2Cor. 9:1 ¶ For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2Cor. 9:2 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.
This chapter starts with an expression of complete confidence that the church at Corinth can be depended upon to have a generous gift ready to be delivered to the church in Jerusalem. In fact, he is so confident that he had boasted to the Macedonians about their eagerness to generously support the Jerusalem church, and it had served to motivate them to do the same. Research indicates that Corinth was the major city in the region of Achaia.
Principle: Our actions impact others for the good…or for bad.
2Cor. 9:3 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:
2Cor. 9:4 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.
After carefully wording his letter to assure the Corinthians of his confidence in them, Paul goes on to say that he is just encouraging them to follow through on their good intentions so that their testimony will continue to confirm their desire to serve God by providing for the needs of others in the body of Christ. He was well aware of the human tendency to start well and finish poorly. The purpose for sending Titus and his companions was to provide extra encouragement in turning their intentions into action. Paul was also using positive peer pressure (the fact that he would be accompanied with some from Macedonia) as a motivation for them to act promptly. The Macedonians had evidently already completed their collection. He was careful to note that if their testimony was other than he had boasted, it would shame not only him, but them.
2Cor. 9:5 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.
“covetousness” = extortion or undue pressure
Paul emphasizes that he had encouraged Titus and his companions to go to Corinth ahead of him to allow time to ensure that their offerings could be collected without the undue pressure of Paul’s presence. Paul obviously wants them to give generously according to their ability, but he is keenly aware that God is only pleased when we give cheerfully from a willing heart (as stated in verse 7 below).
Wiersbe: “There is a fine line between fleshly imitation and spiritual emulation, and we must be careful in this regard. But a zealous Christian can be the means of stirring up a church and motivating people to pray, work, witness, and give.”
2Cor. 9:6 ¶ But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
In that regard, Paul reminds the Corinthians of the law of sowing and reaping and that their giving affects them personally. A bountiful harvest is only possible when much seed has been sown. This is an established principle not only from nature, but from scripture; and it was affirmed by the teaching of Jesus.
Proverbs 11:25 “The person who blesses others will prosper; he who satisfies others will be satisfied himself.” (Complete Jewish Bible)
Proverbs 19:17 “He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” (NIV)
Luke 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
I couldn’t help but be reminded of an oft heard saying, “You can’t outgive God.”
Courson: “Whether I am aware of it or not, the law of sowing and reaping is a certain as the law of gravity. And so insistent is the Lord upon this principle that it is the only one about which God says, ‘Test Me.’”
Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”
2Cor. 9:7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Paul has made strong appeals to the flesh by invoking their pride and appealing to their desire for blessing. I think he now seeks to temper that appeal by reminding them that God is only honored when one gives cheerfully from a willing heart. God established this principle very early with the people of Israel.
Exodus 25:2 “Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.”
God doesn’t need us to meet the needs of His children; He often gives us the privilege of having a part in His provision if we are willing. It is an opportunity to accumulate treasures in heaven.
Matthew 6:19–21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
One of my granddaughters recently gave testimony to such a heart. My daughter was visiting and telling us of an upcoming mission trip to Haiti in light of the recent earthquake. My granddaughter was very aware of the situation and the needs of the children there. As her aunt was about to go out the door, she came running in with a fistful of cash (from her weekly allowance) and insisted that her aunt take it to use for the children in Haiti. She was not thinking of getting anything in return; she just had a heart to give.
The Believer’s Bible Commentary had a beautiful quote attributed to Jowett that I would like to share with you.
“Giving is the language of loving; indeed, it has no other speech. ‘God so loved that He gave!’ Love finds its very life in giving itself away. Its only pride in possession is the joy of surrender. If love has all things, it yet possesses nothing.”
Guzik: “If we say we love the Lord more than surfing, but spend all our money on surfboards and do not give as we should to the Lord’s work, then the way we spend our money shows the purposes of our own heart more accurately than our words do.”
2Cor. 9:8 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:
God is able! He has the power and capability to act according to His purposes. Grace is a result of divine influence upon our heart and always results in graciousness towards others. In other words, if you will yield to Him, He will provide sufficiently for your needs and give you the wherewithal to abound in all kinds of good deeds.
Does this mean that you will be able to respond to every need that is presented to you? No. You will, however, be able to respond to every need that is in accordance with His will for you. I have learned this truth through experience. I believe that part of determining God’s will in knowing when and how I am to serve others is through His provision of the wherewithal to serve. I also believe that He sometimes burdens our hearts with the desire to serve and wants us to step out in faith that He will provide as needed. This is an area in which I need more growth.
