2 Corinthianschapter 9

15 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 207 cross-references outward and receives 235 — heaviest partner: 2 Corinthians.

Chapter summary

The ministering to the saints — Paul boasted of the Corinthians' readiness to the Macedonians. He sends the brethren ahead that their bounty be ready, not as covetousness. He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. God loveth a cheerful giver. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Henry reads the chapter as a compact doctrine of Christian stewardship — its motive in grace received, its manner cheerful, its measure bountiful.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 2 Corinthians overview for the book's full setting.

1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

2 for 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.

3 But 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:

4 lest 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.

5 I 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.

6 But thisI 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.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:

9 as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.