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2 Corinthians ix.
Notes & Commentary:
Ver. 1. The
ministry, that is, the contributions for the brethren, so it is also called again, (ver. 12.) the ministry of this
office, or, as the Greek signifies, of this sacrifice, inasmuch as alms, and such charitable works, are spiritual
sacrifices to God. (Witham)
Ver. 2. That
Achaia also was ready. Corinth was the capital of Achaia. St. Paul had formerly exhorted the Macedonians to contribute
to the utmost of their power, informing them, that Corinth and all Achaia were prepared a year ago to collect alms, and now
the apostle, speaking to the Corinthians, encourages them by the example of the faithful of Macedon, and informs them of the
greatness of their charitable contributions, and the greatness of their zeal. (Theo.)
Ver. 3. Titus,
and two others.
Ver. 5. Not
forced from covetousness. Literally, not as avarice, as it were extorted from covetous people, who give unwillingly.
(Witham)
Ver. 8. God
is generous to the liberally disposed Christian; filling such as relieve the poor with every species of good, and returning
their charities a hundred-fold. (Menochius)
Ver. 11-13.
All bountifulness,[1] by which is signified, a sincere and free liberality, by giving with a sincere heart, and good
intention. St. Paul encourages them to contribute willingly for God's sake, and out of a true charity for their indigent brethren,
who will praise, and thank God, and pray for them, &c. (Witham)
Ver. 15. For
his unspeakable gift. Such is the conclusion, which the apostle puts to the subject upon alms-deeds. In the following
chapter he proceeds to a new subject; but first thanks the Almighty, that he has enriched the Corinthians with so charitable
a disposition. St. Chrysostom, Theo., and some other commentators think, that by the expression, his unspeakable gift,
is meant the incarnation of Christ. The fruit of alms-deeds is the increase of grace in all justice and good works to life
everlasting; God granting these blessings for a reward and recompense of charitable works, which therefore are called the
seed, (ver. 10, above) or meritorious cause of these spiritual fruits.
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[1] In omnem simplicitatem, aploteta, upon which St.
Chrysostom says, om. k., aploteta ten dapsileian kalei, a plentiful abundance.
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Bible Text & Cross-references:
A further exhortation to almsgiving: the fruits of it.
1 For concerning the ministry, that is done towards the saints, it is
superfluous for me to write to you.
2 For I know your ready mind: for which I boast of you to the Macedonians.
That Achaia also was ready a year ago, and your emulation hath provoked a great many.
3 Now I have sent the brethren, that what we boast of concerning you,
be not made void in this behalf, that, (as I have said) you may be ready:
4 Lest, when the Macedonians shall come with me, and find you unprepared,
we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter.
5 Therefore, I thought it necessary to desire the brethren that they
would go to you before, and prepare this blessing before promised, to be ready, so as a blessing, not as covetousness.
6 Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly, shall also reap sparingly;
and he who soweth in blessings, shall also reap of blessings.
7 Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness, or
of necessity: *For God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound in 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 justice remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower, will both give you bread
to eat, and will multiply your seed, and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice:
11 That being enriched in all things, you may abound unto all bountifulness,
which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service doth not only supply the want
of the saints, but aboundeth also by many thanksgivings in the Lord.
13 By the proof of this ministry, glorifying God in the obedience of
your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your communicating to them, and to all,
14 And in their praying for you, longing for you, because of the eminent
grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
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*
7: Ecclesiasticus xxxv. 11.
9: Psalm cxi. 9.
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