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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Corinthians 9:6–15. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here we have,
I.Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe,
1.It should be bountifully; this was intimated, Co2 9:5, that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who expect a good return at harvest are not wont to pinch and spare in sowing their seed, for the return is usually proportionable to what they sow, Co2 9:6.
2.It should be deliberately Every man, according as he purposes in his heart, Co2 9:7. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design; whereas some do good only by accident. They comply, it may be hastily, with the importunity of others, without any good design, and give more than they intended, and then repent of it afterwards. Or possibly, had they duly considered all things, they would have given more. Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for charitable uses.
3.It should be freely, whatever we give, be it more or less: Not grudgingly, nor of necessity, but cheerfully, Co2 9:7. Persons sometimes will give merely to satisfy the importunity of those who ask their charity, and what they give is in a manner squeezed or forced from them, and this unwillingness spoils all they do. We ought to give more freely than the modesty of some necessitous persons will allow them to ask: we should not only deal out bread, but draw out our souls to the hungry, Isa 58:10. We should give liberally, with an open hand, and cheerfully, with an open countenance, being glad we have ability and an opportunity to be charitable.
II.Good encouragement to perform this work of charity in the manner directed. Here the apostle tells the Corinthians,
1.They themselves would be no losers by what they gave in charity. This may serve to obviate a secret objection in the minds of many against this good work who are ready to think they may want what they give away; but such should consider that what is given to the poor in a right manner is far from being lost; as the precious seed which is cast into the ground is not lost, though it is buried there for a time, for it will spring up, and bear fruit; the sower shall receive it again with increase, Co2 9:6. Such good returns may those expect who give freely and liberally in charity. For,
(1.)God loveth a cheerful giver (Co2 9:7), and what may not those hope to receive who are the objects of the divine love? Can a man be a loser by doing that with which God is pleased? May not such a one be sure that he shall some way or other be a gainer? Nay, are not the love and favour of God better than all other things, better than life itself?
(2.)God is able to make our charity redound to our advantage, Co2 9:8. We have no reason to distrust the goodness of God, and surely we have no reason to question his power; he is able to make all grace abound towards us, and abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and temporal good things. He can cause us to have a sufficiency in all things, to be content with what we have, to make up what we give, to be able to give yet more: as it is written (Psa 112:9) concerning the charitable man, He hath dispersed abroad. He hath given to the poor. His righteousness, that is, his almsgiving, endureth for ever. The honour of it is lasting, the reward of it eternal, and he is still able to live comfortably himself and to give liberally to others.
(3.)The apostle puts up a prayer to God in their behalf that they might be gainers, and not losers, Co2 9:10, Co2 9:11. Here observe,
[1.]To whom the prayer is made - to God, who ministereth seed to the sower, who by his providence giveth such an increase of the fruits of the earth that we have not only bread sufficient to eat for one year, but enough to sow again for a future supply: or thus, It is God who giveth us not only a competency for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and so should be as seed to be sown.
[2.]For what he prayeth. There are several things which he desires for them, namely, that they may have bread for their food, always a competency for themselves, food convenient, - that God will multiply their seed sown, that they may still be able to do more good, - and that there may be an increase of the fruits of righteousness, that they may reap plentifully, and have the best and most ample returns of their charity, so as to be enriched in every thing to all bountifulness (Co2 9:11), - that upon the whole they may find it true that they shall be no losers, but great gainers. Note, Works of charity are so far from impoverishing us that they are the proper means truly to enrich us, or make us truly rich.
2.While they would be no losers, the poor distressed saints would be gainers; for this service would supply their wants, Co2 9:12. If we have reason to think them to be saints, whom we believe to be of the household of faith, whose wants are great, how ready should we be to do them good! Our goodness can not extend unto God, but we should freely extend it to these excellent ones of the earth, and thus show that we delight in them.
