In this chapter 2 Corinthians 9:1 the apostle continues the subject which he had discussed in 2 Corinthians 8 - the collection which he had purposed to make for the poor saints in Judea. The deep anxiety which he had that the collection should be liberal; that it should not only be such as to be rea... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR AS TOUCHING THE MINISTERING TO THE SAINTS - In regard to the collection that was to be taken up for the aid of the poor Christians in Judea; see the notes on Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8. IT IS SUPERFLUOUS ... - It is needless to urge that matter on you, because I know that... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR I KNOW THE FORWARDNESS OF YOUR MIND - I know your promptitude, or your readiness to do it; see 2 Corinthians 8:10. Probably Paul here means that he had had opportunity before of witnessing their readiness to do good, and that he had learned in particular of Titus that they had formed the plan to... [ Continue Reading ]
YET HAVE I SENT THE BRETHREN - The brethren referred to in 2 Corinthians 8:18, 2 Corinthians 8:22. LEST OUR BOASTING OF YOU - That you were disposed to contribute, and that you were already prepared, and that the contribution was ready. SHOULD BE IN VAIN - Lest anything should have occurred to pre... [ Continue Reading ]
LEST HAPLY IF THEY OF MACEDONIA - If any of the Macedonians should happen to come with me, and should find that you had done nothing. He does not say that they would come with him, but it was by no means improbable that they would. It was customary for some of the members of the churches to travel w... [ Continue Reading ]
THEREFORE I THOUGHT IT NECESSARY ... - In order to secure the collection, and to avoid all unpleasant feeling on all hands. THAT THEY WOULD GO BEFORE UNTO YOU - Before I should come. AND MAKE UP BEFOREHAND YOUR BOUNTY - Prepare it before I come. The word “bounty” is in the margin, rendered “blessi... [ Continue Reading ]
BUT THIS I SAY - This I say in order to induce you to give liberally. This I say to prevent your supposing that because it is to be a voluntary offering you may give only from your superfluity, and may give sparingly. HE WHICH SOWETH SPARINGLY - This expression has all the appearance of a proverb, a... [ Continue Reading ]
EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HE PURPOSETH IN HIS HEART ... - The main idea in this verse is, that the act of giving should be voluntary and cheerful. It should not seem to be extorted by the importunity of others 2 Corinthians 9:6; nor should it be given from urgent necessity, but it should be given as an... [ Continue Reading ]
AND GOD IS ABLE ... - Do not suppose that by giving liberally you will be impoverished and reduced to want. You should rather confide in God, who is able to furnish you abundantly with what is needful for the supply of your necessities. Few persons are ever reduced to poverty by liberality. Perhaps... [ Continue Reading ]
AS IT IS WRITTEN - Psalms 112:9. The idea is, “in this way will the saying in the Scriptures be verified, or the promise confirmed.” The psalmist is describing the character of the righteous man. One of his characteristics, he says, is, that he has scattered abroad, he has given liberally to the poo... [ Continue Reading ]
NOW HE THAT MINISTERETH SEED TO THE SOWER - This is an expression of an earnest wish. In the previous verses he had stated the promises, or had shown what we had a right to expect as a consequence of liberality. He here unites the expression of an earnest desire that they might experience this thems... [ Continue Reading ]
BEING ENRICHED IN EVERYTHING ... - In all respects your riches are conferred on you for this purpose. The design of the apostle is to state to them the true reason why wealth was bestowed. It was not for the purposes of luxury and self-gratification; not to be spent in sensual enjoyment, not for par... [ Continue Reading ]
FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THIS SERVICE - The distribution of this proof of your liberality. The word “service” here, says Doddridge, intimates that this was to be regarded not merely as an act of humanity, but religion. THE WANT OF THE SAINTS - Of the poor Christians in Judea on whose behalf it was... [ Continue Reading ]
WHILES BY THE EXPERIMENT ... - Or rather, by the experience of this ministration; the proof (δοκιμῆς dokimēs), the evidence here furnished of your liberality. They shall in this ministration have experience or proof of your Christian principle. THEY GLORIFY GOD - They will praise God as the sourc... [ Continue Reading ]
AND BY THEIR PRAYER FOR YOU - On the grammatical construction of this difficult verse, Doddridge and Bloomfield may be consulted. It is probably to be taken in connection with 2 Corinthians 9:12, and 2 Corinthians 9:13 is a parenthesis. Thus interpreted, the sense will be, “The administration of thi... [ Continue Reading ]
THANKS BE UNTO GOD - Whitby supposes that this refers to the charitable disposition which they had manifested, and that the sense is, that God was to be adored for the liberal spirit which they were disposed to manifest, and the aid which they were disposed to render to others. But this, it is belie... [ Continue Reading ]