II Corinthians 9 Commentary: Sowing Generosity, Reaping Blessings
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
II Corinthians 9 is a powerful and encouraging passage that delves into the heart of Christian giving. Continuing the appeal begun earlier in the letter, Paul urges the Corinthian church to actively participate in the collection for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. More than just a fundraising appeal, this chapter reveals the profound spiritual significance of generosity, highlighting its impact on both the giver and the receiver, and ultimately, on God's glory.
Following Through on Commitment (II Corinthians 9:1-5)
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of their prior enthusiasm for the "ministry for the saints" (II Corinthians 9:1). He had even boasted to other churches, particularly those in Macedonia, about their eagerness to contribute. However, it seems their initial zeal had waned, possibly due to the existing tensions between them and Paul. To avoid embarrassment and ensure the collection is ready when the Macedonian believers arrive, Paul sends Titus ahead to help them prepare (II Corinthians 9:2-5). He wants their giving to be a genuine gift motivated by love, not compelled by obligation.
The Principle of Sowing and Reaping (II Corinthians 9:6)
Paul uses the timeless metaphor of sowing and reaping to illustrate the importance of generosity: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (II Corinthians 9:6). This isn't a promise of earthly riches, as some might falsely claim. Instead, it underscores that generous giving leads to abundant blessings, not necessarily material wealth for the giver, but a greater capacity to bless others and participate in God's work. The more generously one gives to legitimate needs motivated by the gospel, the more abundant the results will be in terms of ministry impact and spiritual growth.
Giving from the Heart (II Corinthians 9:7)
Scripture doesn't dictate a specific amount or percentage for giving. Instead, Paul emphasizes the attitude behind the gift: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (II Corinthians 9:7). Giving should stem from a willing and joyful heart, recognizing that our ability to give is a gift from God. A cheerful giver understands that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, and giving is an act of worship and gratitude. When you give with a glad heart in response to the goodness of God, it's a sign of spiritual maturity. Giving should be a joy, not a burden.
God's Abundant Grace (II Corinthians 9:8-9)
Paul assures the Corinthians, and all believers, that "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" (II Corinthians 9:8). God's grace is superabundant, encompassing everything we need to excel in every good work He has assigned us. This isn't a promise of a life free from hardship, but rather an assurance that God will provide the resources and strength we need to fulfill His purposes. This abundant grace includes all that He can do for you that you are unable to do for yourself. He can guide you when you’re lost and provide for you when you’re in need. He can heal a relationship that’s broken and grant peace where there’s conflict. As Psalm 112:9 says, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." When God gives freely to those in need, His righteous character is magnified.
Thanksgiving and Glory to God (II Corinthians 9:10-15)
Ultimately, Christian giving is about more than just meeting physical needs. It's about causing thankfulness to God to overflow. Paul reminds them that God is the one "who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness" (II Corinthians 9:10). God is both the source of what is planted and the source of what is harvested. Generosity builds connections between believers, fostering love and prayer. The generosity of the Corinthian Christians will encourage the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to glorify God and to pray for their spiritual siblings. This ministry to the poor saints in Jerusalem was proof of God’s goodness and provision.
Paul concludes this section with heartfelt gratitude: "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (II Corinthians 9:15). The surpassing grace of God is so overwhelming that it defies description. It is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. That’s the kind of grace you need. That’s the kind of grace you want operating in your life. Don’t cut yourself off from it.
II Corinthians 9 calls us to embrace a spirit of generosity, recognizing that our giving is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude, and a powerful way to participate in God's work in the world. When we give willingly and cheerfully, God's grace abounds, needs are met, and His name is glorified.
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.
Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready:
Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting.
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
II Corinthians 9 is a powerful and encouraging passage that delves into the heart of Christian giving. Continuing the appeal begun earlier in the letter, Paul urges the Corinthian church to actively participate in the collection for the suffering Christians in Jerusalem. More than just a fundraising appeal, this chapter reveals the profound spiritual significance of generosity, highlighting its impact on both the giver and the receiver, and ultimately, on God's glory.
Following Through on Commitment (II Corinthians 9:1-5)
Paul begins by reminding the Corinthians of their prior enthusiasm for the "ministry for the saints" (II Corinthians 9:1). He had even boasted to other churches, particularly those in Macedonia, about their eagerness to contribute. However, it seems their initial zeal had waned, possibly due to the existing tensions between them and Paul. To avoid embarrassment and ensure the collection is ready when the Macedonian believers arrive, Paul sends Titus ahead to help them prepare (II Corinthians 9:2-5). He wants their giving to be a genuine gift motivated by love, not compelled by obligation.
The Principle of Sowing and Reaping (II Corinthians 9:6)
Paul uses the timeless metaphor of sowing and reaping to illustrate the importance of generosity: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (II Corinthians 9:6). This isn't a promise of earthly riches, as some might falsely claim. Instead, it underscores that generous giving leads to abundant blessings, not necessarily material wealth for the giver, but a greater capacity to bless others and participate in God's work. The more generously one gives to legitimate needs motivated by the gospel, the more abundant the results will be in terms of ministry impact and spiritual growth.
Giving from the Heart (II Corinthians 9:7)
Scripture doesn't dictate a specific amount or percentage for giving. Instead, Paul emphasizes the attitude behind the gift: "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (II Corinthians 9:7). Giving should stem from a willing and joyful heart, recognizing that our ability to give is a gift from God. A cheerful giver understands that God is the ultimate source of all blessings, and giving is an act of worship and gratitude. When you give with a glad heart in response to the goodness of God, it's a sign of spiritual maturity. Giving should be a joy, not a burden.
God's Abundant Grace (II Corinthians 9:8-9)
Paul assures the Corinthians, and all believers, that "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" (II Corinthians 9:8). God's grace is superabundant, encompassing everything we need to excel in every good work He has assigned us. This isn't a promise of a life free from hardship, but rather an assurance that God will provide the resources and strength we need to fulfill His purposes. This abundant grace includes all that He can do for you that you are unable to do for yourself. He can guide you when you’re lost and provide for you when you’re in need. He can heal a relationship that’s broken and grant peace where there’s conflict. As Psalm 112:9 says, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." When God gives freely to those in need, His righteous character is magnified.
Thanksgiving and Glory to God (II Corinthians 9:10-15)
Ultimately, Christian giving is about more than just meeting physical needs. It's about causing thankfulness to God to overflow. Paul reminds them that God is the one "who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness" (II Corinthians 9:10). God is both the source of what is planted and the source of what is harvested. Generosity builds connections between believers, fostering love and prayer. The generosity of the Corinthian Christians will encourage the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem to glorify God and to pray for their spiritual siblings. This ministry to the poor saints in Jerusalem was proof of God’s goodness and provision.
Paul concludes this section with heartfelt gratitude: "Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!" (II Corinthians 9:15). The surpassing grace of God is so overwhelming that it defies description. It is beyond our ability to fully comprehend. That’s the kind of grace you need. That’s the kind of grace you want operating in your life. Don’t cut yourself off from it.
II Corinthians 9 calls us to embrace a spirit of generosity, recognizing that our giving is an act of worship, an expression of gratitude, and a powerful way to participate in God's work in the world. When we give willingly and cheerfully, God's grace abounds, needs are met, and His name is glorified.