If I miss out on opportunities to serve Him according to His will for me, it is never due to His inability or unwillingness to provide. The key to greater service is greater faith.
When I checked the Greek for sufficiency, I was surprised to see that it referenced being contented. I think this is especially applicable to our culture today. It’s when we are content with God’s provision for us, whatever that provision may be, that God’s grace is given free rein to work through us in blessing others.
2Cor. 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
This appears to be a quote from the Psalms in reference to a man that fears the LORD.
Psalms 112:9 “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.”
Paul is basically telling the Corinthians that their gift to the poor in Jerusalem gives evidence of their reverence for the LORD. He is also reminding them that their generosity will not go unrewarded; it will accrue to their spiritual treasure being stored in heaven as referenced in Matthew 6 at verse 7 above.
2Cor. 9:10 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;)
2Cor. 9:11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
“he that ministereth” = God
Paul is saying that just as surely as God has given us seed to sow and provide for our food, He will just as surely reward us for works of righteousness done in His name. The more seed sown, the greater the harvest; the principle applies to spiritual seeds as well. You can’t outgive God. The more you give, the more He will provide for you to give. When we honor God through our gifts, we are providing opportunities for others to praise God for supplying their need through us.
2Cor. 9:12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
2Cor. 9:13 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;
2Cor. 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
When those who have more give to supply the needs of those who need more in the body of Christ, it is a source of great thanksgiving to God. He emphasizes again that good deeds done in honor of the LORD are evidence of genuine faith. Not only will the recipients of your gifts be thankful to God, you will benefit from gaining their love and appreciation that find expression in their prayers for you as they thank God for your generosity.
2Cor. 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
“unspeakable” = indescribable
I think in context this gift is the grace of God that is ours through His gift to us of His Son, Jesus Christ. It is unspeakable and indescribable because I don’t believe there is one human who truly understands such love and grace. We might have a glimmer, but that’s all. Our thanks for this gift should be ever in our hearts and on our lips!
As I was reading through these last verses one more time, it stood out that Paul is speaking to those who “have more” and asking them to provide for those who “need more.” The body of Christ is composed of people from all walks of life. The fact that some saints are in need is a result of the effects of living in a fallen world. Being in need is not evidence of being under God’s judgment any more than possessing much is evidence of a right relationship with God. The book of Job teaches that truth very clearly. Only God knows His purposes for the circumstances of each of His saints, and I am convinced that each one is positioned to bring Him honor and glory if they will but trust Him. He has promised that He will provide for those that trust Him.
Psalms 4:8 “I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.”
Psalms 18:2 “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
Isaiah 26:3 “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Philippians 4:19 “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
In light of the unspeakable gift of God, I couldn’t help but think of one other verse from Paul’s letter to the Romans.
Romans 8:31–32 “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?”
Courson explains that some scholars believe that, due to their aggressive tone, chapters 10-13 are actually Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians referenced in the first chapters of this letter and that chapters 1-9 are actually Paul’s 3rd letter in response.
2Cor. 10:1 ¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:
It seems as though Paul wants to ensure that the Corinthians hear his heart. He wants them to hear his words seasoned with the meekness (humility, gentleness) and gentleness (suitableness, equity, mildness) of Christ. After reading several translations, it seems that Paul is known for his humility and gentleness when ministering in person and for using more forthright and intimidating language in his letters.
Courson: “Meekness does not mean weakness, but rather strength under control. Used to describe a powerful stallion so well trained that it yields to the slightest nudge of the rider; the Greek concept of meekness was exhibited nowhere more perfectly than in Jesus.”
2Cor. 10:2 But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.
This verse indicates that Paul is upset by some in Corinth who seem to be telling others that the testimony of his life and his ministry is one of arrogance and pride. They are accusing him of being guided by the world’s standards rather than God’s standards. He is declaring his intent to be just as forthright in person as in his letters in putting a stop to such a false report.
2Cor. 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:
2Cor. 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
Paul is basically saying that though he (and his team) live in the world and are subject to limitations and weaknesses of the flesh, he knows their conflict is spiritual and requires spiritual weapons that are without limitation in power and authority. He is confident in having God’s provision and empowerment through the Holy Spirit as he faces his enemies as God’s representative.
