2 Coríntios 9
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - When a generous believer gives by faith and trust in God, with a desire to produce the greatest possible blessing, that person will receive that kind of a harvest of blessing (cf. Pr 3:9, 10; 28:27; Mal 3:10). God gives a return on the amount one invests with Him. (MacArthur Study Bible) Brian Bell - One farmer once said, "If you're ever going to be cheap, don't be cheap with the seed." One bushel of seed invested yields thirty bushels of grain harvested in a good year. Thirty to one--not a bad return, if you are ready to believe and willing to invest. Giving is an investment in our eternal future. - The bigger the investment the greater the return! (Grace Giving to the Glory of God!) Gilbrant - Following the Greek word order, the verse reads, “He who sows sparingly, sparingly also he will reap.” This construction places emphasis on the miserly use of one’s resources and the meagerness of the consequent return. This reflects the divine principle that the more one gives, the fuller his life becomes. The immutable law of sowing and reaping dictates that we can be assured that we will reap what we sow, but we can never know exactly how much we reap until the time of the harvest.
2 Coríntios 9
MacArthur writes, It is hard to imagine a more precious promise than to be the personal object of God’s love. All the world’s acclaim, honor, and rewards given to all philanthropists put together does not come close to this privilege of being loved by God. Yet that is what He promises the cheerful giver." T. Boone Pickens was praised to high heaven for recently giving $165 million to Oklahoma State University. How much better to be loved by almighty God! Guzik on cheerful giver - True giving comes from a happy heart, and it also gives us a happy heart. The English poet Carlyle said that when he was a boy, a beggar came to the door when his parents were gone. On a youthful impulse he rushed to his room, broke his piggy bank, and gave the beggar all the money. He said that never before or since had he known such sheer happiness as came to him in that moment of giving. . (2 Corinthians 9) Colin Kruse - “It is not difficult to suggest why God delights in the cheerful giver. He himself is such a giver and desires to see this characteristic restored among those who were created in his image.” (Full text of the Tyndale NT Commentary on 2 Corinthians) John H Jowett - Cheerful giving is born of love, and therefore it is a lover loving a lover and rejoicing in the communion. 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. Believer's Study Bible - The Christian gift of giving ought to be exercised as an act of worship with preparation, purpose, and joy. Giving that is reluctant or coerced is not pleasing to God, "for God loves a cheerful [hilaros, Gk.] giver." Charles Hodge - “Many gifts are thus given sorrowfully, where the giver is induced to give by a regard to public opinion, or by stress of conscience. Related Resources: What does Jesus want us to learn from what He said about the widow’s mite? | GotQuestions.org Each one ( every man, everyone)(1538) hekastos rom hekas = separate) means each, every one, of any number separately. This frequent adjective (“each, every” or pronoun “each one, every one”) is used literally or substantively to identify entire classes of people and their deeds in the New Testament. Hebrews 3:13 tells us to “exhort one another daily” (literally “every day”). Other examples of its literal use can be found in Luke 6:44 and Revelation 22:2. As a substantive hekastos occurs over 75 times. In each case it means either “every man” or “every one.” Purposed (4255)(proaireo from pro = before + haireo = to take, choose) to bring forth or forward. To take one thing before another, to prefer, choose, or intend for oneself, to purpose, resolve. Decide ahead of time. To reach a decision beforehand, choose (for oneself), commit oneself to. Only in 2Co 9:7. Heart (2588) kardia does not refer to the physical organ but is always used figuratively in Scripture to refer to the seat and center of human life. The heart is the center of the personality, and it controls the intellect, emotions, and will. No outward obedience is of the slightest value unless the heart turns to God. The heart is the center of our personality, our "control center" (to make a play on the "air traffic control center" at the airport which carefully guards and guides what flies in and what flies out. How applicable to our "hearts" which are so prone to wander!). In short kardia refers to the the affective center of our being wherein lies the capacity of moral preference and volitional desire. The kardia generates thoughts that make the decisions which the mind works out. In other words, our logic flows out of our heart-decisions and not vice versa. Uses in Corinthians 1 Co. 2:9; 1 Co. 4:5; 1 Co. 7:37; 1 Co. 14:25; 2 Co. 1:22; 2 Co. 2:4; 2 Co. 3:2; 2 Co. 3:3; 2 Co. 3:15; 2 Co. 4:6; 2 Co. 5:12; 2 Co. 6:11; 2 Co. 7:3; 2 Co. 8:16; 2 Co. 9:7 (Not) grudgingly (3077) lupe means sadness, grief, pain, sorrow. (1) physically pain, suffering, distress (Jn 16.21); (2) mentally or spiritually sorrow, grief, sadness, anxiety (Jn 16.6); (3) adverbially evk lu,phj with a grieved spirit, reluctantly, grudgingly (2Co 9.7) Compulsion (318) anagke from ana = up, again, back, renewal, repetition, intensity, reversal + agkale = arm when bent) refers to any necessity or compulsion, outer or inner, brought on by a variety of circumstances. It can mean necessity imposed either by external conditions or by the law of duty. Anagke - 18v - Matt. 18:7; Lk. 14:18; Lk. 21:23; Lk. 23:17; Ro 13:5; 1Co. 7:26; 1Co. 7:37; 1Co. 9:16; 2Co. 6:4; 2Co. 9:7; 2Co. 12:10; 1 Thess. 3:7; Philemon 1:14; Heb. 7:12; Heb. 7:27; Heb. 9:16; Heb. 9:23; Jude 1:3 Loves (25) agapao means to love unconditionally and sacrificially as God Himself loves sinful men (John 3:16), the way He loves the Son (John 3:35, 15:9, 17:23, 24). Cheerful (2431)(hilaros from hilaos = propitious) is one who is cheerfully happy. Zodhiates points out that "Although the Eng. word “hilarious” is derived from hilarós, it does not at all convey its correct meaning. The word denotes a happy, glad or cheerful state of mind and not one overcome with laughter or mirth, or one humorously affected." (Complete Word Study New Testament) Gilbrant - In classical Greek and the papyri hilaros consistently means “glad, merry, cheerful.” It is used to describe daylight, songs, hope, a message, occasionally pagan deity, but mainly people. It is from a root word meaning “to laugh” or “to shine.” In the Septuagint hilaros has two related senses. The first sense is an attitude of benevolence. It is illustrated in the use of hilaros from the Hebrew word rātsôn (meaning “delight”) in Proverbs 19:12, where it means the “favor” of the king. This sense can also be seen in Proverbs 18:22 where it carries the idea “kindly disposed.” In the second sense a countenance of cheer is described by hilaros as in Esther 5:1, 2 and Job 33:26. The seemingly cheerful outward appearance of Esther as she entered the king’s