Literally, “a needy one.” Poverty always seems to exist (Deut. 15:11; Matt. 26:11); yet much can be done to reduce it and to alleviate the suffering that accompanies it. So long as there is a diversity of talents among men there will always be some in need of help. Members of the church could do much more for those less fortunate about them, and yet not do less by way of public evangelism.

 Or, “your towns” (RSV; see ch. 12:12).

 The verb here translated “shut” also means “to withdraw.” It is as if a man placed his hands in his pockets, or behind his back, refusing to extend them forward in a gesture of generosity. In 1 John 3:17 the apostle John comments literally, “whoever may possess the means of life of this world, and should see his brother having need, and should shut up his bowels from him, how abides the love of God in that one?” The anticipated answer is that divine love cannot abide in the heart of such a person.