3.This would redound to the praise and glory of God. Many thanksgivings would be given to God on this account, by the apostle, and by those who were employed in this ministration, Co2 9:11. These would bless God, who had made them happy instruments in so good a work, and rendered them successful in it. Besides these, others also would be thankful; the poor, who were supplied in their wants, would not fail to be very thankful to God, and bless God for them; and all who wished well to the gospel would glorify God for this experiment, or proof of subjection to the gospel of Christ, and true love to all men, Co2 9:13. Note,
(1.)True Christianity is a subjection to the gospel, a yielding of ourselves to the commanding influence of its truths and laws.
(2.)We must evince the sincerity of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity.
(3.)This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God.
4.Those whose wants were supplied would make the best return they were able, by sending up many prayers to God for those who had relieved them, Co2 9:14. And thus should we recompense the kindnesses we receive when we are not in a capacity of recompensing them in any other way; and, as this is the only recompence the poor can make, so it is often greatly for the advantage of the rich.
Lastly, The apostle concludes this whole matter with this doxology, Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift, Co2 9:15. Some think that by this unspeakable gift he means the gift of grace bestowed on the churches, in making them able and willing to supply the necessities of the saints, which would be attended with unspeakable benefit both to the givers and receivers. It should seem rather that he means Jesus Christ, who is indeed the unspeakable gift of God unto this world, a gift we have all reason to be very thankful for.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Therefore, God has opened an entrance to all the sons of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in order that they may be in the faith of profession towards Him,
By this service Paul and his companions are testing the Corinthians’ attitude and magnifying the Lord.
What he says is this; 'in the first place ye not only supply the wants of the saints, but ye are abundant even;' that is, 'ye furnish them with even more than they need: next, through them ye send up thanksgiving to God, for they glorify Him for the obedience of your confession.' For that he may not represent them as giving thanks on this account solely, (I mean, because they received somewhat,) see how high-minded he makes them, exactly as he himself says to the Philippians, "Not that I desire a gift." (Philippians chapter 4, verse 17) 'To them too I bear record of the same thing. For they rejoice indeed that ye supply their wants and alleviate their poverty; but far more, in that ye are so subjected to the Gospel; whereof this is an evidence, your contributing so largely.' For this the Gospel enjoins.
"And for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all." 'And on this account,' he says, 'they glorify God that ye are so liberal, not unto them only, but also unto all.' And this again is made a praise unto them that they gave thanks even for that which is bestowed upon others. 'For,' saith he, 'they do honor, not to their own concerns only, but also to those of others, and this although they are in the extremest poverty; which is an evidence of their great virtue. For nothing is so full of envy as the whole race of such as are in poverty. But they are pure from this passion; being so far from feeling pained because of the things ye impart to others, that they even rejoice over it no less than over the things themselves receive.'
"While they themselves also with supplication." 'For in respect of these things,' saith he, 'they give thanks to God, but in respect of your love and your coming together, they beseech Him that they may be counted worthy to see you. For they long after this, not for the money's sake, but that they may be witnesses of the grace that hath been bestowed upon you.' Seest thou Paul's wisdom, how after having exalted them, he ascribed the whole to God by calling the thing "grace?" For seeing he had spoken great things of them, in that he called them ministers and exalted them unto a great height, (since they offered service whilst he himself did but administer,) and termed them 'proved,' he shows that God was the Author of all these things.
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Summary
Second Corinthians 9:13 encapsulates the profound spiritual impact of the Corinthian church's generous financial contribution to the impoverished saints in Jerusalem. Paul reveals that this act of giving serves as a tangible demonstration of their genuine faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ, prompting the recipients to offer fervent praise and glory to God for both the Corinthians' submission to Christ and their abundant, inclusive generosity. It highlights how practical acts of Christian charity are not merely humanitarian aid but powerful testimonies that validate faith and draw others to worship God.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's extended exhortation to the Corinthian church regarding their participation in a collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem, an appeal that spans chapters 8 and 9. Chapter 8 sets the stage by presenting the exemplary generosity of the Macedonian churches, who gave beyond their means, demonstrating a profound spiritual commitment that flowed from their devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Paul then transitions to the Corinthians, reminding them of their earlier commitment to this collection and urging them to complete it, emphasizing principles like cheerful giving (2 Corinthians 9:7). Verse 13, therefore, serves as a climactic statement, revealing the glorious outcome and spiritual dividends of their completed act of generosity, connecting their material contribution directly to the glorification of God and the validation of their faith.