chamber can be contrasted with the sincere outward expression of inward joy caused by God’s favor described in Job 33:26. These two senses (benevolence and cheer) are related in that a smiling face is usually indication of an attitude of benevolence. (Complete Biblical Library - Incredible Resource) Giver (1395)(dotes from didomi - to give) is the one who gives. It is one who transfers something that is to be received without expectation of compensation. Once in Pr 22:8 2Corinthians 9:7 READ: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 THE Christians in a Haitian church service were all smiles as they put their coins in the offering plate. When I remarked about this, I learned that these country people, most of whom lived in small huts, were delighted to have something to share with others. This concept of freely sharing had become part of the fabric of their lives since they became believers. One of the Haitian believers said , "We have a saying: `If I have something today, I'll share it with others. Then tomorrow, when I have nothing, they may be able it share with me."' They gave cheerfully, knowing that God would take care of their needs. The believers in Macedonia, who were poor, amazed Paul by the amount they gave for the needy saints in Jerusalem (2Corinthians 8:1-15). And they did it because they wanted to; they actually begged Paul to allow them a chance to give (v. 4). The apostle told the Corinthian Christians that if they followed the example of the Macedonians a circle of blessing would result. The givers would be blessed, the people receiving their gift would be blessed, God would be praised, and the receivers would start praying for the givers (2Corinthians 9:6-15). We too can be part of the circle of blessing. And we will be if we are cheerful givers!—H V Lugt Lord, stir up kindness, love, and generosity in my heart. May it spill over into the lives of everyone I meet. F B Meyer Our Daily Walk THE WISE USE OF MONEY "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."-- 2Co 9:7-8 WE MUST not look on money as our own, for on every coin you may discern the letters: DG., By the Grace of God. Therefore money is God's gift to us. "Both riches and honour come of Thee. David was right when he said, after his people and he had made a noble gift to God's work: "Of Thine own have we given Thee." But you say: "I earn my money by the sweat of my brow." Granted; but "thou shalt remember the Lord thy God; for it is He that giveth thee power to get wealth." It is God who enables us to keep our situations; who delivers us from paralysing disease, maintains the balance of reason, and renews our daily strength. Is it not our constant profession that we have devoted to Christ all that we are and have, and surely this consecration, if it means anything, means that concerning all that belongs to us we would say to our Lord: "What wouldst Thou have me to do?" It is our duty to provide for our own (1Ti 5:8). It is also right to hold a certain amount as capital, for the increase of business and the employment of labour. When a man uses his capital rightly, taking no more than a legitimate profit for his time, experience, and responsibility, and allowing his employees to share with him in the overplus, he is doing more real good in the world than if he gave away his property by distributing a pound each to a vast number of beggars. We are to be stewards of the Lord Jesus. This is His own comparison (Mt 25:14). In order to guard against the love of money, we should be careful to give a stated proportion to the cause of Christ. It may seem needless to insert this caution for those who should use all for Christ. But our hearts are so fickle that we sometimes imagine that we are giving away a larger share of our income than is the case, unless we are accurate in adjusting the balance between Christ and ourselves. It is not possible for one to assign for another the proper proportion, but whatever we fax, it should be rigorously deducted when we receive our income or wages. In the first place, give your own selves to Christ, and then all else will fall into line (2Cor 8:5). PRAYER- Help me, dear Lord, to walk in the footsteps of Thy holy life. Teach me how to gain by giving, and to find by losing, according to Thy word. AMEN. 2Corinthians 9:7 A pastor wanted to see if a farmer in his congregation was willing to support the Lord's work. So one day he challenged him with some direct questions. "If you had two farms," he asked, "would you be willing to give one to God?" "Why, certainly!" replied the man. "I only wish I were in a position to do so." The minister then asked, "If you had $10,000, would you give $5,000 to the Lord?" Without hesitation the man responded, "How I'd love to have that kind of money! I'd enjoy giving generously like that." Then the preacher asked: "If you had two pigs, would you give one to the church?" The farmer hesitated for a moment and then blurted out, "That' not fair. You know I've got two pigs!" 2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us not to give "grudgingly or of necessity" As the Lord has prospered us, let's return a portion to Him —wisely, purposefully, and gladly. God loves a cheerful giver! —R W De Haan THE HIGHEST KIND OF GIVING COMES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HEART. Birthday Giveaway When I reminded my husband that his 39th birthday was just around the corner, he declared that he didn’t want any presents. Yeah, right, I thought, and I continued to press him for gift ideas. That’s when he told me he wanted to give away the money we would have spent on his birthday. The Bible calls us to give willingly—not grudgingly or of necessity—to support God’s work and to help people (2 Cor. 9:7). This kind of freewill giving often results in joy for the giver. When King David donated his personal stash of gold and silver to help build the temple, many Israelite officials followed his example. After they contributed bronze, iron, gemstones, and precious metal, “the people rejoiced, for they had offered willingly” (1 Chron. 