2 Corinthians 9:13

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];

Whiles by {G1223} the experiment {G1382} of this {G5026} ministration {G1248} they glorify {G1392} God {G2316} for {G1909} your {G5216} professed {G3671} subjection {G5292} unto {G1519} the gospel {G2098} of Christ {G5547}, and {G2532} for your liberal {G572} distribution {G2842} unto {G1519} them {G846}, and {G2532} unto {G1519} all {G3956} men;

In offering this service you prove to these people that you glorify God by actually doing what your acknowledgement of the Good News of the Messiah requires, namely, sharing generously with them and with everyone.

Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all;

Commentary

Context of 2 Corinthians 9:13

Second Corinthians chapter 9 continues Paul's appeal to the Corinthian church concerning their participation in a collection for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Having previously discussed the generous example of the Macedonian churches (2 Corinthians 8:1-5) and the principles of cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7), Paul here highlights the profound positive outcome of their generosity. This verse explains how the Corinthians' act of giving serves as a powerful testimony, leading the recipients to praise God. It underscores that Christian giving is not merely financial aid, but a spiritual act that brings glory to God and validates the sincerity of faith.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Glorifying God through Action: The primary message is that the Corinthians' practical demonstration of generosity (the "experiment of this ministration") will directly lead the beneficiaries to "glorify God." This emphasizes that our actions, particularly acts of selfless giving, can serve as powerful testimonies to God's goodness and provision, drawing praise to Him.
  • Proof of Obedience to the Gospel: Their "professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ" is validated by their actions. True faith is not just a belief system but is evidenced by a transformed life that includes obedience to Christ's commands, such as loving and serving others. Generosity, in this context, becomes a tangible sign of genuine submission to Christ's teachings.
  • Liberal and Inclusive Distribution: The phrase "liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men]" highlights the expansive nature of Christian generosity. It's not limited to specific groups or fellow believers but extends broadly, reflecting God's own abundant and indiscriminate grace. This generosity demonstrates a heart transformed by the gospel, willing to share blessings widely.
  • The Power of Practical Ministry: The "ministration" (Greek: diakonia) refers to the practical service or aid being provided. This verse shows that such tangible acts of service have spiritual repercussions, reinforcing faith and bringing glory to God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "experiment" in "the experiment of this ministration" comes from the Greek word dokimē (δοκιμή), which means "proof," "test," or "demonstration." It implies that their giving is not just an attempt, but a proven, tangible manifestation of their faith and obedience. It's a visible validation. The term "liberal distribution" derives from the Greek haplotēs (ἁπλότης), which can mean simplicity, sincerity, or generosity. In this context, it speaks to an open-handed, ungrudging, and sincere act of giving, free from ulterior motives.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless principles for believers today. Our acts of charity, service, and generosity are not just about meeting needs; they are opportunities to demonstrate the reality of our faith and lead others to glorify God. When we give willingly and liberally, whether financially or through our time and talents, it serves as a powerful witness to the transforming power of the gospel of Christ. It reminds us that authentic submission to Christ is evidenced by a life of active love and selfless giving, extending not only to fellow believers but to all in need, reflecting God's own boundless love.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:16

    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

  • Hebrews 13:16

    But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • Galatians 1:24

    And they glorified God in me.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    ¶ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

  • John 15:8

    Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

  • Acts 21:19

    And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

  • Acts 21:20

    And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
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