The poor in question are believers in Jerusalem (Romans 15:22–29; 1 Corinthians 16:1–4; 2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9:15). With many widows in their midst (Acts 6:1–7), they were always in danger when there was a famine or other events to influence food markets. The Gentile regions as a whole were also wealthier than Jerusalem.1 Paul was eager to help these believers for their sake and because it was a demonstration of the love and unity that existed between Jew and Gentile in the church of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 8:6).2 The request is thus exactly what he was striving to do during his visit.3
10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.