And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. And their prayers for youThis phrase highlights the reciprocal relationship between the Corinthians and those who benefit from their generosity. In the early church, prayer was a vital means of expressing support and unity among believers. The prayers of the recipients reflect gratitude and a deep spiritual connection, emphasizing the communal nature of the early Christian communities. This aligns with other New Testament teachings on intercessory prayer, such as in James 5:16, where believers are encouraged to pray for one another. will express their affection for you
The affection mentioned here is a result of the Corinthians' generosity and the spiritual bond it creates. In the Greco-Roman world, acts of kindness and generosity were highly valued and often led to strong social bonds. This affection is not merely emotional but is rooted in the shared faith and mission of the church. It reflects the love that Jesus commanded His followers to have for one another, as seen in John 13:34-35, where love is the defining mark of discipleship. because of the surpassing grace
The term "surpassing grace" indicates an extraordinary measure of God's favor and blessing. This grace is not only the source of the Corinthians' ability to give but also the reason for the recipients' gratitude and prayers. It underscores the theological concept that all good things come from God, as seen in James 1:17. This grace is transformative, enabling believers to act beyond their natural capacities, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. God has given you
This phrase attributes the source of all blessings and abilities to God. It reinforces the biblical principle that God is the ultimate provider, as seen throughout Scripture, such as in Philippians 4:19, where God is described as supplying all needs. This acknowledgment of divine provision is central to the Christian understanding of stewardship, where believers are seen as caretakers of God's gifts, called to use them for His glory and the benefit of others. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul- The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, addressing issues of generosity and the grace of giving. 2. Corinthians- The recipients of the letter, a Christian community in Corinth known for their spiritual gifts but also for their struggles with unity and moral issues. 3. Macedonian Churches- Mentioned earlier in the chapter as examples of generosity despite their poverty, inspiring the Corinthians to give. 4. God- The source of the surpassing grace mentioned in the verse, enabling believers to give generously. 5. Jerusalem Church- The intended recipients of the collection, experiencing poverty and in need of support from other Christian communities. Teaching Points The Power of Intercessory PrayerThe prayers of others are powerful and can strengthen and encourage us. We should both seek and offer intercessory prayer within our communities. The Impact of God's GraceGod's grace is transformative, enabling us to act beyond our natural capacities. Recognize and rely on this grace in all aspects of life, especially in giving. Generosity as a WitnessOur generosity can be a testimony to others of God's work in our lives. Let your giving reflect the grace you have received. Building Community through Prayer and GivingPrayer and generosity are foundational to building strong Christian communities. Engage actively in both to foster unity and support. Gratitude for God's ProvisionAcknowledge and give thanks for the ways God provides for us, enabling us to be a blessing to others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of "surpassing grace" in 2 Corinthians 9:14 encourage you to view your own resources and abilities? 2. In what ways can you incorporate intercessory prayer into your daily routine, and how might this impact your community? 3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in a surprising way. How did this influence your perspective on giving? 4. How can you use your generosity as a witness to others about the transformative power of God's grace? 5. What steps can you take to ensure that your giving is motivated by gratitude and not obligation? How does this align with the teachings in 2 Corinthians 9? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 4:19- This verse speaks of God's provision, similar to how God's grace enables the Corinthians to give generously. Acts 20:35- Highlights the blessing of giving, which aligns with the theme of generosity in 2 Corinthians 9. Romans 15:30- Paul requests prayers from the Roman believers, showing the importance of intercessory prayer, as seen in the Corinthians' prayers for Paul. Ephesians 3:20- Speaks of God's ability to do immeasurably more, reflecting the "surpassing grace" given to the Corinthians. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3- Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians' faith and love, similar to the gratitude expressed for the Corinthians' generosity. | Unity in Nature and Grace; Manifold Results of Beneficence; Thanksgiving | C. Lipscomb | 2 Corinthians 9:10-15 | | Christ, God's Best Gift to Man | E. Payson, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | God's Unspeakable Gift | J. Beaumont, M. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | God's Unspeakable Gift | J. Cawood, M. A. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | God's Unspeakable Gift | T. Raffles, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | God's Unspeakable Gift | W. L. Watkinson. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | Gratitude to God for the Mediation of Christ | W. Auld. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | Praise for the Gift of Gifts | C. H. Spurgeon. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | Professed Subjection unto the Gospel of Christ | R. C. Dillon, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Christian's Surrender to Christ | T. D. Witherspoon, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Gift of Gifts | T. R. Stevenson. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Gift Unspeakable | C. H. Spurgeon. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Pricelessness of Christ | W. A. Gray. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Unspeakable Gift | R. Watson. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Unspeakable Gift | A. Fletcher, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | The Unspeakable Gift | J. Freeman Clarke, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | Unspeakable Gifts of God | C. Vince. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 | | What is Essential to Church Membership | W. M. Taylor, D. D. | 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 |
People Corinthians, Macedonians, PaulPlaces Achaia, Corinth, MacedoniaTopics Account, Ardent, Behalf, Desire, Exceeding, Full, God's, Grace, Hearts, Longing, Love, Pour, Prayer, Reason, Resting, Supplication, Supplications, Surpassing, Themselves, Towards, YearnDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 5503 rich, the 2 Corinthians 9:8-14 4035 abundance 2 Corinthians 9:12-15 7912 collections 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 6671 grace, and Christian life 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 5325 gifts Library December 25 Evening
Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.--II COR 9:15. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.--For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily PathGod's Unspeakable Gift
'Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.'--2 COR. ix. 15. It seems strange that there should ever have been any doubt as to what gift it is which evokes this burst of thanksgiving. There is but one of God's many mercies which is worthy of being thus singled out. There is one blazing central sun which shines out amidst all the galaxy of lights which fill the heavens. There is one gift of God which, beyond all others, merits the designation of 'unspeakable.' The gift of Christ draws all other …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Praise for the Gift of Gifts
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."--2 Corinthians 9:15. IN the chapter from which my text is taken, Paul is stirring up the Christians at Corinth to be ready with liberal gifts for the poor saints at Jerusalem. He finishes by reminding them of a greater gift that any they could bring, and by this one short word of praise, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift," he sets all their hearts a-singing. Let men give as liberally as they may, you can always proclaim the value of their …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 3D Day. All-Sufficient Grace.
