Sermon: The Value of Generosity

God is generous

Jesus is generous

The Corinthians are called on to be generous

You are called on to be generous

Context of 1 Corinthians: Paul has an ongoing, mostly painful, relationship with the church in Corinth. He wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them live holy and righteous lives.

Paul’s ongoing, mostly painful, relationship with this church.wrote the first letter to the Corinthians rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them to remember who they are in Christ. Christ’s work in them makes them holy and righteous, so he encourages them to work with the Spirit who is at work in them.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Gordon D. Fee and Douglas K. Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 334.wrote the first letter to the Corinthians rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them to remember who they are in Christ. Christ’s work in them makes them holy and righteous, so he encourages them to work with the Spirit who is at work in them.

Context of 2 Corinthians: was a wonderfully personal letter written by Paul to the Corinthians after a recent visit from Titus (7:5-7). Paul is going to visit them soon (13:1), this will be his 3rd visit. he is writing to them to let them know 1) the church’s need to have a collection ready for Paul to collect when he gets there. 2) in the 2 Cor he is still rebuking them for embracing false teachers in (11:13).

In this letter Paul

How to Read the Bible Book by Book Orienting Data for 2 Corinthians

probably two letters (chs. 1–9; 10–13) combined into one, dealing primarily with Paul’s tenuous relationship with the Corinthian church and in the process touching on several other matters as well (Paul’s ministry, the collection for the poor in Jerusalem, and some Jewish Christian itinerants who have invaded the church)

Emphasis: Paul saw Christian ministry as servanthood. This follows the life of Jesus; the greater glory of the new covenant in contrast to the old; the glory of the gospel exhibited in the weakness of its ministers; he goes to great length to celebrate his own weakness in 2:14–7:4, he celebrates only his strength in the gospel as reconciliation; giving to the poor as an expression of generosity, not of obligation.

2:14–7:4only his strength in the gospel as reconciliation; giving to the poor as an expression of generosity, not of obligation.

Christian ministry as servanthood, reflecting that of Christ; the greater glory of the new covenant in contrast to the old; the glory of the gospel exhibited in the weakness of its ministers; the gospel as reconciliation; giving to the poor as an expression of generosity, not of obligation

He mentions the collection in 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians: It is an important spiritual activity of being a servant hearted church. The need to have the collection ready before he comes is addressed in chapters 8–9. He has made three visits, on his second the collection for jerusalem was not ready. why collect for Jerusalem. They were the birth place of Christianity and they were living in poverty.

The need to have the collection ready before he comes is addressed in chapters 8–9.

There is a letter between 1 and 2 Cor: In (2:3-4) Paul sends Titus with a sorrowful letter to make sure the collection was underway (8:6).

Gordon D. Fee and Douglas K. Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 334.

Gordon D. Fee and Douglas K. Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 333.

Paul picks up the theology of the cross: as applied to ministry, which began in , and plays it out in full detail. God’s glory—and the power of the gospel—is not minimized, but enhanced, through the weakness of the “jars of clay” (; cf. 12:7–10) who proclaim it. Such ministry is in keeping with the Crucified One, after all. Hence Paul repeatedly glories in his weaknesses—not because he liked to suffer, but because it meant that attention was focused on the Savior, not on the messenger. And the passage dealing with the glory of the new covenant through Christ and the Spirit (3:1–18) is “worth the price of the book.” So read, and enjoy!

Gordon D. Fee and Douglas K. Stuart, How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2002), 336.

The Context of 8:1–9:15: Have the Collection Ready When I Come

Have the Collection Ready When I Come

But for all their readiness to repent (7:11), there still remains the business that Titus could only begin (8:6) but not bring to completion, namely, the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. You will see that what now concerns Paul is that he has boasted to the Macedonians of the Corinthians’ readiness, and some representatives of these churches are about to accompany him to Corinth (9:1–5). So surrounding the commendation of Titus and the two who will accompany him (8:16–24, Titus is to make sure the collection is ready), Paul appeals in turn to (1) the example of Macedonia (8:1–5), (2) their own excelling in so many things, including beginning the collection (8:6–12), (3) the biblical principle that those who have plenty should share with the needy (8:13–15), and finally (4) generosity as a true expression of godliness (9:6–15).

