your hospitality out of such things as ye have. What excuse then shall we have henceforward, when they, even after the spoiling of their goods, were thus admonished?”
“In the words of this prophet, these two things are distinguished and set forth with sufficient explicitness, that God does not require these sacrifices for their own sakes, and that He does require the sacrifices which they symbolize. In the epistle entitled "To the Hebrews" it is said, "To do good and to communicate, forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." And so, when it is written, "I desire mercy rather than sacrifice," nothing else is meant than that one sacrifice is preferred to another; for that which in common speech is called sacrifice is only the symbol of the true sacrifice. Now mercy is the true sacrifice, and therefore it is said, as I have just quoted, "with such sacrifices God is well pleased." All the divine ordinances, therefore, which we read concerning the sacrifices in the service of the tabernacle or the temple, we are to refer to the love of God and our neighbor. For "on these two commandments," as it is written, "hang all the law and the prophets."”
“Where are those who justify themselves by their poverty and therefore do not give alms? Let them hear that Paul persuades the poorest, those who have been plundered, not to forget almsgiving. He also calls it "fellowship," and for what reason — we have often spoken about this. Sacrifices of thanksgiving and beneficence. For it is clear that one who is thankful is also generous, since he knows what blessings he will be deemed worthy of.”
“He mentions another sacrifice, when he says, Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have. As if to say: You formerly performed works of mercy; but now at least with the heart, if you cannot in deed. Therefore, he says, Do not neglect to do good, be liberal, in regard to the things you give: 'In doing good, let us not fail' (Gal. 6:9); 'Do good to the humble, and give not to the ungodly' (Sir. 12:6). Do not forget to share what you have, i.e., the things you have saved: 'All they that believed were together, and had all things in common' (Ac. 2:44); 'Communicating to the necessities of the saints' (Rom. 12:13). Or share, namely, by charity, through which all things are common. But why should we share? That double benefit is shown when he says: for such sacrifices are pleasing to God, i.e., we can merit God by such sacrifices: 'I am your protector and your reward exceeding great' (Gen. 15:1); 'Then you shall accept the sacrifice of justice, oblations and whole burnt offerings' (Ps. 50:21); 'They shall worship him with sacrifices and offerings; and they shall make vows to the Lord and perform them' (Is. 19:21).”
“"Do not forget the good deeds and the fellowship." Paul speaks of good deeds and fellowship as the same. "God is pleased." That is, He is pleased; for the term "is pleased" [εὐαρεστεῖται] indicates to be well-pleased. Therefore, it is necessary not only to offer the fruit of the lips, but also such sacrifices, like those of thanksgiving and good deeds. For the grateful person, it is evident that he is also generous, knowing what he is worthy of.”
The in-app commentary runs from the Fathers to the early-modern record, then stops — that's where the public-domain sources end, not where the reading does. For the modern reading, follow the sources directly.