2 Corinthians 9

Verses 1-5: Preparation for the Collection
a. Paul acknowledges their readiness to give (v1)
b. He boasts about their eagerness to the Macedonians (v2)
c. Paul's desire to send brethren ahead to ensure the gift is ready (v3-4)
d. The collection should be a generous gift, not an exaction (v5)

Verses 6-11: The Principles of Giving
a. The analogy of sowing and reaping: giving sparingly versus generously (v6)
b. Giving should be done willingly, not under compulsion (v7)
c. God provides all sufficiency for believers to abound in good works (v8)
d. God is the one who supplies seeds and increases the fruits of righteousness (v9-10)
e. Generosity results in thanksgiving to God (v11)

Verses 12-15: The Impact and Outcome of their Generosity
a. The service not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows in thanksgiving to God (v12)
b. Through this service, others will glorify God based on the Corinthians' confession and generosity (v13)
c. The recipients will pray for and long for the givers because of the surpassing grace of God upon them (v14)
d. Paul's doxology: Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (v15)

Collection for the Jerusalem Church: Paul, throughout his letters, mentions a collection he was organizing for the saints in Jerusalem. This was an effort to provide financial relief to the Christian community in Jerusalem, which was experiencing hardship.

Unity of Jewish and Gentile Christians: Beyond mere financial aid, this collection held symbolic importance. It was a way for Gentile Christians to demonstrate their solidarity and unity with their Jewish counterparts. This collection was a tangible manifestation of the unity of the body of Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Corinth's Initial Enthusiasm: The Corinthians initially responded with enthusiasm to the idea of this collection when Paul first introduced it. This response had even motivated other churches, like those in Macedonia, to contribute despite their own hardships.

Paul's Tactful Approach: In chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians, Paul adopts a tactful approach. He doesn't command the Corinthians to give but rather encourages them, reminding them of their initial eagerness, the generosity of other churches, and the blessings associated with cheerful giving.

The Macedonian Example: Before this chapter, Paul cites the Macedonians as an example of sacrificial giving. Despite their affliction and deep poverty, their abundant joy led them to be extremely generous.

Boasting and Accountability: Paul had boasted to the Macedonians about the Corinthians' readiness to contribute, which added a layer of accountability. He sends Titus and other brethren ahead to ensure that the collection is prepared and that his boasting about them would not be in vain.

Agricultural Society: The metaphors of sowing and reaping were very relevant to the largely agrarian society of the time. It was a clear way to communicate the principle of giving and receiving.

Christ as the Ultimate Example: Christ's sacrifice is the backdrop to Paul's appeals throughout his letters, including this chapter. The selfless act of Christ becoming "poor" for humanity's sake sets the ultimate example of giving.

Verse 5 - KJV Word: "bounty" | Greek Word: "εὐλογία" (eulogia). While "bounty" often suggests a large quantity, "eulogia" also carries the sense of "blessing." Paul is referring not just to a generous gift, but one that carries a blessing or is given as a blessing.

Verse 6 - KJV Word: "soweth" | Greek Word: "σπείρω" (speirō). This agricultural term paints a picture of planting seeds. Paul uses it metaphorically to show that what is generously given (sown) will result in a more abundant harvest (reward or return).

Verse 7 - KJV Word: "purposeth" | Greek Word: "προαιρέομαι" (proaireomai). This is more than just deciding; it's a predetermined or premeditated decision. It underscores the idea of giving intentionally and willingly, not reluctantly or under compulsion.

Verse 8 - KJV Word: "sufficiency" | Greek Word: "αὐτάρκεια" (autarkeia). The term suggests self-sufficiency or contentment. In this context, God's grace provides believers with all they need to excel in good works.

Verse 9 - KJV Word: "dispersed" | Greek Word: "ἐσκόρπισεν" (eskorpisen). This word evokes the imagery of scattering or distributing widely. It aligns with the Psalm being quoted, which speaks of the righteous person who generously distributes to the poor.

Verse 10 - KJV Word: "minister" | Greek Word: "χορηγέω" (chorēgeō). Beyond just "supplying," this word carries a sense of sponsoring or underwriting a public event in ancient times. It paints a picture of God generously providing all that's needed for the believer.

Verse 15 - KJV Word: "unspeakable" | Greek Word: "ἀνεκδιηγήτῳ" (anekdiēgētō). This term means "indescribable" or "inexpressible." It emphasizes the magnitude and wonder of God's gift in Christ, which is beyond human words.

Fundraising for the Jerusalem Christians (2 Cor 9:1-15)
A(9:1-5) 9:1 Aid for the believers (9:1) (**"διακονίας" - ministry**)

B(9:6) 9:6 The principle of sowing and reaping: abundant giving leads to abundant return (9:6) (**"σπείρων" - sowing**)

C(9:7) 9:7 Generosity without reluctance or pressure (9:7)

D(9:8) 9:8 The ample provisions of God's grace for you (9:8)

C'(9:9) 9:9 Distributing generously, especially to the needy (9:9)

B'(9:10) 9:10 The God who provides and multiplies will increase your righteous yield (9:10) (**"σπείροντι" - one sowing**)

A'(9:11-15) 9:12 The impact of this ministry is more than just meeting needs; it leads to glorifying God (9:12) (**"διακονία" - service**)

A: Ministry to believers. B: The agricultural metaphor of sowing and reaping. C: The attitude of the giver. D: God's abundant provision and grace.