2 Corinthians 9
2 Corinthians 9 focuses on Paul’s appeal to the Corinthian church about a collection (relief and offerings) . Paul praises the zeal of the Corinthian church to the churches of Macedonia and encourages them with their ready hearts. He also emphasizes that the collection should come from a willing heart rather than from compulsion or obligation.
- Verses 1–5: Encouragement and expectation regarding preparing the collection
- Verses 6–15: The principles and outcomes of a willing collection, giving glory to God
1verseIt is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
2versefor 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.
3verseBut 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,
4verselest 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.
5verseI 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.
6verseRemember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7verseLet each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8verseAnd God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
9verseAs it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.”
10verseNow 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,
11verseyou being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
12verseFor 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,
13verseseeing 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,
14versewhile they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15verseNow thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
Key Content and Meaning
The core of this chapter is devotion offered with joy and freedom. Paul explains that every offering must be voluntary, and that it is right to give with “abundance” and “thankfulness,” not with “stinginess.” Since God is the one who fills abundantly, he says that when we serve others, God will also supply our needs generously. In addition, this sharing ultimately leads to many thanks and praise to God.
Points for Reflection
- Take a moment to check what I am sharing and why I am sharing it.
- Think about whether my motivation and attitude are based on willingness and joy.
- Reflect on what good influence God wants to accomplish through my sharing.
Try Applying It to Me
- Today, plan a small action you can take to help your neighbors within your circumstances or to serve them with joy.
- Remember that my sharing is a tool to reveal God, and begin the day with thankfulness.