"He is Faithful that Promised." "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."--2 COR. ix. 8. All-Sufficient Grace. "All-sufficiency in all things!" Believer! surely thou art "thoroughly furnished!" Grace is no scanty thing, doled out in pittances. It is a glorious treasury, which the key of prayer can always unlock, but never empty. A fountain, "full, flowing, ever flowing, overflowing." Mark these three …
John Ross Macduff—The Faithful Promiser Letter Lviii to the Duchess of Lorraine
To the Duchess of Lorraine He thanks her for kindnesses shown, and deters her from an unjust war. I thank God for your pious goodwill which I know that you have towards Him and His servants. For whenever the tiniest little spark of heavenly love is kindled in a worldly heart ennobled with earthly honours, that, without doubt, is God's gift, not man's virtue. For our part we are very glad to avail ourselves of the kind offers made to us of your bounty in your letter. But having heard of the sudden …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux 1872-1874. Letter from Rev. A. M. W. Christopher --Letter from Gulf of St. Lawrence-Mrs. Birt's Sheltering Home, Liverpool --Letter to Mrs. Merry --Letter from Canada --Miss
Letter from Rev. A. M. W. Christopher--Letter from Gulf of St. Lawrence-Mrs. Birt's Sheltering Home, Liverpool--Letter to Mrs. Merry--Letter from Canada--Miss Macpherson's return to England-- Letter of cheer for Dr. Barnardo--Removal to Hackney Home. Though human praise is not sought, we cannot but feel peculiar pleasure in giving the following testimony from a servant of the Lord so much revered as the Rev, A. M. W. Christopher of Oxford:-- "Of all the works of Christian benevolence which the great …
Clara M. S. Lowe—God's Answers How to be Admonished are those who Give Away what is their Own, and those who Seize what Belongs to Others.
(Admonition 21.) Differently to be admonished are those who already give compassionately of their own, and those who still would fain seize even what belongs to others. For those who already give compassionately of their own are to be admonished not to lift themselves up in swelling thought above those to whom they impart earthly things; not to esteem themselves better than others because they see others to be supported by them. For the Lord of an earthly household, in distributing the ranks and …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So Perplexing and Anomalous...
Perhaps there is no book within the whole canon of Scripture so perplexing and anomalous, at first sight, as that entitled "Ecclesiastes." Its terrible hopelessness, its bold expression of those difficulties with which man is surrounded on every side, the apparent fruitlessness of its quest after good, the unsatisfactory character, from a Christian standpoint, of its conclusion: all these points have made it, at one and the same time, an enigma to the superficial student of the Word, and the arsenal …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Spiced Wine of My Pomegranate;
OR, THE COMMUNION OF COMMUNICATION. I would cause Thee to drink of spiced wine of the juice of my pomegranate."--Song of Solomon viii. 2.And of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."--John i. 16. THE SPICED WINE OF MY POMEGRANATE. THE immovable basis of communion having been laid of old in the eternal union which subsisted between Christ and His elect, it only needed a fitting occasion to manifest itself in active development. The Lord Jesus had for ever delighted Himself with the …
Charles Hadden Spurgeon—Till He Come Meditations of the State of a Christian Reconciled to God in Christ,
Now let us see how happy a godly man is in his state of renovation, being reconciled to God in Christ. The godly man whose corrupt nature is renewed by grace in Christ and become a new creature, is blessed in a threefold respect--First, in his life; Secondly, in his death; Thirdly, after death. I. His blessedness during his life is but in part, and that consists in seven things:-- 1. Because he is conceived of the Spirit (John iii. 5), and is born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety The Work of the Holy Spirit
The Church of Christ. "It is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is ruth."--1 John v. 6. We now proceed to discuss the work of the Holy Spirit wrought in the Church of Christ. Altho the Son of God has had a Church in the earth from the beginning, yet the Scripture distinguishes between its manifestation before and after Christ. As the acorn, planted in the ground, exists, altho it passes through the two periods of germinating and rooting, and of growing upward and forming trunk and …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit Perseverance Proved.
2. I REMARK, that God is able to preserve and keep the true saints from apostacy, in consistency with their liberty: 2 Tim. i. 12: "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." Here the apostle expresses the fullest confidence in the ability of Christ to keep him: and indeed, as has been said, it is most manifest that the apostles expected …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology Sunday after Ascension Day
Text: First Peter 4, 7-11.[1] 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore of sound mind, and be sober unto prayer: 8 above all things being fervent in your love among yourselves: for love covereth a multitude of sins: 9 using hospitality one to another without murmuring: 10 according as each hath received a gift, ministering it among yourselves, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; 11 if any man speaketh, speaking as it were oracles of God; if any man ministereth, ministering …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Links 2 Corinthians 9:14 NIV2 Corinthians 9:14 NLT2 Corinthians 9:14 ESV2 Corinthians 9:14 NASB2 Corinthians 9:14 KJV
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