Have you ever been asked to help out with a good cause, and then found your self in love with the cause.

His cause was to help the Christians in the first Church in Jerusalem who were suffering in poverty.

This was the church of .

Acts 2:42–46 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,

Acts 2:42 NIV

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2 the people shaed everything they had and boldly struck out to continue the mission of Jesus was so moved to raise money these poor Brothers and Siters in Jerusalem, that he would risk his life and even ended up delivering the collection he raised himself despite the risk of arrest by the Jewish authorities who wanted to kill Paul. And this indeed happened Paul was arrested in Jerusalem when he brought the collection to Jerusalem.

When this church tipped over into poverty, Paul was so moved by their plight that he set out to raise money for this beautiful church.

When this church decended into poverty, Paul was so moved by their plight that he set out to raise money for this beautiful church.

He loved this cause so much that he was prepared to risk his life and even ended up delivering the collection he raised himself despite the risk of arrest by the Jewish authorities who wanted to kill Paul. Indeed when Paul delivered the collection he was arrested in Jerusalem which ultimately led to his death.

When this church decended into poverty, Paul was so moved by their plight that he set out to raise money for this beautiful church. He loved this cause so much that he was prepared to risk his life and even ended up delivering the collection he raised himself despite the risk of arrest by the Jewish authorities who wanted to kill Paul. Indeed when Paul delivered the collection he was arrested in Jerusalem which ultimately led to his death.

It represented that gentiles and jews were one church.

It is obvious to Paul that the collection represented something very special. The gentiles and jews were one church. The collection symbolised this.

Paul raised this collection throughout the churches in Macedonia and Achaia, and churches in Asia. One of the Churches he encouraged to join in his generosity for Jerusalem was the Church in our passage tonight, the church in Corinth.

1. The collection demonstrates Paul’s concern for and devotion to the believers in Jerusalem. The collection was not a an obligation for Paul. The collection was a generous voluntary gift as an expression of the fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

1. The collection demonstrates Paul’s concern for and devotion to the believers in Jerusalem. The collection was not a legal obligation for Paul or for the Jerusalem apostles, and it was not simply an initiative that was prompted by socio-cultural customs. The collection was a voluntary gift. Paul wanted to help the Christians in Jerusalem as an expression of the fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

2. The collection demonstrates the central significance of Jerusalem for Paul’s missionary work. Paul’s mission had been opposed by some in Jerusalem, at one point he even had to confront Peter.

Here are two examples of what drove Paul in his love for this great cause:

Romans 15:27 NIV

They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.

he had decided to travel to Jerusalem himself to despite the dangers.

He writes this earlier in this letter in chapter 1.

2 Corinthians 1:15–16 NIV

Because I was confident of this, I wanted to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia and to come back to you from Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea.

Romans 15:26–27 NIV

For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.

3.

Paul asks the Corinthian Christians to Partner with Jerusalem Christians in the cause of the Gospel

He shows us that this very material cause of raising money is actually very linked to the spiritual cause of progressing the gospel to Paul.

Romans 15:27 NIV

They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.

Rom 15:

Table 1.1 summarizes Paul’s visits to Jerusalem during the twenty-five years between his conversion in a.d. 31/32 and his arrest in a.d. 57:

33 ; ; ; ; cf. . Cf.

In this letter Paul

Context of 1 Corinthians: Paul has an ongoing, mostly painful, relationship with the church in Corinth. He wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them live holy and righteous lives.

But there is a problem: Paul has an ongoing, mostly painful, relationship with the church in Corinth. He wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them live holy and righteous lives.

Context of 1 Corinthians: Paul has an ongoing, mostly painful, relationship with the church in Corinth. He wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them live holy and righteous lives.

For Paul giving money to the poor in Jerusalem is part of the great work of the advancing the Gospel of Jesus as one Church. And this will bring great benefit to the Gospel and to the individual people who give.