Historical & Cultural Context
The collection for the saints in Jerusalem was a significant initiative for Paul, serving multiple purposes. Historically, the Jerusalem church, being the epicenter of early Christianity, often faced economic hardship, exacerbated by famine and persecution. Culturally, this collection fostered unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, demonstrating the practical outworking of the gospel's power to transcend ethnic and social divisions. It was a tangible expression of Christian solidarity, showing that Gentile converts recognized their spiritual debt to the Jewish believers from whom the gospel originated (Romans 15:27). The act of giving was not merely a transfer of funds but a profound statement of theological conviction and inter-church fellowship, reflecting the early church's communal ethos and commitment to caring for its members.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive in 2 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Christian giving as a spiritual act, not just a financial transaction. It demonstrates that generosity is an "experiment" or "proof" of genuine faith, directly leading to the glorification of God. Secondly, it highlights the validation of faith through action. The Corinthians' "professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ" is shown to be authentic through their "liberal distribution," emphasizing that true belief is evidenced by transformed behavior and obedience to Christ's commands, particularly in love and service (James 2:17). Finally, the verse speaks to the expansive nature of Christian love and generosity, extending "unto them, and unto all men," reflecting the universal scope of God's grace and the gospel's call to boundless compassion.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This term signifies "test," "proof," or "trustiness." In this context, the Corinthians' "ministration" (their act of giving) is not merely a tentative attempt but a tangible, proven demonstration of their faith and obedience. It serves as concrete evidence, validating the sincerity of their commitment to Christ and His gospel.
This word denotes "attendance," "aid," or "service." Here, it specifically refers to the practical, tangible service of providing financial relief to the Jerusalem saints. It emphasizes that the collection is not just a passive transfer of funds but an active, compassionate act of service, embodying the spirit of Christ's own servanthood.
This term carries the meaning of "partnership," "participation," or "benefaction." While often translated as "distribution" or "fellowship," in this context, it specifically highlights the shared giving or pecuniary benefaction. It underscores that the Corinthians' act is a communal sharing of resources, reflecting a deep spiritual bond and mutual participation in the body of Christ. The "liberal" aspect (from G572 haplótēs) further emphasizes the generosity and sincerity of this sharing.
Verse Breakdown
"Whiles by the experiment of this ministration"
This clause introduces the means by which God is glorified. The "experiment" (or proof/demonstration) refers to the tangible act of service—the collection and distribution of funds. It's the practical outworking of their faith that serves as undeniable evidence.
"they glorify God"
This is the direct result of the "ministration." The recipients of the aid, witnessing the Corinthians' generosity, are moved to praise and honor God. This emphasizes that Christian giving is ultimately God-centered, drawing attention and adoration to Him rather than to the givers.
"for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ"
One key reason for the recipients' glorification of God is the visible proof of the Corinthians' obedience. Their "professed subjection" (their declared allegiance and submission) to the gospel is validated and made evident through their sacrificial giving, demonstrating that their faith is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative power in their lives.
"and for [your] liberal distribution unto them, and unto all [men];"
The second reason for God's glorification is the nature of their giving itself. It is "liberal" (generous, sincere, bountiful) and extends not only to the immediate recipients ("unto them") but also implies a broader, inclusive spirit of generosity ("and unto all men"). This highlights the expansive, ungrudging nature of Christian charity, reflecting God's own boundless grace.
Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message. The phrase "the experiment of this ministration" utilizes Metonymy, where "experiment" (proof/test) stands for the act of giving itself, emphasizing its demonstrative quality. This also functions as a Cause and Effect relationship, where the Corinthians' action (the "ministration" as a "proof") directly causes the recipients to " glorify God." There is an element of Emphasis through repetition of the idea of "proof" or "demonstration" of faith, underscoring that practical deeds are the visible fruit of genuine spiritual commitment. Furthermore, the phrase "unto them, and unto all men" employs Hyperbole or Synecdoche to convey the expansive and inclusive nature of Christian generosity, implying a broad, unreserved spirit of giving that transcends immediate beneficiaries to reflect a universal love.
Theological and Thematic Connections
This verse powerfully connects the practical act of giving with profound theological truths, demonstrating that financial contributions in the church are never merely transactional but deeply spiritual. It shows that generosity is a tangible expression of a transformed life, a visible fruit of genuine submission to Christ. When believers give liberally and sacrificially, it serves as a compelling testimony to the reality and power of the gospel, leading those who benefit to recognize God's provision and grace, thus bringing glory to His name. This act of giving establishes a spiritual bond between givers and receivers, fostering unity within the body of Christ and affirming the authenticity of faith through works.
Reflection and Application
Second Corinthians 9:13 offers a profound challenge and encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that our acts of generosity, whether financial, through our time, or by sharing our talents, are not merely charitable deeds but powerful spiritual statements. When we give sacrificially and cheerfully, we are not just meeting a need; we are participating in a divine demonstration that validates the authenticity of our faith and draws others to glorify God. Our giving becomes a tangible "proof" of our submission to the gospel of Christ, showing that our profession of faith is backed by a transformed life that actively loves and serves others. This verse calls us to consider how our practical acts of ministry can become compelling testimonies, reflecting God's boundless grace and inspiring praise to Him from those we serve. It compels us to give not out of obligation, but as an overflow of our genuine devotion to Christ, understanding that such generosity is a powerful witness to a watching world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "experiment of this ministration" mean in this context?
The phrase "experiment of this ministration" (Greek: dokimē diakonías) refers to the tangible proof or demonstration that the Corinthians' act of service (their financial collection for the Jerusalem saints) provides. It means that their generous giving is not just an attempt, but a visible, undeniable validation of their genuine faith and obedience to the gospel. It serves as concrete evidence, confirming the sincerity of their commitment to Christ and His teachings.
How does Christian giving lead to the glorification of God?
Christian giving leads to the glorification of God in several ways. Firstly, it demonstrates the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of believers, showing that faith is not merely intellectual but produces tangible fruit of love and generosity (Galatians 5:22-23). When recipients witness such selfless acts, they recognize God's provision and grace at work through His people, prompting them to praise and thank Him. Secondly, it validates the truth of the gospel itself, as it shows that believers are truly living out the principles of love, compassion, and unity taught by Christ. This practical outworking of faith serves as a powerful testimony, drawing attention and adoration to God rather than to the givers (Matthew 5:16).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Second Corinthians 9:13, while addressing the practical act of giving, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. The Corinthians' "professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ" is the foundation for their generosity, and this gospel is entirely centered on Jesus. Their liberal distribution is a reflection of the ultimate "liberal distribution" of God's grace through His Son, Jesus Christ, who, though rich, for our sakes became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus Himself is the supreme "experiment" or "proof" of God's love and faithfulness, demonstrating God's character through His sacrificial life, death, and resurrection. Our acts of giving, therefore, are not merely moral duties but participation in Christ's ongoing diakonía (ministry/service) to the world. When believers give, they are embodying the very heart of Christ, who gave Himself completely for humanity, ultimately leading to the glorification of God the Father, just as Jesus always glorified the Father through His perfect obedience and sacrifice (John 17:4). Thus, every act of Christian generosity, rooted in the gospel, becomes a living testament to the self-giving nature of our Savior, drawing all praise and glory back to Him.