29:9). As part of the celebration, David praised God, saying, “Of Your own we have given You” (v.14). His point was that God owns everything. Remembering this allows us to give eagerly, because we are just returning our resources to their rightful owner—God Himself. Lord, You love the cheerful giver, Who with open heart and hand Blesses freely, as a river That refreshes all the land. —Murray How we give is more important than how much we give. Have A Wonderful Day Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7 Today's Scripture: Proverbs 11:24-31 After admiring a painting in a woman’s home, I was surprised by her generosity when she took it down and gave it to me. I’ve seen many similar acts of kindness. For years, my mother-in-law hung on to her archaic-looking refrigerator so she could give more money to the Lord’s work. A Christian family I know had saved money to buy a new car. But when they heard of a desperate need on a mission field, they kept their old car and gave to missions instead. I’ve also heard of a Christian businessman in Ohio who puts something in his pocket every morning to give away—a pen, a trinket, even a ten-dollar bill. As the day unfolds, he looks for someone who would be blessed by receiving a gift. “By constantly looking for an opportunity to give,” he says, “I have a wonderful day.” The old saying “Takers eat well, but givers sleep well” is only partially true. According to Proverbs 11:25, givers also eat well: “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.” Give as you would to the Master If you met His searching look; Give as you would of your substance If His hand the offering took. —Anon Many people readily give God credit, but few cheerfully give Him cash. It's For The Lord! God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Author James Duff tells of the time when English pastor and theologian Andrew Fuller (1754-1815) was collecting money for foreign missions. One of his contacts was an old friend. When presented with the need, the man said, “Well, Andrew, seeing it’s you, I’ll give you 5 pounds.” “No,” said Fuller, “I can’t take your money for my cause, seeing it is for me,” and he handed the money back. The man saw his point. “Andrew, you are right. Here’s 10 pounds, seeing it is for Jesus Christ.” Duff concluded, “Let us remember, it is not the amount we give toward helping the Lord’s work; it is the motive He looks at.” Proper motives are essential in Christian service, whether it’s money or time or talents. The Lord is more concerned with why we give than with how much we give. We should never give to receive the praise of others, but because we love God and desire to see His name honored and glorified. The apostle Paul said, “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Give as you would to the Master If you met His searching look; Give as you would of your substance If His hand the offering took. —Anon. God sees the giver as well as the gift—the heart as well as the hand. Cheerful Giving Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:1-7 During World War II this slogan was often heard: “Give until it hurts.” Now, that may be all right for the world, but certainly it is not a proper slogan for the Christian who wants to be all that he should be for the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have given to the Lord and it still hurts, my friend, then you have not yet given enough. Our motto must always be, according to Scripture, “Give until it feels good.” If it hurts for you to give to Him who gave His all for you, it’s a foregone conclusion that you haven’t yet given all you should. God doesn’t ask you to give for His sake so much as for your own sake. God, after all, doesn’t need your gifts. He wants you to give for your own benefit, because “it is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Our Lord certainly has no need for our gifts, for as Paul said in Acts 17:24-25, “God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things.” We give Thee but Thine own, Whate'er the gift may be: All that we have is Thine alone, A trust, O Lord, from Thee. —How Instead of giving till it hurts, keep giving till it feels good. The Pumpkin Man Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 In the city of Colorado Springs, people called Nick Venetucci “The Pumpkin Man.” Every autumn for 50 years, he invited thousands of school children to visit his farm along the banks of Monument Creek, pick a free pumpkin, and take it home. Nick loved walking through his fields with the kids, helping them find “just the right one.” The principal of the local elementary school, which was named in Venetucci’s honor, said, “He taught our kids the definition of generosity. He gave, gave, gave, and never expected anything in return.” When Nick died at the age of 93, the community saluted him as a hero because of his kind and generous spirit. Nick Venetucci shared the fruit of his labor because he wanted to. The Bible encourages us all to give in this way: “Let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). The gifts that we may give, The deeds that we may do, Most truly honor Christ When self is given too. —D. De Haan The highest kind of giving comes from deep down in the heart. 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; Amplified And God is able to make all grace (every favor and earthly blessing) come to you in abundance, so that you may always and under all circumstances and whatever the need be self-sufficient [possessing enough to require no aid or support and furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation]. NET 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work. BGT 2 Corinthians 9:8 δυνατεῖ δὲ ὁ θεὸς πᾶσαν χάριν περισσεῦσαι εἰς ὑμᾶς, ἵνα ἐν παντὶ πάντοτε πᾶσαν αὐτάρκειαν ἔχοντες περισσεύητε εἰς πᾶν ἔργον ἀγαθόν, NLT 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ESV 2 Corinthians 9:8 And 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. NIV 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. YLT 2 Corinthians 9:8 and God is able all grace to cause to abound to you, that in every thing always all sufficiency having, ye may abound to every good work, ASV 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work: CSB 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. MIT 2 Corinthians 9:8 God can make comprehensive grace overflow in you that in everything you might have a full sufficiency all the time, so that you might be prolific in every good work. NKJ 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. NRS 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. NAB 2 Corinthians 9:8 Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. NJB 2 Corinthians 9:8 God is perfectly able to enrich you with every grace, so that you always have enough for every conceivable need, and your resources overflow in all kinds of good work. GWN 2 Corinthians 9:8 Besides, God will give you his constantly overflowing kindness. Then, when you always have everything you need, you can do more and more good things. BBE 2 Corinthians 9:8 And God is able to give you all grace in full measure; so that ever having enough of all things, you may be full of every good work: God is able : 2Ch 25:9 Ps 84:11 Pr 3:9 10:22 11:24 28:27 Hag 2:8 Mal 3:10 Php 4:18 to make all grace: 2Co 8:19 1Pe 4:10 so that always having all sufficiency : 2Co 9:11 1Ch 29:12-14 you may have an abundance for every good deed: 2Co 8:2,7 Ac 9:36 1Co 15:58 Eph 2:10 Col 1:10 2Th 2:17 2Ti 3:17 Tit 2:14 3:8,14 2 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Matthew 3:9; and do not suppose that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father’; for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Luke 3:8 “Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham. Romans 11:23 And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, Jude 1:24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, Hebrews 11:19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type. GOD IS ABLE TO SUPPLY FOR GOOD DEEDS Broomall - Now God is able to cause to abound all grace unto you in order that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, might abound unto all good work. Note the repetition of all.
