2 Corinthians 9:1

2 COR. 9

"Some consider 2 Corinthians 9 a separate note written by Paul earlier than chapter 8,"[1] but such a notion is merely the knee-jerk reflex of critical minds seeking to destroy the unity of this epistle; and no solid logic of any kind supports it. "These verses are not a misplaced fragment, for the connection in thought is close with the preceding verses."[2] These verses are an intensification of Paul's appeal to the Corinthians to make good on their promises of a year ago and to make up a bountiful contribution for the poor saints in Jerusalem. As the careful student of the New Testament soon learns, this type of objection is groundless, contrived and absolutely unreliable. As Hughes said, "We are confronted with a hypothesis which is entirely without support of external evidence or of any tradition."[3] Besides that, "There is a very close connection between chapter 8 and the opening verses of chapter 9."[4]

An outline of this chapter has two divisions: (1) Paul's reasons for sending the brethren instead of coming himself (2 Corinthians 9:1-5), and (2) the blessings of Christian giving (2 Corinthians 9:6-15).

[1] Norman Hillyer, The New Bible Commentary, Revised (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1970), p. 1083.

[2] Frank G. Carver, Beacon Bible Commentary (Kansas City, Missouri: Beacon Hill Press, 1968), Vol. 8, p. 584.

[3] Philip E. Hughes, Paul's Second Epistle to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, p. 321.

[4] Ibid.

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. (2 Corinthians 9:1)

For ... "This word indicates a logical link with the immediately preceding matter."[5] Also, in this same connection, Tasker pointed out that "to write" as used here indicates the same thing. "The present tense of the infinitive `to write' signifies `to go on writing.'"[6]

Ministering to the saints ... Wesley's quaint comment on this was, "Anything that conveyed God's good gifts from one member of the church to another was, in the apostle's eye, `a ministry.'"[7]

[5] Ibid.

[6] R. V. G. Tasker, The Second Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1958), p. 123.

[7] John Wesley, One Volume New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1972), in loco.