But there is a problem: Paul has an ongoing, mostly painful, relationship with the church in Corinth. He wrote the first letter to the Corinthians and rebuked them for their disunity and their ungodly behaviour and encourages them live holy and righteous lives.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

Now in 2 Corinthians he writes wonderfully personal letter written by Paul to the Corinthians. He is writing to them in large part to let them know the church’s need to have a collection for Jerusalem ready for Paul to collect when he gets there. The need to have the collection ready before he comes is addressed in 2 Cor chapters 8–9

Emphasis: Paul saw Christian ministry as servanthood. This follows the life of Jesus; demonstrated in the weakness of its ministers; he goes to great length to show his own weakness in , he celebrates that his only strength in the gospel as reconciliation; giving to the poor as an expression of generosity, not of obligation.

He mentions the collection in both 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians: It is an important spiritual activity of being a servant hearted church. . He has made three visits, on his second the collection for jerusalem was not ready. why collect for Jerusalem. They were the birth place of Christianity and they were living in poverty.

There is a letter between 1 and 2 Cor: In (2:3-4) Paul sends Titus with a sorrowful letter to make sure the collection was underway (8:6).

Paul picks up the theology of the cross: as applied to ministry, which began in , and plays it out in full detail. God’s glory—and the power of the gospel—is not minimized, but enhanced, through the weakness of the “jars of clay” (; cf. 12:7–10) who proclaim it. Such ministry is in keeping with the Crucified One, after all. Hence Paul repeatedly glories in his weaknesses—not because he liked to suffer, but because it meant that attention was focused on the Savior, not on the messenger. And the passage dealing with the glory of the new covenant through Christ and the Spirit (3:1–18) is “worth the price of the book.” So read, and enjoy!

The Context of 8:1–9:15: Have the Collection Ready When I Come

But for all their readiness to repent (7:11), there still remains the business that Titus could only begin (8:6) but not bring to completion, namely, the collection for the poor in Jerusalem. You will see that what now concerns Paul is that he has boasted to the Macedonians of the Corinthians’ readiness, and some representatives of these churches are about to accompany him to Corinth (9:1–5). So surrounding the commendation of Titus and the two who will accompany him (8:16–24, Titus is to make sure the collection is ready), Paul appeals in turn to (1) the example of Macedonia (8:1–5), (2) their own excelling in so many things, including beginning the collection (8:6–12), (3) the biblical principle that those who have plenty should share with the needy (8:13–15), and finally (4) generosity as a true expression of godliness (9:6–15).

last week

2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV

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

Paul wants to motivate his readers in Corinth further by pointing to the benefits that come to those who give generously.

9:6. Paul uses what what was a common agricultural proverb of the time that shows how sowing sparingly results in a poor harvest and that generous sowing results in a plentiful harvest.

Paul could be also refering to ; .

Proverbs 11:24–25 NIV

One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Proverbs 22:9 NIV

The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.

Paul has in mind here that just as farmers should not expect a large harvest unless they sow generously, so Christians should not expect many blessings from God unless they bless others in a generous way.

9:2. The Corinthians have been eager to help too. Paul had been God is also in Love with the cause of helping the church in Jerusalem

2 Corinthians 9:2 NIV

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.

9:2. The Corinthians have been eager to help too. Paul had been boasting about them to the Macedonians. Because the Corinthians like Paul had been moved to not just help out with a good cause but said they were in love with this cause too.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 404.

9:2. Paul reaffirmed his confidence in the Corinthians’ eagerness to help. In fact, he had been boasting about them not only to Titus but also to the Macedonians. He had even told the Macedonians that last year they were ready to give. Paul’s boasting about the Corinthians had even stirred most of the Macedonians to action. Just as Paul had previously used the example of the Macedonians to inspire the Corinthians to give; he had also motivated the Macedonians through reports about the initial enthusiasm of the Corinthians.

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 404.

