1
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
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.
3
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
4
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
5
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
6
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 9 Study & Commentary
Overview & Chapter Summary
2 Corinthians 9 continues the theme of giving, emphasizing that God loves a "cheerful giver." Paul explains the spiritual law of sowing and reaping, noting that generosity results in thanksgiving to God and the supply of the needs of the saints.
Theological Context & Insights
CONTEMPORARY APPLICATIONS
1. The Spirit of Giving: Every man should give as he "purposeth in his heart," not grudgingly or of necessity (v. 7). God is more interested in the heart behind the gift than the gift itself.
2. The Law of Sowing: He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly (v. 6). While not a formula for material wealth, it is a promise that God will provide "all sufficiency" to those who are generous with His resources.
3. The Goal of Abundance: God gives us more than we need so that we may "abound to every good work" (v. 8). Our surplus is not for our luxury, but for our stewardship.
Practical Lessons & Daily Application
FORMAL PRAYER
Thanks be unto Thee, O God, for Thine unspeakable gift! Grant that we may sow bountifully and cheerfully, trusting that Thou art able to make all grace abound toward us, that we may be enriched unto all bountifulness. Amen.