Bullet Point Bible - 2 Corinthians 9

Preparations for the Collection

¹ For it is not necessary for me to write you about this service to the saints,² because I know your eagerness to help. I keep boasting to the Macedonians about this eagerness of yours, that Achaia has been ready to give since last year, and your zeal to participate has stirred up most of them.³ But I am sending these brothers so that our boasting about you may not be empty in this case, so that you may be ready just as I kept telling them.⁴ For if any of the Macedonians should come with me and find that you are not ready to give, we would be humiliated (not to mention you) by this confidence we had in you.⁵ Therefore I thought it necessary to urge these brothers to go to you in advance and to arrange ahead of time the generous contribution you had promised, so this may be ready as a generous gift and not as something you feel forced to do.

Paul expresses initial confidence, stating it's almost unnecessary (`superfluous`) to write further about the collection for the Jerusalem saints (2 Cor 9:1).
This collection (`ministry to the saints`) was a significant project Paul organized among Gentile churches for the poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem, demonstrating unity.
Paul had previously boasted to the Macedonian churches about the Corinthians' (`Achaia`) readiness and enthusiasm for the collection, starting "last year" (2 Cor 9:2).
This boasting served as a positive example, motivating the Macedonians in their own giving despite their poverty (cf. 2 Cor 8:1-5).
The sending of Titus and the other brothers (2 Cor 9:3) was a practical measure to ensure the Corinthians followed through on their commitment.
Paul's concern was to prevent mutual embarrassment (`humiliated`) if Macedonians accompanied him and found the collection incomplete (2 Cor 9:4). This highlights the public nature of the commitment.
The term "undertaking" (Greek *hypostasis*) here refers to the confident assertion or plan Paul had made regarding their readiness.
Paul emphasizes the gift should be prepared "in advance" (`prokatartizō`) and given willingly ("as a gift," Greek *eulogia* - literally "blessing") rather than reluctantly ("under pressure," Greek *pleonexia* - often meaning greed or extortion) (2 Cor 9:5).
This section subtly uses Paul's previous praise as motivation, urging the Corinthians to live up to the reputation he has given them.
The preparation ensures the gift reflects genuine generosity, a key theme Paul develops next.

The Principle of Sowing and Reaping Generously

⁶ My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.⁷ Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver.

Paul introduces a universal principle using an agricultural metaphor: the outcome (reaping) is proportional to the input (sowing) (2 Cor 9:6).
Applied to giving, stinginess yields little reward, while generosity yields abundant reward. The "reaping" likely includes both spiritual blessings and potentially material provision (see v. 8).
This principle connects actions (giving) directly to consequences (blessings/rewards), framing generosity as wise spiritual investment.
Giving should be intentional and personally determined ("decided in his heart"), not based on external pressure (2 Cor 9:7).
Paul contrasts right and wrong motivations: not "reluctantly" (Greek *lypē* - with sorrow or grief) or "under compulsion" (Greek *anankē* - out of necessity or constraint).
God's attitude towards the giver is highlighted: "God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Cor 9:7).
"Cheerful" translates the Greek word *hilaros*, from which we get "hilarious." It implies joyful, willing, gracious giving, not mere duty.
This verse (2 Cor 9:7) is a cornerstone of Christian teaching on stewardship, emphasizing internal motivation and joy over obligation.
The focus shifts from the *amount* given (though generosity is encouraged) to the *attitude* of the giver's heart.

God's Abundant Provision for Generosity

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.⁹ Just as it is written, " He has scattered widely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever ."¹⁰ Now God who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your supply of seed and will cause the harvest of your righteousness to grow.¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous on every occasion, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God,

Paul assures the Corinthians that generosity does not lead to poverty; rather, God empowers generous living (2 Cor 9:8).
"All grace" likely refers to God's favor, including material and spiritual resources needed for generosity.
God provides "enough of everything" (*autarkeia* - self-sufficiency, contentment) so believers can "overflow in every good work," including financial giving.
Paul quotes Psalm 112:9 (LXX) to support his point (2 Cor 9:9). In the Psalm, the righteous person is characterized by generous giving ("scattered freely... given to the poor").
This generosity is linked to enduring "righteousness," suggesting that giving is an expression of a right relationship with God.
Paul uses another agricultural metaphor, drawing on Isaiah 55:10 and Hosea 10:12, portraying God as the ultimate source (2 Cor 9:10).
God provides both the initial "seed" (resources to give) and the "bread" (sustenance), and He multiplies the seed for future sowing and increases the "harvest of your righteousness."
The "harvest of your righteousness" refers to the positive results and character development stemming from God-enabled generosity.
Believers are "enriched in every way" not for personal hoarding, but specifically "so that you may be generous on every occasion" (2 Cor 9:11).
This generosity, facilitated by Paul and his team ("through us"), ultimately results in "thanksgiving to God," connecting human action to divine glory.

The Results and Blessings of the Collection

¹² because the service of this ministry is not only providing for the needs of the saints but is also overflowing with many thanks to God.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.¹⁴ And in their prayers on your behalf, they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you.¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Paul outlines the multiple positive outcomes of the Corinthians' generous gift (2 Cor 9:12).
Firstly, it meets the practical, material "needs of the saints" in Jerusalem.
Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it generates abundant "thanksgiving to God" from the recipients.
The collection serves as tangible "proof" (*dokimē*) of the Corinthians' faith (2 Cor 9:13).
Their generosity demonstrates the reality of their "obedience" to the "gospel of Christ," which includes sharing resources.
This obedience and generosity lead the Jerusalem believers to "glorify God."
The gift fosters fellowship and unity: the Jewish recipients will pray for and "long for" the Gentile Corinthians, recognizing the "surpassing grace of God" at work in them (2 Cor 9:14).
This mutual affection and prayer across ethnic lines is a powerful testimony to the gospel's unifying power.
Paul concludes the entire discussion on giving with a doxology: "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Cor 9:15).
The "indescribable gift" (Greek *anekdiēgētos dōrea*) is likely Jesus Christ himself or the gift of salvation through him, the ultimate example and motivation for all Christian giving.
This final verse places the collection within the grander context of God's own supreme generosity towards humanity.

The Bullet Point Bible

2 Corinthians 9