2 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - God gives His Son to all believers, but as previously noted, He blesses in a unique way generous, cheerful givers. In fact, He blesses such believers on such a grand, immense, staggering scale that it beggars language to express it. Trying to convey the magnanimity of God's generosity, Paul resorted to hyperbole, using a form of the word pas (all) five times in verse 8. God's gracious giving has no limits; it is off the scale. Since giving naturally seems to result in having less, not more, it takes faith to believe that giving will open up God's blessing. Christians must believe that what God has promised to do He is able to do. Lowery adds that "In the words "all things," "all times," and "all... you need," the Greek heaps three words one after the other: panti pantote pasan God is indeed sufficient! His "every" grace abounds so that believers can abound "in every good work."" (The B ible Knowledge Commentary) McShane - When at considerable sacrifice the saints have shared their good things with others who are less fortunate, there is ever the possibility of a secret fear stealing into their hearts lest the day might come when they would have no more wealth to share, and then their joy in giving would be at an end. The apostle corrects this danger by stating that "God is able to make all grace abound ... that ye, always having all sufficiency". Thus His boundless giving will ensure that the good work of generosity will continue. He not only gives the grace to give, but supplies the means to do it. Where there is a generous spirit there will be funds to disperse. (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) Murray Harris - As regularly as the resources of the cheerful giver are taxed by his generous giving, they are replenished by divine grace. (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Bob Utley Grace (charis) is used over ten times in chapters 8 and 9. It is used in the sense of (1) God's undeserved, unmerited love in Christ, (2Co 8:1,9; 2Co 9:8,14 (2) favor/privilege, (2Co 8:4), (3) the offering to Jerusalem, (2Co 8:1,6,7,19), (4) thanks, (2Co 8:16; 2Co 9:15) Notice that grace is understood as referring to God's undeserved, unmerited love in Christ or as a way of referring to the contribution from Paul's Gentile churches to the mother church in Jerusalem. The Greek term has a wide semantical field. MacArthur on always having all sufficiency in everything - Having sown material wealth by their giving, believers will reap an abundant harvest of material blessing in return. God graciously replenishes what they give so that they lack nothing; He will continuously provide the generous giver with the means of further expressing that generosity. Brian Bell - Humanly speaking, the person who gives should be the person who loses; but that’s not the case! It is more blessed to give than receive & when we do whatever measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. Though this doesn’t mean we bargain with God, or look at giving as a means of purchasing God’s blessing! Rather we should look at giving as a way to show our love toward God & our trust in His word! The Christian Industrialist R.G.LeTourneau used to say, “If you give because it pays, it won’t pay!” Just as we learn to pray by praying, so you will learn to give by giving. You must practice giving. (Grace Giving to the Glory of God!) David Guzik on always having all sufficiency - The ancient Greek word for sufficiency (autarkeia) may also be translated contentment (SEE BELOW). This is how the same word is used in 1 Timothy 6:6: Now godliness with contentment is great gain. God gives a special gift to the giving heart: always . . . all contentment in all things. That is a lot of all! Materially speaking, how can someone always have all contentment in all things? By receiving this contentment God blesses the giving heart with.. It’s easy for many Christians to say they have this contentment; but whether they have it or not is often more truthfully known by their spending and shopping habits. How much of a place does shopping and buying have in your life? How does material loss affect your happiness? How happy do you get from having some material thing?i. When we live and act without contentment, we are trying to fill needs in our lives. It might be the need to be “somebody,” the need to feel secure or cared for, or the need to have excitement and newness in our lives. Most people try to fulfill these needs with material things, but they can only really be met by a spiritual relationship with the God who made us..
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MacArthur adds "To the Cynic and Stoic philosophers of Paul's day autarkeia (sufficiency) meant independence from people and circumstances. They viewed such independence as essential to true happiness. But the believer's sufficiency does not come from independence from circumstances but rather from dependence on God. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19). Good (18) agathos means intrinsically good, inherently good in quality but with the idea of good which is also profitable, useful, benefiting others, benevolent (marked by or disposed to doing good). Agathos is one whose goodness and works of goodness are transferred to others. Good and doing good is the idea. Agathos describes that which is beneficial in addition to being good. Agathos is that which is good in its character, beneficial in its effects and/or useful in its action. Agathos is used in the New Testament primarily of spiritual and moral excellence. Enough Of Everything God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you . . . may have an abundance for every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:8 Today's Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Randy, our first child, went off to kindergarten with a 10-cent coin in his pocket to buy a carton of milk to go with his lunch. When he came home that afternoon, his mother asked if he had purchased the milk. “No,” he replied, bursting into tears. “The milk was 5 cents and I only had a dime.” How often I have responded to demands placed upon me with the same childish understanding. According to God’s Word, I have all the resources I need at my disposal-more than enough to meet my needs-and yet I’m reluctant to act because I fear that I won’t have enough. But the Bible assures me that God has provided me with every blessing in abundance. By His grace, I have everything I need (2 Corinthians 9:8). The apostle Paul was not saying that we have enough grace to do anything we want to do. God does not offer us a blank check. No, Paul was giving us the assurance that we have enough grace to do whatever God has called us to do-whether it is to give money for the cause of the gospel, as the Corinthians were doing (v.7), or to give love to a difficult teenager, an indifferent spouse, or an aging parent. God uses us to do His work If we will just obey; He freely gives His love and power To serve Him every day. —Sper God's call to a task includes His strength to complete it. F B Meyer Our Daily Walk January 25 GRACE ABOUNDING! - "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."