In context, these strongholds represent attacks from enemies that are fortified by the forces of the enemy. He specifically identifies these evil forces in his letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 6:11–12 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
These strongholds are not just attacks against Paul and his ministry team; they are attacks against the God they are serving. In context, these strongholds are presented as verbal attacks using the wisdom of this world.
The enemy is using these same tactics and strongholds today in the form of the new atheists and those within the professing church who obviously do not hold to the truth of God’s word. They utilize the wisdom of man to refute and/or corrupt the right representation of the truth. They are outspoken in their rejection of God often using false science to support their arguments, or they argue using human logic to justify their interpretation of God’s word according to their own agendas.
Calvin put it this way: “For nothing is more opposed to the spiritual wisdom of God than the wisdom of the flesh….”
David Guzik expressed it better than I can: “Carnal, worldly ways of thinking and doing are arguments against the mind and methods of God. They want to debate God, saying they have a better way. They exalt themselves against the knowledge of God. They think of themselves as smarter, more sophisticated, more effective, more powerful than God's ways. Carnal, worldly minds think they know more than God does!”
Wiersbe: “Many believers today do not realize that the church is involved in warfare, and those who do understand the seriousness of the Christian battle do not always know how to fight the battle. They try to use human methods to defeat demonic forces, and these methods are doomed to fail.”
2Cor. 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Paul is declaring that it is through spiritual resources, the truth of God’s word, that they destroy human reasoning and the attempts of others to attack that truth. God is the source of truth, and Paul knows that truth always wins out over the thoughts and logic of men.
This verse was quite interesting to me in that I have mostly heard it applied out of context. I have generally heard it used with regard to controlling one’s own wicked thoughts and temptations. Though not strictly in context, the principle of using God’s word and spiritual resources to control one’s own thoughts is just as valid as applying it to confronting the arguments and thoughts of others.
2Cor. 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Paul seems to be expressing his priorities. His primary concern is that the body of believers remains obedient to Christ. After ensuring that to be the case, he will then deal with those who are rebellious and mounting an attack against that faith.
The Greek for revenge indicates the intent to vindicate and punish. Webster defines vindication as defending with success. Punishment includes the idea of exacting a penalty with the intent to cause suffering and/or chastening. This allows for a bit of leeway regarding Paul’s intentions in light of this statement.
2Cor. 10:7 ¶ Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ’s, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ’s, even so are we Christ’s.
The introductory question in this verse seems to be referencing back to verse 1 and the criticism that has been leveled against Paul by his enemies. Evidently, his outward appearance was not such that would be inspiring. Paul is basically saying that he (and those ministering with him) are just as much a part of the body of Christ as anyone else who has placed faith in Jesus.
David Guzik provided this description of Paul from some of his research: “This is a description of Paul from an early Christian writing, perhaps from about the year 200: ‘a man of small stature, with a bald head and crooked legs, in a good state of body, with eyebrows meeting and nose somewhat hooked.’ (Cited in Kruse) Hardly magnetic good looks!”
Frankly, not many of us would inspire others based on our outward appearance. As the LORD so pointedly declared to Samuel, man tends to place too much emphasis on one’s outward appearance; but He is also very clear that it is what is inside that counts—the character of the man. Appearances can be deceiving.
1 Samuel 16:7 “But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”
Paul is basically saying—Look at yourself; does your outward appearance inspire confidence of your position in Christ. If you know that you are in Christ, you can be just as sure that we are in Christ.
I can’t help but think how we seem to judge those claiming to represent the LORD today. How often do we make judgments based on appearance rather than on the how they rightly divide the word of God? Today, that appearance includes more than just one’s physical persona; it includes the aura and atmosphere in which one presents himself. How often do we tend to think that wealth and fame equate to God’s stamp of approval? Are we drawn towards those who share what we want to hear and example what we want to emulate? Those who will affirm us in our sins and weaknesses rather than identify sin and challenge us to repent and be obedient to Christ?
2Cor. 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:
2Cor. 10:9 That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.
I really liked the wording of the NLT for these verses: “I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But this authority is to build you up, not to tear you down. And I will not be put to shame by having my work among you destroyed. Now this is not just an attempt to frighten you by my letters.”
Paul is basically saying that he is so clear in declaring that his authority in ministry came directly from the LORD so as to establish a strong foundation for the truth he is declaring. He wants to encourage them in obeying the truth declared in scripture. He is motivated by a desire to protect them from the consequences of sin and disobedience—not a desire to browbeat them. This ties in with his intent as declared in the opening verses of this letter.
