2 Corinthians9

Paul expresses confidence in the Corinthians' readiness to contribute to the collection for the saints, having previously boasted of their zeal. He sends brethren to ensure their promised bounty is prepared as a willing gift, not out of obligation. The chapter emphasizes that cheerful and bountiful giving leads to abundant blessings, meets the needs of the saints, and ultimately brings glory and thanksgiving to God.

Listen to this chapter

Preparation for the Collection

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.

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.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.

The Blessings of Sowing Bountifully

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.

The Fruit of Generous Ministry

For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

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.

And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Study Notes for 2 Corinthians 9

Verse 1

Paul continues the discussion from chapter 8 regarding the collection (ministering) for the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. He claims writing about it is 'superfluous' because he trusts their dedication.

Verse 2

Achaia (the province where Corinth was located) had been ready a year ago, which Paul used to motivate the Macedonians (Philippi, Thessalonica). This zeal refers to their initial commitment.

Verse 3

Paul sends the brethren (likely Titus and others mentioned in 8:16–24) to ensure the Corinthians finalize the collection, validating Paul’s confident boasting about their reliability.

Verse 4

The shame Paul fears is not just their own, but his, having staked his reputation on their reliability before the Macedonians who had already given generously.

Verse 5

The gift must be finalized beforehand, demonstrating it is a genuine blessing ('bounty' or eulogia) rather than a grudging tax or forced contribution ('covetousness').

Verse 6

This agricultural metaphor establishes the principle of reciprocity in giving: the amount of spiritual and material return is directly proportional to the generosity of the initial investment.

Verse 7

Christian giving must be voluntary, joyful, and intentional ('purposeth in his heart'). Paul quotes the Septuagint (LXX) version of Proverbs 22:8, emphasizing that God values the attitude of the giver above the amount.

Verse 8

Paul assures them that God will replenish their resources ('all sufficiency') so they can continue to give generously, connecting divine provision directly to their philanthropic mission.

Verse 9

Paul quotes Psalm 112:9, applying the Old Testament description of a righteous person’s enduring generosity to the believers’ actions, proving their righteousness before God.

Verse 10

Using the imagery of God providing 'seed' to the sower, Paul promises that God will multiply their resources so they have both personal sustenance ('bread for your food') and more to share.

Verse 12

The collection serves a dual purpose: meeting the material needs of the saints in Jerusalem and generating profound spiritual gratitude ('many thanksgivings') toward God.

Verse 13

The collection serves as tangible proof ('experiment' or demonstration) of the Corinthians’ submission to the Gospel, confirming the sincerity of their Gentile faith to the Jewish recipients.

Verse 14

The recipients respond to the grace shown to the Corinthians by praying for them, establishing a bond of unity and mutual affection between the Gentile and Jewish churches.

Verse 15

This doxology concludes the collection discourse. The 'unspeakable gift' is widely understood as referring to the gift of Christ himself (salvation), which motivates and enables all Christian generosity.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate

2 Corinthians9

Preparation for the Collection

The Blessings of Sowing Bountifully

The Fruit of Generous Ministry

Reading Style

Typeface

Font Size 19px

Reading Width 45 chars

Options