-- 2Co 9:8. ABUNDANCE IS characteristic of God! Go forth on a spring morning, and look on the flowers with which He has carpeted the woodlands. Daisies and buttercups, primroses and cowslips in myriads, bear witness to the prodigality of His thought and power--His thought to fashion, His power to produce. But this profuse carpeting of the earth's nakedness is equaled in the heavens! There, depth opens beyond depth, lighted and inlaid with constellations, and the wonders of the sky answer to those of the earth. How multitudinous is God's creation! But what shall we say of His Grace? His Joy is unspeakable, His Peace passeth understanding, His Love is beyond knowledge! Get great thoughts of God, who holds the ocean depths as a drop in the hollow of his hand, and weighs the mountains as grains of dust in His scales. Lie upon that bank of flowers, and consider their multitude; sweep the skies with a telescope and see if you can tell the stars; number the sand-grains upon the shore, and count the shells strewn along the strand; and when you have considered the gifts of His hand, ascend to the wealth of His heart. Study the infinite map of God's nature; compare it with the need of your little life, and then remember that the Father loves you infinitely, so much so that for your salvation and mine He gave His Only-Begotten Son. He has set His love upon you, and will certainly deliver you! He will set you on high because you have known His Name. All the resources of eternity and infinity are at His disposal, and He can make all grace abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in all things, you may abound to every good work. Iris a very wonderful text! Count the number of universals in it. All Grace Always! All Sufficiency! All things! God abounding to us that we may abound. The word translated abound might be rendered literally "to flow or pour over." "My cup runneth over." Our Lord said: "I am come that they might have life, and have it overflowingly"; "Where sin overflows, grace much more overflows" (John 10:10; Ro 5:20). Let us remember that God does not pour in unless we pour out. If we are filled with the Presence and Grace of Christ in our hearts, we must give ourselves out to others. PRAYER- Give me grace, O Lord, to see the beauty lying at my feet in the commonplaces of life; and to feel that Thou art as near, and that life is as wonderful today, as when men beheld Thee in the days of Thy flesh. AMEN. 2 Corinthians 9:9 as it is written, "HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR, HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ENDURES FOREVER." Amplified As it is written, He [the benevolent person] scatters abroad; He gives to the poor; His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever! KJV 2 Corinthians 9:9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. NET 2 Corinthians 9:9 Just as it is written, "He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever." BGT 2 Corinthians 9:9 καθὼς γέγραπται· ἐσκόρπισεν, ἔδωκεν τοῖς πένησιν, ἡ δικαιοσύνη αὐτοῦ μένει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. NLT 2 Corinthians 9:9 As the Scriptures say, "They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever." ESV 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." NIV 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." YLT 2 Corinthians 9:9 (according as it hath been written, 'He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor, his righteousness doth remain to the age,') ASV 2 Corinthians 9:9 as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever. CSB 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: He scattered; He gave to the poor; His righteousness endures forever. MIT 2 Corinthians 9:9 There is a scriptural basis for this: He was generous; he gave to the poor. His integrity remains forever. NKJ 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." NRS 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." NAB 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is written: "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." NJB 2 Corinthians 9:9 As scripture says: To the needy he gave without stint, his uprightness stands firm for ever. GWN 2 Corinthians 9:9 Scripture says, "The righteous person gives freely to the poor. His righteousness continues forever." BBE 2 Corinthians 9:9 As it is said in the Writings, He has sent out far and wide, he has given to the poor; his righteousness is for ever. He scattered abroad: Ps 112:9 his: Ps 112:3 Pr 8:18 21:21 Isa 51:8 1Co 13:13 Ga 5:5,6 2 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Resource: Psalm 112:9+ (PAUL QUOTES THIS FROM THE SEPTUAGINT) He has given freely to the poor, His righteousness endures forever; His horn will be exalted in honor. 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Matthew 25:40 “The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.’ 2 Timothy 4:8 in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. Revelation 19:8; It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Revelation 22:11 “Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.” Matthew 6:1-4+ Beware (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) of practicing your righteousness (also dikaiosune) before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 “But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (cf 1Co 4:5+), 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS OF GENEROUS GIVING As it is written (grapho) - Paul uses the exact construction as it is written 12x in Romans, 2x in 1Cor, and 2x in 2Co (2Co 8:15, 9:9) Perfect tense - written in past when inspired by the Spirit and stands fast (Mt 24:35, Mk 13:31+) and thus indicates the abiding authority of the document. It is written occurs 76 times in the NAS. When we were children and our parents told us to do something and we questioned "Why?", the answer was usually "Because I said so!". Why are we commanded to be holy? Because God said so! A popular saying is "God said it, I believe it, that settles it." This sounds good but isn't accurate because God's Word is true, regardless of whether we believe it or not. A more accurate "saying" would be "God said it, that settles it!" It is written should put a stop to every complaint or excuse. Paul is saying don't judge but remember you will appear before Me to give an account (as the next verse clarifies). This sobering thought should motivate us to obey this injunction. Paul's quote from Psalm 112 substantiates the principle of giving that he is applying to the church. What Paul is advocating is not new truth. Generous giving has always been God's plan. Note in the context the first characteristic of the man described in Ps 112:9+. The Psalm begins with " Praise the LORD! How blessed (literally "blessed, blessed") is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments (Ps 112:1+) Comment - Why does this man greatly delight in God's Law (cf the blessing