Read the Passage: 2 Corinthians 9

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: 2 Corinthians 9

Giving Willingly (9:1–5)

In beginning his instructions to the Corinthian church about his financial collection, Paul had appealed to the example of the believers in Macedonia as an inspiration for giving (cf. 2 Cor. 8:1–4). By way of further encouraging the Corinthians to participate in the planned offering, Paul reveals that he had already boasted about their desire to contribute when he had visited the churches in Macedonia. This was not a deceptive tactic or a dishonest scheme to get the Corinthians or the Macedonians to give; rather, it was simply Paul’s way of “rejoicing with those who rejoice” (Rom. 12:15). Indeed, such public boasting proved to be an encouragement to the churches of Macedonia, as Paul tells the Corinthians that “your zeal has stirred up the majority” (2 Cor. 9:2). Note that Macedonia is the northern region of modern-day Greece, and Achaia is in the south, where Corinth is located.

In 2 Cor. 9:3–5 Paul explains one reason why he was addressing the planned collection, as well as the Corinthians’ promise to contribute, was that he soon planning to visit Corinth along with some Macedonian believers. Having already boasted about the desire of the Corinthians believers to participate in the offering, Paul wanted their gift to be ready. Paul writes, “I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain” (2 Cor. 9:3). The reference to “the brethren” here refers to Titus and two other unnamed men whom Paul had mentioned in 2 Cor. 8:16–22. Paul notes he had sent “the brethren to go to you ahead of time . . . [to] prepare your generous gift beforehand . . . that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation” (2 Cor. 9:5). Note Paul’s repeated emphasis within his Corinthian letters on giving freely from one’s own material possessions (cf. 1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:3, 12; 9:5, 7).

Giving Cheerfully (9:6–9)

In 2 Cor. 9:6 Paul writes, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Note, however, that this is not cited as a motivation to give; rather, it is Paul’s observation about what happens when believers do give. In other words, by appealing to the agricultural principle of sowing and reaping, Paul is observing that those who sow more, reap more, and vice versa. Paul specifies in 2 Cor. 9:7 that believers are not to give out of guilt or compulsion, or out of a desire to get things from God. Rather, Christians should give with a determined mind and a cheerful heart. Paul observes in 2 Cor. 9:8 that God makes grace abound toward believers, which includes the grace both to give and to receive material provisions. Of course, all Christians will not be materially wealthy, but all believers’ material needs will be sufficiently met by God.

Giving Abundantly (9:10–15)

At 2 Cor. 9:9 Paul quotes Ps. 112:9, which reads, “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” In this Psalm the author is describing the blessed state of the righteous. Earlier in this Psalm, when writing about the condition of the righteous man, the author says, “Wealth and honor will be in his house” (Ps. 112:3). The idea here is that when God blesses the righteous man, he will then bless others. This verse is not an exhortation to give, but a recognition that the righteous man will give. In 2 Cor. 9:10–11 Paul records a prayer in which: (1) he recognizes that all material provision is from God, (2) he petitions the Lord to multiply that which has already been given, and (3) he records that the giving of others promotes “thanksgiving through us to God” (2 Cor. 9:11). Note this similar theme in passages such as Prov. 1:31; Isa. 55:10; Hos. 10:12; and Gal. 6:7–9.

It is not on account of inattention that Paul repeats himself throughout this passage. Indeed, though his intentional repetition Paul is stressing the complementary ideas that giving is a natural Christian discipline and giving causes others to praise God. An important but unstated concept in this passage is the teaching that God oftentimes works through instrumental means and secondary causes. For example, God acts on account of the prayers of His people, God saves because of gospel witness, and God meets material needs through the giving of fellow believers. It is the recognition of God’s providential supervision of the world that promotes “thanksgiving to God” (2 Cor. 9:12). Moreover, in a similar manner to his earlier teaching at 2 Cor. 8:13–15, here at 2 Cor. 9:13–14 Paul notes the giving of material things often results in the offering of prayers to God on one’s behalf.

Application Questions:

1. What are some appropriate motives for believers to give financially to a church or other Christian organization?
2. How can hearing about the ministerial successes and spiritual maturity of other believers serve as an encouragement?
3. Why do some ministry leaders appeal to guilt in order to motivate people to participate in financial offerings?
4. Can you testify to the truth of the general teaching that God blesses the righteous, and condemns the unjust?
5. What is the “indescribable gift” for which Paul thanks and praises God at 2 Cor. 9:15? Who has received this gift?