2 Corinthians Chapter 9 — The Joy of Generous Giving
Paul encourages the Corinthians to complete their collection for the saints in Jerusalem, emphasizing that God blesses those who give with a joyful heart.
1It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
2for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
3But I have sent the brothers so that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,
4lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting.
5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
9As it is written,
10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11you being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,
13seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all,
14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Corinthians 9:6
“Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
This verse establishes a biblical principle regarding the spiritual and practical results of generosity.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
It emphasizes that the attitude and intent of the heart are more important to God than the specific amount given.
2 Corinthians 9:15
“Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!”
This concluding exclamation points to God's grace in Christ as the ultimate source of all human generosity.
Chapter Summary
In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul continues his appeal for the financial collection intended for the believers in Jerusalem. He explains that he has boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians' readiness to help and sends brothers ahead of his arrival to ensure the gift is ready as a matter of generosity rather than a last-minute pressure. Paul introduces the metaphor of sowing and reaping, stating that those who give bountifully will also reap bountifully. He emphasizes that giving should be a personal decision made in the heart, not done reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. Paul assures the readers that God is able to provide all grace and sufficiency, enabling them to abound in every good work. He concludes by noting that this service not only meets the needs of the saints but also causes many to give thanks to God and glorify Him for the believers' obedience and generosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul sent the brothers to help arrange the gift the Corinthians had previously promised. He wanted the collection to be fully prepared as an act of generosity rather than appearing as a forced contribution when he arrived.
It means that God values the joy and willingness behind an act of service. Paul explains that giving should not be done out of guilt or external pressure, but from a heart that is happy to share what it has.
Paul states that generosity meets the physical needs of others and leads to an abundance of thanksgiving toward God. It also serves as proof of the givers' faith and obedience to the Good News of Christ.
Study Note
The Greek word for 'service' used in verse 12 is 'leitourgia', which originally referred to a public service performed for the benefit of the community.
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