For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise. For I knowThe Apostle Paul begins with a personal affirmation, "For I know," indicating his intimate awareness and confidence in the Corinthians' intentions. The Greek word used here is "oida," which implies not just knowledge but a deep, assured understanding. This reflects Paul's close relationship with the Corinthian church and his trust in their commitment to the cause of Christ. your eagerness to help
The phrase "your eagerness to help" highlights the Corinthians' readiness and willingness to contribute. The Greek word "prothumia" is used here, which conveys a sense of readiness and zeal. This eagerness is not just a passive willingness but an active, enthusiastic desire to support the ministry and the needs of others, reflecting the Christian virtue of generosity. and I have been boasting about it
Paul's "boasting" is not in a prideful sense but as a means of encouragement and motivation. The Greek word "kauchaomai" suggests a form of rejoicing or glorying in something. Paul uses this to inspire others by highlighting the positive example set by the Corinthians, showing how their actions can serve as a model for other believers. to the Macedonians
The mention of "the Macedonians" provides a geographical and cultural context. The churches in Macedonia, including Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea, were known for their generosity despite their own poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-2). By comparing the Corinthians to the Macedonians, Paul is fostering a spirit of mutual encouragement and healthy competition in generosity among the early Christian communities. telling them that since last year
The reference to "since last year" indicates that the Corinthians' commitment was not a fleeting emotion but a sustained effort. This temporal marker underscores the consistency and reliability of their dedication, which is crucial in the Christian walk. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in good works. you in Achaia
"Achaia" refers to the Roman province in southern Greece, of which Corinth was a major city. This locational reference not only identifies the recipients of Paul's letter but also situates them within the broader context of the early church's mission. It highlights the interconnectedness of the Christian communities across different regions. were ready to give
The phrase "were ready to give" emphasizes the preparedness and willingness of the Corinthians to contribute. The Greek word "etoimos" suggests a state of readiness and preparedness. This readiness is a testament to their spiritual maturity and understanding of stewardship, reflecting the biblical principle that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). and your zeal
"Your zeal" refers to the fervent enthusiasm and passion of the Corinthians. The Greek word "zelos" conveys a sense of ardor and fervor. This zeal is not just emotional but is rooted in a deep commitment to the work of the Lord, serving as a catalyst for others to follow suit. has stirred most of them to do likewise
The phrase "has stirred most of them to do likewise" illustrates the powerful influence of the Corinthians' example. The Greek word "erethizo" means to provoke or incite. This demonstrates the ripple effect of their generosity, inspiring others to act similarly. It underscores the biblical truth that our actions can inspire and motivate others in their faith journey. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul- The apostle who wrote the letter to the Corinthians, encouraging them in their generosity. 2. Corinthians- The recipients of the letter, specifically the church in Corinth, located in the region of Achaia. 3. Macedonians- Believers in the region of Macedonia, whom Paul uses as an example of generosity and who are inspired by the Corinthians' zeal. 4. Achaia- A region in Greece where Corinth is located, known for its early readiness to contribute to the needs of the saints. 5. Collection for the Saints- The event of gathering financial support for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Teaching Points Eagerness to HelpThe Corinthians' eagerness to help is a model for Christian generosity. We should cultivate a heart that is ready and willing to support others in need. Influence of ZealOur enthusiasm for good works can inspire others. Just as the Corinthians' zeal stirred the Macedonians, our actions can motivate those around us to act in love and generosity. Accountability and EncouragementPaul uses the Corinthians' example to encourage the Macedonians, showing the importance of accountability and encouragement within the body of Christ. Preparedness in GivingThe Corinthians were ready to give since the previous year, teaching us the importance of planning and preparing to be generous, rather than giving impulsively. Unity in the Body of ChristThe cooperation between the Corinthians and Macedonians for the Jerusalem church illustrates the unity and mutual support that should characterize the global church. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the eagerness of the Corinthians to help reflect the heart of Christian generosity, and how can we apply this in our own lives? 2. In what ways can our zeal for good works inspire others in our community or church? 3. How does Paul’s use of the Corinthians' example to encourage the Macedonians demonstrate the role of accountability in the Christian life? 4. What steps can we take to ensure we are prepared and ready to give generously when opportunities arise? 5. How does the cooperation between different churches in the New Testament challenge us to think about unity and support within the global church today? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Corinthians 16:1-4Paul previously instructed the Corinthians on how to prepare their collection, showing continuity in his encouragement for generosity. Romans 15:26Paul mentions the contribution from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem, highlighting the unity and support among early Christians. Acts 20:35The principle of giving and helping others is emphasized, aligning with the spirit of generosity Paul commends in the Corinthians. People Corinthians, Macedonians, PaulPlaces Achaia, Corinth, MacedoniaTopics Account, Achaia, Acha'ia, Action, Ago, Ardour, Behalf, Boast, Boasting, Brethren, Clear, Earnest, Enthusiasm, Example, Forwardness, Glory, Greater, Greece, Habitually, Incited, Macedonia, Macedo'nia, Macedonians, Mass, Mind, Moved, Namely, Past, Pointing, Prepared, Pride, Provoked, Readiness, Ready, Reported, Respects, Saying, Spurred, Stimulated, Stir, Stirred, Telling, Willingness, ZealDictionary of Bible Themes 2 Corinthians 9:2 5765 attitudes, to people
5847 enthusiasm
8329 readiness
8449 imitating 2 Corinthians 9:1-2 7155 saints 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 9:2 NIV2 Corinthians 9:2 NLT2 Corinthians 9:2 ESV2 Corinthians 9:2 NASB2 Corinthians 9:2 KJV
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