of the man who delights in His Law in Ps 1:2-3+)? See discussion of the vitally important truth The Fear of the Lord HE SCATTERED ABROAD (skorpizo), HE GAVE TO THE POOR (penes), HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS (dikaiosune) ENDURES (meno) FOREVER (aion - lit. = "unto the age") Amplified = "His deeds of justice and goodness and kindness and benevolence will go on and endure forever!" Paul is quoting Ps 112:9+ in reference to the righteous man who, among other virtues, is generous in sharing with the poor. The one who gave to the poor did so voluntarily and not out of a desire to merit favor with God. His action to scatter abroad (like seed) produced fruit that demonstrated his salvation (his righteousness) was genuine. Poor (penes) describes the man for whom life and living is a struggle; the man who is the reverse of the one who lives in affluence. The fact that his righteousness endures forever seems to imply there is some type of eternal (endures forever) reward resulting from his giving heart, especially his giving to the those in need and poverty. This person is storing up for themselves treasures in heaven (Mt 6:20+). That this is the primary meaning is substantiated by the following context where Paul describes the "harvest of your righteousness." And note that this "fruit" endures forever! (cf Jesus' promise to the disciples in Jn 15:16) Of course the other sense of righteousness enduring forever is that this person is genuinely saved and his generous giving is simply the Spirit enabled conduct which in turn validated the authenticity of his salvation. Of course there is no suggestion whatsoever that his giving to the poor merits or earns righteousness! A similar phrase is used to describe the LORD in Ps 111:3 where we read "Splendid and majestic is His work, and His righteousness endures forever." And since believers are righteous in the eternal One, Christ Jesus (1Cor 1:30+), our righteousness is also forever or eternal. Generous giving reaps an eternal reward! Some writers think righteousness means something like "the right way of life" and not imputed righteousness, but I disagree for the first use of the Greek word dikaiosune (used in 2Co 9:9 and Ps 112:9) is in the description of God's imputation of righteousness to Abram (Genesis 15:6+). Men declared righteous by God, perform righteous deeds like God (enabled by His Spirit, even in the Old Testament). Murray Harris has an excellent comment on Paul's use of Psalm 112 - At this point Paul quotes Psalm 112 to illustrate the generosity of "the man who fears the Lord" (Ps 112:1) and the positive results of his prodigal giving. From "the wealth and riches ... in his house" (Ps 112:3a), the God-fearing man freely distributes his gifts to the poor (Ps 112:9a). As a result, his benevolent acts of piety ("his righteousness") will never be forgotten but rather will have permanent beneficial effects in this life, as well as gaining him an eternal reward in the life to come (112:9b). (1 and 2 Corinthians The Expositor's Bible Commentary) Stuart Briscoe - So many times, you can't see anything happening week to week. Spiritual growth takes place beneath the surface. MacArthur adds "Deuteronomy 15:10-11+ also illustrates this point. In verse 10 God declared through Moses, “You shall generously give to [the poor man], and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings.” Those who were generous to the needy received God's material blessings. But the purpose was not so that they could be like the rich fool in Jesus' parable, who said, “This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry'” (Luke 12:18-19+). Dt 15:11 reveals the purpose of God's blessing. Moses reminded his hearers that “the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'” God's constant resupply allowed them to continually give to meet the needs of others. McShane observes that "Not only is liberality expected of the Christians, it is a brand-mark of the reality of their profession." (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) Giving is a godly discipline so as Paul says in 1Ti 4:8+ "godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Godly giving with a Spirit energized heart of love is in fact a way to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal." (Mt 6:20+) In short, giving now, yields "interest" eternally! It also demonstrates where one's heart is for Jesus added "where you treasure is there your heart will be also." (Mt 6:21+). THOUGHT: Where is your heart? Fixed on this temporal earth's passing pleasures and the vain, empty endeavors of this present evil age (Col 3:2+, cf 1Jn 2:17+, Jas 4:4+), or on the eternal treasures awaiting you in Heaven, treasures that will bring glory and honor to our God forever and ever? Amen and amen! Do not be deceived beloved. Redeem the (short) time you have left, that your eternity may richer and fuller than you can ever even imagine!
2 Coríntios 9
MacArthur adds "The ultimate harvest of generous giving is not only eternal reward, but also temporal blessing in this life for those who “sow with a view to righteousness, [and] reap in accordance with kindness” (Hos. 10:12).
2 Coríntios 9
MacArthur - Many of its members had gone to Jerusalem as pilgrims to celebrate the feast of Pentecost, had been converted through Peter's message, and had then remained in the city without adequate financial support. Many residents of Jerusalem had undoubtedly lost their jobs in the waves of persecution that came after the martyrdom of Stephen (Ac 8:1). However, the Corinthians were wealthy enough (they had not yet suffered persecution and deprivation like the Macedonians; 8:1-4) to help meet the huge need with a generous monetary gift --(MacArthur Study Bible). ESV Study Bible - The collection is an integral part of the ministry of the gospel (cf. 2Co 3:7-9; 4:1; 5:18; 6:3) and an act of public worship (cf. also Luke 1:23; Rom. 15:27; Phil. 2:17, 30; Heb. 9:21), which causes others to offer thanksgivings to God as they see the work of God’s grace in the lives of the Corinthians. (ESV Study Bible) Guzik suggests "If a person does not have a generous heart, there is a sense in which they are not obedient to the confession of the gospel of Christ." . (2 Corinthians 9) Michael Andrus - One great way to avoid that discouragement is to look at needs one at a time. I’m sure many of you have heard the story of the man who was walking down the beach at sunset. He saw another man in the distance who kept picking up something and throwing it out into the water, again and again. As he approached he noticed that the man was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and throwing them back into the water, one by one. Puzzled, he approached the man and asked him why he was doing it. He responded, “It’s low tide and all these starfish have been washed up onto the shore. If I don’t throw them back they’ll die from lack of oxygen.” “But there must be thousands of starfish on this beach,” the first man replied. “You can’t possibly get to all of them. And don’t you realize this is