2 cor

9:5. For this reason Paul sent the brothers to visit … in advance of his arrival. They would finalize the collection of the generous gift … promised by the Corinthians. The initial enthusiasm at Corinth must have included the promise of a large sum, and Paul wanted to insure that this promise was kept. If the brothers gathered the contribution before Paul and any Macedonians arrived, then the contribution would be received as a genuinely generous gift. If not, it might appear to be begrudgingly given in response to pressure from Paul.

2 Corinthans 9:6

9:5. For this reason Paul sent the brothers to visit … in advance of his arrival. They would finalize the collection of the generous gift … promised by the Corinthians. The initial enthusiasm at Corinth must have included the promise of a large sum, and Paul wanted to insure that this promise was kept. If the brothers gathered the contribution before Paul and any Macedonians arrived, then the contribution would be received as a genuinely generous gift. If not, it might appear to be begrudgingly given in response to pressure from Paul.

Paul showed practical concern for the encouragement of the churches in Corinth and Macedonia. Although he was confident of the Corinthians’ good intentions, he was not na’ve. He took the precaution of sending messengers ahead to insure that no one would miss the opportunity for a great blessing.

9:7. In light of this wise saying, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give. As before, he did not want them to give beyond their means, and the exact amount was a matter of conscience. The reliance on inward conviction in this matter is particularly important because Paul had no directive from God. As in every ethical choice that believers must make, there comes a point when the inward conviction of the Spirit must guide specific actions. Decisions of the heart must not violate the revelation of God, but they are necessary for practical application of the principles derived from the Old and New Testaments.

Acting according to conscience was very important in this situation. Paul wanted the Corinthians to receive God’s blessings in response to their generosity, but this would not occur if they gave reluctantly or under compulsion because God loves a cheerful giver. Once again, Paul relied on proverbial wisdom. This proverb probably circulated widely among Jewish rabbis and early Christian teachers because Paul used it freely as justification for his view. Paul believed that God’s love extends to all who are in Christ, but he had in mind here a special affection or approval that leads to significant blessings in the life of the believer.

The apostle began with what was probably a common agricultural proverb which taught that sowing sparingly results in a poor harvest and that generous sowing results in a plentiful harvest. It is also possible that Paul alluded to ; . Paul used a similar analogy in , . This analogy encouraged generous giving. Just as farmers should not expect a large harvest unless they sow generously, so Christians should not expect many blessings from God unless they bless others in a generous way.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 404.

9:7. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give generously in love because God loves a the person who gives generously to others.

2 cor 9:

2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

9:7. Paul encouraged the Corinthians to give generously in love because God loves a the person who gives generously to others.

if they gave reluctantly or under compulsion because God loves a cheerful giver. Once again, Paul relied on proverbial wisdom. This proverb probably circulated widely among Jewish rabbis and early Christian teachers because Paul used it freely as justification for his view. Paul believed that God’s love extends to all who are in Christ, but he had in mind here a special affection or approval that leads to significant blessings in the life of the believer.

Note the manner in which Paul described these abundant blessings. First, believers may be given all that they need (autarkeia), not all they may want (thelo, zeloo). God often gives believers things they desire, but Paul did not have these blessings in view here. The Corinthians faced the challenge of giving generously, which could have threatened their livelihood. Paul made it clear, however, that God (not their selfish greed) was able to supply their needs.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

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

2 Cor 9

Second, the goal of these divine supplies is not primarily the believer’s wealth or personal pleasure. God supplies so believers may abound in every good work—so they will be free from worry over necessities and may focus on fulfilling the commands of God.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 405.

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

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

2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

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

9:8. There is a sense in which every Christian has received the grace of God in Christ. God Blesses those who are seeking to bless the poor especially the poor who are working to advance the Gospel in the midst of their poverty.

God Blesses those who are seeking to bless the poor especially te poor who are working to advance the Gospel in the midst of their poverty.

Second, the goal of these divine supplies is not primarily the believer’s wealth or personal pleasure. God supplies so believers may abound in every good work—so they will be free from worry over necessities and may focus on fulfilling the commands of God.

