2 Corinthians 9:2

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

For {G1063} I know {G1492} the forwardness of {G4288} your {G5216} mind {G4288}, for which {G3739} I boast {G2744} of {G5228} you {G5216} to them of Macedonia {G3110}, that {G3754} Achaia {G882} was ready {G3903} a year {G4070} ago {G575}; and {G2532} your {G5216} zeal {G2205}{G1537} hath provoked {G2042} very many {G4119}.

I know how eager you are, and I boast about you to the Macedonians. I tell them, “Achaia has been ready since last year,” and it was your zeal that stirred up most of them.

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them.

Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:2 speaks to the Apostle Paul's profound confidence in the believers in Corinth (part of the Roman province of Achaia) regarding their commitment to a special collection for the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem. This verse highlights their initial eagerness and how their example served as a powerful catalyst for generosity among other churches.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's extended appeal in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, where he encourages the Corinthians to complete their promised contribution for the saints in Jerusalem. He is not coercing them but reminding them of their earlier commitment and using the exemplary generosity of the Macedonian churches as a gentle spur. The collection itself was a significant act of unity and practical love, bridging the gap between Gentile and Jewish believers.

Key Themes

  • Commendation and Trust: Paul expresses his deep trust and confidence in the Corinthians' intentions, indicating that he had already boasted of their readiness to the Macedonians. This shows a positive, affirming leadership style, building on existing good intentions rather than solely demanding.
  • Proactive Generosity: The phrase "forwardness of your mind" (from the Greek prothumia, meaning 'eagerness' or 'readiness') emphasizes their initial willingness and enthusiasm. They had committed to this contribution a full year prior, demonstrating a proactive spirit in their Christian stewardship.
  • Inspirational Influence: The Corinthians' "zeal" had "provoked very many." The Greek word for "provoked" here (paroxunō) is used in a positive sense, meaning to stimulate, stir up, or incite to good works. Their commitment and enthusiasm served as a powerful motivation for other communities, particularly those in Macedonia, to also participate in the collection. This underscores the ripple effect of genuine Christian giving and commitment.
  • Inter-Church Unity: The entire collection effort, highlighted in this verse, was a tangible expression of solidarity between various Christian communities, demonstrating the unity of the body of Christ despite geographical distances and cultural differences.

Linguistic Insights

The term "forwardness of your mind" comes from the Greek word prothumia (προθυμία), which vividly conveys a sense of eager readiness, willingness, and promptness. It's not just a mental assent but an active disposition towards doing something good. Similarly, "provoked" translates paroxunō (παροξύνω), which, while sometimes having a negative connotation (like to irritate), here clearly means to stimulate or stir up in a positive, encouraging way, akin to what is described in Hebrews 10:24 regarding provoking one another to love and good works.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today:

  1. Commitment Matters: Our intentions and commitments in faith, especially regarding giving and service, are seen and valued by God and can be a source of encouragement to others.
  2. Positive Influence: Our genuine zeal and readiness to participate in good works can inspire and motivate others in the Christian community. We are called to be examples of generosity and faithfulness.
  3. Boasting in Good: Paul's "boasting" was not self-glorifying but aimed at highlighting the good in others to encourage further good. Leaders can use positive affirmation to spur on their congregations.
  4. Completing Our Promises: Just as the Corinthians were encouraged to complete what they had started a year prior, believers are reminded to follow through on their pledges and commitments, whether financial or otherwise, demonstrating integrity and faithfulness in their walk with Christ. This aligns with principles found throughout Paul's teachings on giving, such as the call for cheerful giving in 2 Corinthians 9:7.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 8:10

    And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:24

    Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:15

    I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

  • Hebrews 10:24

    And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

  • 2 Corinthians 7:4

    Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:1

    ¶ Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy [our] brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia:
← Back