2 Corinthians 9:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

NIV: This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

NASB: For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.

CSB: For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

NLT: So two good things will result from this ministry of giving — the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

KJV: For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

NKJV: For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,

Paul is urging the Corinthians to give generously to meet the needs of suffering Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Because of the persecution they are enduring, they are in great need. This verse indicates that supplying the needs of these people is only one reason for giving as a "ministry of service." The other thing that is being accomplished is that this service is overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

A believer's choice to give generously provokes gratitude to God, from those who receive the gift. Paul's emphasis on this tells us at least two things. First, receiving thankfulness from His people matters deeply to God. He cares about that. Christian giving is one way to bring to God something that He desires.

Second, giving is about far more than just fixing a problem of not enough money. When Christians give in a Christlike act of grace, the spiritual results matter as much or more than meeting physical needs for food, shelter, and safety.

Second Corinthians 9:6–15 contains Paul's explanation of benefits and opportunities tied to generous giving. The key point is that godly giving is a Christlike act of grace. God does not intend giving to be done as an obligation, or under a cloud of legalism. Rather, it should be inspired and driven by a willing and cheerful heart. Giving is an opportunity for believers to participate with God in meeting the needs of the poor. God increases the ability of believers who give generously to give even more. This results in increasing His righteousness on earth, as well as in causing thankfulness to Him to overflow. He will be glorified by those who receive the gift and pray for those who give.

Paul continues to urge the Corinthians to follow through on their commitment. They had agreed to contribute to a collection for suffering Christians in Jerusalem. They should give willingly, even cheerfully, according to what they had agreed earlier. Not only will they participate with God in meeting the physical needs of others, they will contribute to an overflowing thankfulness to God. They will build a connection with their suffering siblings in Christ that will also bring glory to God. This chapter points out that God expects Christian giving to be faith-based, voluntary, and cheerful—not legalistic, oppressive, or mandatory.

Second Corinthians chapter 9 continues an appeal begun earlier in the letter. Paul urges the Corinthians to participate in the gift to the Jerusalem Christians. Paul is concerned their earlier enthusiasm might have waned. Everyone should give what he or she previously decided to give and do so willingly and cheerfully. God makes those who give generously abound so that they will be able to give even more. The result goes beyond meeting physical needs to increasing God's righteousness on earth, causing thankfulness to Him to overflow, and bringing glory to Him as connections are forged between the givers and those whose needs are met. After this, Paul will return to a defense of his spiritual legitimacy.

Second Corinthians returns to similar themes as those Paul mentioned in his first letter to this church. Paul is glad to hear that the church in Corinth has heeded his advice. At the same time, it is necessary for Paul to counter criticisms about his personality and legitimacy. Most of this text involves that subject. The fifth chapter, in contrast, contains comforting words which Christians have quoted often in times of hardship. Paul also details his expectations that the church in Corinth will make good on their promise to contribute to the needs of suffering believers in Jerusalem.

Accessed 12/18/2024 7:56:52 AM