The second line of , “his righteousness endures forever,” troubles some interpreters because similar expressions often refer to God (; ). It is possible that the psalm focused on the permanence of a righteous person’s actions. In other words, God will never forget or ignore a righteous man’s generosity (righteousness). This interpretation fits well with Paul’s purpose in this passage: encouraging the Corinthians to be generous so God would reward them. Paul’s comments in the next verse support this understanding.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 405–406.

2 Corinthians 9:9 NIV

As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

9:9. To support his assertion that God is able to do all of these things, Paul quoted . This verse describes different characteristics of the righteous person, and verse 9 depicts him as generous to the poor.

The second line of , “his righteousness endures forever,” focused on the permanence of a righteous person’s actions. In other words, God will never forget or ignore a righteous man’s generosity (righteousness).

Holman New Testament Commentary: I & II Corinthians D. Believers Benefit from Generosity (9:6–11)

9:10. Paul followed his quotation from Psalm 112 with two allusions to the Old Testament. First, he referred to Isaiah 55:10, which praises God as the one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. Second, he drew from Hosea 10:12, which promises a harvest of blessing for those who sow righteousness. Paul combined these Old Testament ideas to assure the Corinthians that God would not ignore their generosity, but would enlarge the harvest (rewards) of their righteousness. Their righteous deeds would not be overlooked or forgotten.

2 cor 9:

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 405–406.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 406.

2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV

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

9:10. Paul followed his quotation from with two allusions to the Old Testament. First, he referred to , God supplies seed to the sower and bread for food. Second, he drew from , which promises a harvest of blessing for those who sow righteousness. Paul combined these Old Testament ideas to assure the Corinthians that God would not ignore their generosity, but would enlarge the harvest (rewards) of their righteousness.

9:11. Paul went on to describe what the Corinthians could expect as they contributed to the poor in Jerusalem. He first said they would be made rich in every way. Paul was not promising material blessings to those who give generously. He knew that faithful believers are often poor, just as the Jerusalem saints were at that time.

The key to understanding this expression is the similar language in , , where Paul rejoiced that the Corinthians had been “enriched in every way—in all [their] speaking and in all [their] knowledge,” and did “not lack any spiritual gift.” The riches of the Christian life before the return of Christ are primarily the blessings of the Holy Spirit. He is the down payment on the inheritance of riches we will receive when Christ returns. When the Spirit is poured out on believers in dramatic ways, they are made rich in every way.

In this light, Paul’s idea becomes clear. If the Corinthians gave generously, they could expect a dramatic enrichment of their lives by the Spirit. They would be so blessed they would be able to be generous on every occasion—able to meet whatever needs they encountered with the rich ministry of the Spirit.

2 cor 9:10

Finally, Paul also assured the Corinthian church that he and his company would be blessed by generous giving. He pledged that through us (Paul and his company) the Corinthian generosity would result in thanksgiving to God. The apostle would praise God joyfully as he saw them fulfill this responsibility.

In these verses Paul made it clear that giving generously to the poor in Jerusalem would bring many benefits. The needs of the poor would be met. The Corinthians would be blessed, and their lives would be enriched. Paul and his company would be encouraged and thankful to God. These positive benefits were to motivate the Corinthians to fulfill their earlier commitment to giving.

2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

9:11. Paul went on to describe what the Corinthians could expect as they contributed to the poor in Jerusalem. He first said they would be made rich in every way. Paul was not promising material blessings to those who give generously. He knew that faithful believers are often poor, just as the Jerusalem saints were at that time.

If the Corinthians gave generously, they could expect a dramatic enrichment of their lives by the Spirit.

In this light, Paul’s idea becomes clear. If the Corinthians gave generously, they could expect a dramatic enrichment of their lives by the Spirit. They would be so blessed they would be able to be generous on every occasion—able to meet whatever needs they encountered with the rich ministry of the Spirit.

Finally, Paul also assured the Corinthian church that he and his company would be blessed by generous giving. He pledged that through us (Paul and his company) the Corinthian generosity would result in thanksgiving to God. The apostle would praise God joyfully as he saw them fulfill this responsibility.