2 Corinthians 1:24 “But that does not mean we want to tell you exactly how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy as you stand firm in your faith.” (I liked the wording of the NLT.)
Paul’s intent is to edify the body of believers, to encourage them and strengthen them in their faith.
2Cor. 10:10 For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible.
2Cor. 10:11 Let such an one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also in deed when we are present.
The charge against Paul by some is that though he speaks boldly and powerfully in his letters, he makes a far weaker, impotent presentation in person. It’s like saying his growl is a lot worse than his bite. Paul is going on notice to those making these accusations that when he comes, he will be just as bold and powerful in person regarding the truth of his message.
2Cor. 10:12 ¶ For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
Again, I think the NLT expresses this verse more clearly: “Oh, don’t worry; I wouldn’t dare say that I am as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, and measuring themselves by themselves. What foolishness!”
And therein lies a major point of consideration regarding the teachers of today. So many in the church are content to measure themselves against one another without consideration of how they measure up to the truth of God’s word and the standard exampled by Christ as recorded in that word. Paul declares this to be foolishness. His only concern is how he measures up before the LORD that commissioned him as His apostle. He is not concerned about being politically correct and/or appealing to the masses based on what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear.
Wiersbe: “The legalist can measure what he does and what he does not do, but the Lord is the only One who can see spiritual growth in a believer’s heart. Sometimes those who are growing the most feel like they are less than the least.”
2Cor. 10:13 But we will not boast of things without our measure, but according to the measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.
Paul is declaring that he is going to confine his conversation to things pertaining to his own ministry within the parameters of God’s commission. It’s not his intent to compare his ministry with that of others. His focus at this point concerns his ministry to the church at Corinth.
2Cor. 10:14 For we stretch not ourselves beyond our measure, as though we reached not unto you: for we are come as far as to you also in preaching the gospel of Christ:
Paul is reminding the Corinthians that his team was the first to present the gospel of Christ to them. That fact established the church at Corinth within his field of spiritual authority. They were not interfering in the work of another man’s ministry.
From my perspective, it seems as though the early church leaders recognized Paul as the Apostle especially commissioned by the LORD to minister to the Gentiles. It would seem that he would have been within his parameters to give input regarding any and/or all of the Gentile churches. It seems, however, that he was content to limit his focus to those groups of believers in whom he had personal investment or who sought his advice. He was not out for personal glory; he was focused on serving his Savior.
2Cor. 10:15 Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men’s labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly,
2Cor. 10:16 To preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand.
These verses continue to affirm the comments to the previous verse. Paul knows that he is within his apostolic authority regarding his ministry in Corinth. He is looking forward to their spiritual growth and the ability to realize even more fruit from his ministry among the Corinthians. He is expecting the outreach of the church at Corinth to grow and his ministry oversight to increase in accordance with that growth.
The first part of verse 15 is a direct rebuke of those that were attempting to destroy Paul’s reputation in Corinth with the hope of reaping where they did not sow.
2Cor. 10:17 But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
I am currently doing a study of Jeremiah and immediately recognized this reference from that study.
Jeremiah 9:24 “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.”
The most treasured possession available to man today is a relationship with and knowledge of the LORD that is evidenced in his life!
The LORD is very clear in declaring that He exercises and delights in lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness. Implied is that He expects the same from His people. Lovingkindness speaks to showing mercy to others and doing good deeds in honor of God. Judgment speaks to governing according to God’s law. Righteousness makes reference to possessing morals and virtues as defined by God’s revelation to man in scripture.
This truth is summarized well by the prophet Micah.
Micah 6:8 “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
The Hebrew for understanding makes reference to one who is intelligent, prudent, and skillful and lives accordingly. The Hebrew for knoweth makes reference to one who has made careful observation and been diligent in his search for understanding.
Paul’s ministry was characterized by lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness and gave proof that he practiced what he preached.
2Cor. 10:18 For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth.
Paul again emphasizes that it is only God’s commendation of one’s service to Him that matters. The accolades of men are so often based on appearance, popularity, wealth or fame etc. Frankly, the true assessment of our ministry won’t be known until we stand before the LORD in determination of our heavenly rewards.
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
1 Corinthians 3:13–15 “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
I also couldn’t help but think of these words of the LORD Jesus in connection with this verse. I think they are self-explanatory.
Mark 9:34–35 “But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest. And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.”