probably happening on hundreds of beaches all up and down this coast and thousands more around the world. Can’t you see that you can’t possibly make a difference?” The man bent down and picked up another starfish, and threw it back into the ocean. With a smile he replied, “Sure made a difference to that one!” Four Exceptional Benefits of Giving (Michael Andrus) v12 It supplies the needs of God’s people v11b, 12 It awakens gratitude. v13 It glorifies God. v14 It stimulates prayer. Service (3009) leitourgia from leitourgeo = to be a public servant, to perform religious or charitable function, to minister; English = liturgy - body of rites prescribed for public worship) generally used of a servant of a superior and suggests a function to be discharged or a necessary service to be rendered. The word was used in secular Greek to refer to a public service or office, such as in Athens and elsewhere, administered by the citizens at their own expense as a part of the system of finance. Wealthy citizens would render the public service of financing choruses for dramas. In Jewish and in common Greek usage it indicated religious service or freewill service. In the NT, leitourgia referred to service or ministry as of the public ministrations of the Jewish priesthood. Leitourgeo - 6v - Lk. 1:23; 2 Co. 9:12; Phil. 2:17; Phil. 2:30; Heb. 8:6; Heb. 9:21 Fully supplying (4322)(prosanapleroo from pros = beside, in addition to + anapleroo = to fill, make complete, supply) to fill up by adding to. The prep. in compound means to fill up by adding to. Supply abundantly. Provide sufficiently in addition. To fill something that had previously been emptied. Supply / fill out the shortage by adding what is missing / eliminate the shortage. Only 2 uses - 2Co. 9:12; 2Co 11:9 "when the brethren came from Macedonia they fully supplied my need," Needs (5303) husterema is that which is comes behind, that which is left or that which is deficient. Need, want, deficiency Lk 21:4; 2 Cor 8:14; 9:12; 11:9; Col 1:24 It means the lack of what is needed or desirable, frequently in contrast to abundance. 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, Amplified Because at [your] standing of the test of this ministry, they will glorify God for your loyalty and obedience to the Gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous-hearted liberality to them and to all [the other needy ones]. KJV 2 Corinthians 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; NET 2 Corinthians 9:13 Through the evidence of this service they will glorify God because of your obedience to your confession in the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone. BGT 2 Corinthians 9:13 διὰ τῆς δοκιμῆς τῆς διακονίας ταύτης δοξάζοντες τὸν θεὸν ἐπὶ τῇ ὑποταγῇ τῆς ὁμολογίας ὑμῶν εἰς τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ ἁπλότητι τῆς κοινωνίας εἰς αὐτοὺς καὶ εἰς πάντας, NLT 2 Corinthians 9:13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. ESV 2 Corinthians 9:13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, NIV 2 Corinthians 9:13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. YLT 2 Corinthians 9:13 through the proof of this ministration glorifying God for the subjection of your confession to the good news of the Christ, and for the liberality of the fellowship to them and to all, ASV 2 Corinthians 9:13 seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all; CSB 2 Corinthians 9:13 They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. MIT 2 Corinthians 9:13 Through the worthiness of this ministry, you are glorifying God by your submission that affirms the gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone. NKJ 2 Corinthians 9:13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, NRS 2 Corinthians 9:13 Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, NAB 2 Corinthians 9:13 Through the evidence of this service, you are glorifying God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution to them and to all others, NJB 2 Corinthians 9:13 because when you have proved your quality by this help, they will give glory to God for the obedience which you show in professing the gospel of Christ, as well as for the generosity of your fellowship towards them and towards all. they: Ps 50:23 Mt 5:16 Joh 15:8 Ac 4:21 11:18 21:19,20 Ga 1:24 1Pe 2:9 4:11 to your confession: 2Co 10:5 Lu 6:46 Ro 10:16 16:26 Heb 5:9 and for the liberality: Heb 13:16 2 Corinthians 9 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries GENEROUS GIVING EVIDENCES CORINTHIANS TRUE CONVERSION Because - Because is not explaining the previous passage but in context is explaining why the saints at Jerusalem will glorify God. The Corinthians had been "tested" and "passed the test" (meaning of dokime). Their giving was the proof that they had passed the test. As my mother used to say "the proof is in the pudding" and the proof was their bountiful giving. Further (as explained below) the liberality of the Corinthians was definitive proof of the transformative work of the Gospel in their hearts. Of the proof (dokime -tested and approved) given by this ministry (diakonia - the Corinthians' gift), they will glorify (doxazo - give honor) God for your obedience (hupotage - subjection, subordination, submission) to your confession (homologia - acknowledgement, profession) of the Gospel (euaggelion - Good News) of Christ (Christos) - ESV = "they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others." Paul is saying that the generous giving of the saints at Corinth would be clear evidence (proof) of the reality of their having voluntarily submitted to their confession of the Gospel of Christ which would prompt the Jerusalem saints to glorify God. In other words their gift would be proof of the genuineness of the Corinthians' salvation. Confession was used specifically to introduce or express a conviction, in this case the Corinthians' objective confession especially in reference to confessing Christ as Lord (Master, Owner), including Owner of all they owned! (cf Ro 10:9-10+). (NJB = "they will give glory to God for the obedience which you show in professing the Gospel of Christ") They will glorify refers to the saints in Jerusalem who at this point were still predominantly Jewish and likely skeptical of the Gentile conversions. But on receiving the gift from the Corinthians, they would praise God for His great salvation of Jews and Gentiles. Also in the words of James the Corinthians would "prove (themselves) doers of the Word (the Gospel) and not merely hearers who delude themselves." (Jas 1:22+). Their obedience to their confession would be clear evidence that their confession of the Gospel of Christ was genuine. (cf Eph 2:10; Jas 2:14-20; Ro 10:9, 10) Michael Andrus those who observe generous giving from the outside are also stimulated to praise God. Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:16+) Some are drawn to the Savior when they observe the love evidenced through generous giving. It is interesting that Paul writes what in effect is a prophecy "foretelling" that the Jerusalem saints would glorify God for the obedience of the Corinthians. Paul is inspired by the Spirit Who has Paul write what will definitely come to pass when the offering finally reached the church in Jerusalem. He makes the same "prophetic" statement in 2Co 9:14 describing the response in Jerusalem when they receive the generous gift ("they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you"). John MacArthur makes an excellent point writing that "Jewish believers in the early church were often suspicious of Gentile converts. Many in the Jerusalem church were appalled at the news that Peter had preached the gospel to Gentiles (Acts 11:1-3), and it was only with difficulty that they were persuaded to accept them as brothers in Christ (Acts 11:4-18). It must have been especially difficult for them to believe that the Corinthians' faith was genuine. The city's reputation for immorality was widespread in the Roman world, and the chaotic condition of the Corinthian church would have done little to allay Jewish believers' suspicions. But the Corinthians' sacrificial giving tangibly demonstrated love for their fellow believers, that mark of genuineness (1 John 2:10; 3:17-18; 4:20-21). (2 Corinthians Commentary) McShane draws an interesting conclusion - God allowed the proud and favoured people of Jerusalem to become poor in order to teach them the important lesson that all in Christ are now one, not only in name, but in practical reality. There could well have existed a certain amount of suspicion that the work in hitherto heathen parts was not as real as had been reported. Now with food on their tables coming from what for centuries they had regarded as unclean hands, they are compelled to own the wonder of their day, that all barriers are now demolished by the power of the gospel. The truth of the "one body" mentioned in 1Cor 12:13+, though not directly referred to here, is none the less latent in the passage. (What the Bible Teaches 1 & 2 Corinthians) And for the liberality (haplotes) of your contribution (koinonia ~ participation in the collection) to them and to all - The Greek word for liberality (haplotes) indicates singleness of purpose (cf "purposed in his heart" 2Co 9:7) leading to liberality or giving generously to others. The saints at Jerusalem would also glorify God because of the liberality or generosity of the Corinthians' sharing or fellowship not just to them but to all (NIV = "with everyone else"), in context referring to other needy ones. Guzik on contribution (koinonia) This is the same word used for the ideas of fellowship and communion – it means the sharing of things in common. (1) When we share our lives, koinonia is called fellowship. (2) When we share remembrance of Jesus’ work for us through the Lord’s Supper, koinonia is called communion. (3) When we share our resources so none would be destitute, koinonia is called sharing . (2 Corinthians 9) The writers of the New Testament adapted the term Gospel as God's glorious message of salvation for lost otherwise hopeless, helpless sinners. Euaggelion is found in several combination phrases, each describing the gospel like a multifaceted jewel in various terms from a different viewpoint (from the NASB, 1977): the gospel of the kingdom (Mt 4:23+, Mt 9:35+, Mt 24:14+) the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mk 1:1+) because it centers in Christ the gospel of God (Mk 1:14+, Ro 15:16+, 2Co 11:7+, 1Th 2:2+, 1Th 2:8,9+, 1Pe 4:17+) because it originates with God and was not invented by man the gospel of the kingdom of God (Lu 16:16+) the gospel of the grace of God (Acts 20:24+, Ro 1:1+), the gospel of His Son (Ro 1:9+) the gospel of Christ (Ro 15:19+, 2Co 2:12+, 2Co 9:13+, 2Co 10:14+, Gal 1:7+, Phil 1:27+, 1Th 3:2+) the gospel of the glory of Christ (2Co 4:4+) the gospel of your salvation (Eph 1:14+) the gospel of peace (Eph 6:15+) the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2Th 1:8+) the glorious gospel of the blessed God (1Ti 1:11+) In Ro 16:25, 26+ Paul called it “my Gospel” indicating that the special emphasis he gave the gospel in his ministry. An eternal gospel - Rev 14:6+ (Some writers such as C I Scofield interpret this as a "different gospel" than the other "gospels" mentioned above but I think such a distinction is incorrect and is poorly substantiated). For a rewarding study, study the preceding references in context making notation of the truth you observe about the gospel. If you would like a special blessing, take an afternoon to go through all 76 uses of euaggelion in context making a list of what you learn about the gospel. The Spirit of God will enlighten your heart and encourage your spirit in a very special way...and you'll want to share the "good news" with someone because of your "discoveries"! Euaggelion - Matt. 4:23; Matt. 9:35; Matt. 24:14; Matt. 26:13; Mk. 1:1; Mk. 1:14; Mk. 1:15; Mk. 8:35; Mk. 10:29; Mk. 13:10; Mk. 14:9; Mk. 16:15; Acts 15:7; Acts 20:24; Rom. 1:1; Rom. 1:9; Rom. 1:16; Rom. 2:16; Rom. 10:16; Rom. 11:28; Rom. 15:16; Rom. 15:19; Rom. 16:25; 1 Co. 4:15; 1 Co. 9:12; 1 Co. 9:14; 1 Co. 9:18; 1 Co. 9:23; 1 Co. 15:1; 2 Co. 2:12; 2 Co. 4:3; 2 Co. 4:4; 2 Co. 8:18; 2 Co. 9:13; 2 Co. 10:14; 2 Co. 11:4; 2 Co. 11:7; Gal. 1:6; Gal. 1:7; Gal. 1:11; Gal. 2:2; Gal. 2:5; Gal. 2:7; Gal. 2:14; Eph. 1:13; Eph. 3:6; Eph. 6:15; Eph. 6:19; Phil. 1:5; Phil. 1:7; Phil. 1:12; Phil. 1:16; Phil. 1:27; Phil. 2:22; Phil. 4:3; Phil. 4:15; Col. 1:5; Col. 1:23; 1 Thess. 1:5; 1 Thess. 2:2; 1 Thess. 2:4; 1 Thess. 2:8; 1 Thess. 2:9; 1 Thess. 3:2; 2 Thess. 1:8; 2 Thess. 2:14; 1 Tim. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:8; 2 Tim. 1:10; 2 Tim. 2:8; Phlm. 1:13; 1 Pet. 4:17; Rev. 14:6 Proof (1382)(dokime) can describe a trial, test, ordeal or testing process as here in 2Co 8:2. More commonly in the NT it describes the quality of having stood the test. Dokime in secular Greek was used to describe metals that had been tested and been determined to be pure. The idea of dokime is that when you put the metal through a fiery test and if it comes out on the other side "persevering and enduring", you call the metal proven, authentic or genuine. 6v in NT - Rom. 5:4; 2 Co. 2:9; 2 Co. 8:2; 2 Co. 9:13; 2 Co. 13:3; Phil. 2:22 Glorify (1392) doxazo from doxa = glory) has a secular meaning of to think, suppose, be of opinion, (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Xenophon, Plato, Thucydides) but generally is not used in this sense in Scripture. Doxazo means to praise, honor or magnify (Mt 5:16; 6:2; Lk 5:25f; Ac 11:18; Ro 11:13; 1 Cor 12:26; 1 Pt 4:16) Uses of doxazo by Paul - Ro 1:21; Ro 8:30; Ro 11:13; Ro 15:6; Ro 15:9; 1Co. 6:20 = " you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify (aorist imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) God in your body"; 1Co. 12:26; 2Co. 3:10; 2Co. 9:13; Gal. 1:24 = "they were glorifying God because of me"; 2Th 3:1 Obedience (submissness) (5292) hupotage from hupotasso = to submit, be under obedience) is a noun which means subordination, subjection, submission, obedience. Here in 2 Corinthians 9:13 of the submission of Christians to Christ;