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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

In these verses the apostle speaks very respectfully to the Corinthians, and with great skill; and, while he seems to excuse his urging them so earnestly to charity, still presses them thereto, and shows how much his heart was set upon this matter. I. He tells them it was needless to press them with further arguments to afford relief to their poor brethren (2 Cor. 9:1), being satisfied he had said enough already to prevail with those of whom he had so good an opinion. For, 1. He knew their... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:6-16

Here we have, I. Proper directions to be observed about the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would have the Corinthians give, observe, 1. It should be bountifully; this was intimated, 2 Cor. 9:5; that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their consideration that men who... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

9:1-5 It is superfluous for me to write to you about this service designed to help God's dedicated people, for I know your eagerness, about which I have boasted for you to the Macedonians, for I have told them that Achaea has been ready since last year, and the story of your zeal has kindled the majority of them. But, all the same, I am sending the brothers, so that, in this particular matter, the boast I made of you may not be proved empty, so that you might be all ready, as I said you were.... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

9:6-15 Further, there is this--He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully. Let each man give as he has decided in his heart. Let him not give as if it hurt him to give or as if it was being forced out of him, for it is the happy giver whom God loves. God can supply you with an overflowing measure of every grace, so that because in all things at all times you have all sufficiency, you may excel in every good work. As it stands written, "He... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:1

For as touching the ministering to the saints ,.... 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... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:2

For I know the forwardness of your mind ,.... How that they were willing of themselves to engage in this good work; how readily they came into it; what a cheerful disposition of mind they showed towards it; and how forward they were to begin the collection: for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia ; he had one it before, which had put them upon the like service, and he still continued to boast of them, that Achaia was ready a year ago : not that their collection was ready made... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:3

Yet have I sent the brethren ,.... Titus, and the other two mentioned in the foregoing chapter: one manuscript reads, "we have sent"; and the Ethiopic version, "they have sent", that is, the Macedonians; but the common reading is best. It might be objected, that since the apostle knew the forwardness of their minds, how ready they were a year ago, and had boasted so much of their liberality, that it must be unnecessary to send the brethren to them, to stir them up to this work; which... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:4

Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me ,.... The apostle had determined to come himself, though he was afterwards prevented by Providence, but could not be certain of the coming of the Macedonian brethren with him; however, as it was probable that some of them would come, whose hearts were so much in this work, therefore he judged it fit and proper to send the brethren before hand, in case they should come: and find you unprepared ; not so ready for this service as had been boasted... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:5

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren ,.... Titus, and the other two, on whom he did not lay his commands, or apostolical injunctions, according to the authority and dignity of his office; only exhorted or besought them, and which was judged by him very needful and proper at this time: that they would go before hand unto you ; before him, and the Macedonian brethren that might probably come with him: and make up before hand your bounty ; or blessing; for any present... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 2 Corinthians 9:6

But this I say ,.... This the apostle would have the Corinthians take notice of, and well consider, it being what he could aver for truth, by observation and experience; that as in things natural, so in things of a moral and spiritual kind, he which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly, and he which soweth bountifully , or with blessings, shall reap also bountifully ; or with blessings; as a man sows, so shall he reap; the one is in proportion to the other. Sowing and reaping... read more

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