BibleWord.ai›Bible›2 Corinthians›Chapter 9

2 Corinthians Chapter 9

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) 15 Verses

What is 2 Corinthians 9 about?

Paul's defense of his apostleship and the theology of the ministry of reconciliation through weakness and suffering. The complete chapter text below provides the immediate literary context for study.

Text — American Standard Version (1901)

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. For original Hebrew/Greek interlinear text, open in BibleWord.ai.
1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2for 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.
3But I have sent the brethren, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, ye may be prepared:
4lest by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in this confidence.
5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion.
6But this [I say,] He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7[Let] each man [do] according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:
9as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.
10And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness:
11ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.
12For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;
13seeing that through the proving [of you] by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of [your] contribution unto them and unto all;
14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
← 2 Corinthians 82 Corinthians 10 →

What do historical commentaries say about this chapter?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · on verse 1
“For as touching the ministering to the saints, etc..] It looks at first sight as if the apostle was entering upon a new subject, though by what follows it appears to be the same; for by “ministering to the saints”, he does not mean the ministry of the Gospel to them; nor that mutual assistance members of churches are to give each other; but either the fellowship of ministering to the saints, which the churches had entreated him, and his fellow ministers, to take upon them, namely, to take the charge of their collections, and distribute them to the poor saints at Jerusalem; or rather these collections themselves,…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“REASONS FOR HIS SENDING TITUS. THE GREATER THEIR BOUNTIFULNESS, THE MORE SHALL BE THE RETURN OF BLESSING TO THEM, AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD. (Co2 9:1-15) For--connected with Co2 8:16 : "Show love to the messengers of the churches; for as concerns the ministration for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you who are so forward already." write--emphatical: It is superfluous to "write," for you will have witnesses present [BENGEL].”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · on verse 1
“For as touching the ministering to the saints - In regard to the collection that was to be taken up for the aid of the poor Christians in Judea; see the notes on Romans 15:26; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Corinthians 8:0. It is superfluous ... - It is needless to urge that matter on you, because I know that you acknowledge the obligation to do it, and have already purposed it. For me to write to you - That is, to write more, or to write largely on the subject. It is unnecessary for me to urge arguments why it should be done; and all that is proper is to offer some suggestions in regard to the manner in which it shall be…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · on verse 1
“To write to you - Largely. 2 Corinthians 9:2”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · on verse 1
“9:1-5 Two motives reinforce the spirit of love in giving: (1) to emulate the Macedonians, who in their poverty had been forthcoming in their generosity (9:2); and (2) not to shame Paul or themselves, since he had boasted about the Corinthians’ generosity to the Macedonians (9:3-5). To ensure the timely gathering of the collection at Corinth, Paul would send the delegates (8:16-24) in advance to make sure the gift you promised is ready.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · on verse 1
“touching: Gen 27:42; Sa1 20:23; Kg2 22:18; Job 37:23; Psa 45:1; Mat 22:31; Rom 11:28; Phi 3:5, Phi 3:6 the ministering: Co2 9:12-14, Co2 8:4-15; Gal 2:10, Gal 6:10 it is: Th1 4:9, Th1 4:10, Th1 5:1; Jo1 2:27 2 Corinthians 9:2”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

2 Corinthians overviewCompare translationsOpen this chapter in the study reader

Sources and verification