In these verses Paul made it clear that giving generously to the poor in Jerusalem would bring many benefits. The needs of the poor would be met. The Corinthians would be blessed, and their lives would be enriched. Paul and his company would be encouraged and thankful to God. These positive benefits were to motivate the Corinthians to fulfill their earlier commitment to giving.

Holman New Testament Commentary: I & II Corinthians E. The Result: Praise of God (9:12–15)

Paul developed the theme of thanksgiving further by stating that generous contributions would result in widespread praise of God.

9:12–13. The apostle began by asserting that this service of contributing was not only for supplying the needs of God’s people, but also for the overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God, so that men would praise God. The collection of money for Jerusalem was widespread in the church, reaching Achaia, Macedonia, and Asia Minor. As these churches heard reports of others’ generosity, it surely caused much worship and praise. The goal of honoring God was supreme in Paul’s perspective, and this should have been the Corinthians’ goal as well.

While explaining the process by which God would be praised, Paul mentioned a number of important features of this contribution. First, by it the Corinthians would prove themselves. In 8:8 the apostle had announced that this event was a test of the Corinthians’ sincerity. Here he made clear that fulfilling their promise to give would prove the true condition of their hearts. In this regard, Paul held a similar perspective to that of the apostle John, who said that love for God could not be present in a believer’s life without love for other Christians ().

Second, Paul described fulfilling the contribution as obedience that would accompany their confession of the gospel of Christ. Confession or profession of the gospel must be demonstrated by obedience. Paul stated this principle clearly on many occasions (; ; ). In fact, he warned that flagrant disobedience would reveal the absence of saving faith ().

By weaving these comments into his discussion, Paul reminded the Corinthians of how serious this matter was. It was a test of the obedience that must accompany saving faith in Christ.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 407.

2 cor 9:

2 Corinthians 9:12 NIV

This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

2 cor 9:

2 Corinthians 9:13 NIV

Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

9:12–13. The apostle began by asserting that this service of contributing was not only for supplying the needs of God’s people, but also for the overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God, so that men would praise God. The collection of money for Jerusalem was widespread in the church, reaching Achaia, Macedonia, and Asia Minor. As these churches heard reports of others’ generosity, it surely caused much worship and praise. The goal of honoring God was supreme in Paul’s perspective, and this should have been the Corinthians’ goal as well.

While explaining the process by which God would be praised, Paul mentioned a number of important features of this contribution. First, by it the Corinthians would prove themselves. In 8:8 the apostle had announced that this event was a test of the Corinthians’ sincerity. Here he made clear that fulfilling their promise to give would prove the true condition of their hearts. In this regard, Paul held a similar perspective to that of the apostle John, who said that love for God could not be present in a believer’s life without love for other Christians ().

Second, Paul described fulfilling the contribution as obedience that would accompany their confession of the gospel of Christ. Confession or profession of the gospel must be demonstrated by obedience. Paul stated this principle clearly on many occasions (; ; ). In fact, he warned that flagrant disobedience would reveal the absence of saving faith ().

By weaving these comments into his discussion, Paul reminded the Corinthians of how serious this matter was. It was a test of the obedience that must accompany saving faith in Christ.

9:15. This thought was so magnificent in Paul’s outlook that it caused him to break forth in praise. He wrote, Thanks be to God. His heart broke out in adoration for God’s indescribable gift which made all of this possible—the gift of salvation through Christ. He was overwhelmed by the thought of Gentiles in Corinth joining with other Gentile churches to provide for Jewish believers in Jerusalem. He overflowed with joy that all of these churches would join together in the praise of God and in prayer for one another. Paul was so ecstatic at the thought he could go no further.

Richard L. Pratt Jr, I & II Corinthians, vol. 7, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 407.

Main Idea Review: Paul wanted the contribution for the Christians in Jerusalem to be generous and for its collection to go smoothly. In order to ensure this, he encouraged the Corinthians to cooperate with his emissaries and to give liberally.

2 Corinthians 9:14–15 NIV

And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!