The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians

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- Chapter 9 -

(1 Corinthians 16:1–4)

Now, concerning the ministry that is done toward the saints, it is not necessary for me to write to you.

For I know your willing mind. I glory about you, concerning this, to the Macedonians. For Achaia has also been prepared, for the past year. And your example has inspired very many others.

Now I have sent the brothers, so that what we glory about concerning you might not be empty in this matter, in order that (as I have explained) you may be prepared.

Otherwise, if the Macedonians arrive with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you) would be ashamed in this matter.

Therefore, I considered it necessary to ask the brothers to go to you in advance and to prepare this blessing as promised, and in this way, you may be ready as a blessing, not as an excess.(a)

But I say this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. And whoever sows with blessings shall also reap from blessings:

each one giving, just as he has determined in his heart, neither out of sadness, nor out of obligation. For God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make every grace abound in you, so that, always having what you need in all things, you may abound unto every good work,

just as it was written: “He has distributed widely, he has given to the poor; his justice remains from age to age.”

And he who ministers seed to the sower will offer you bread to eat, and will multiply your seed, and will increase the growth of the fruits of your justice.

So then, having been enriched in all things, you may abound in all simplicity, which works thanksgiving to God through us.

For the ministration of this office not only supplies whatever the saints need, but also abounds through many thanksgivings in the Lord.

And so, through the evidence of this ministry, you glorify God by the obedience of your confession in the Gospel of Christ, and by the simplicity of your communion with them and with everyone,

and they offer prayers for you, being solicitous about you, because of the excellent grace of God within you.

Thanks be to God for his ineffable gift.

Footnotes

(a)9:5 In this context, ‘avaritiam’ is not so much avarice or greed as excess. Paul is saying that these spiritual preparations are not superfluous or excessive, but are a promised and necessary blessing.(Conte)

(1 Corinthians 16:1–4)

It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,

for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.

But I have sent the brothers so that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,

lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting.

I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.

Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.

As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.”(a)

Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,

you being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.

For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,

seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all,

while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!

Footnotes

(a)9:9 ℘ Psalms 112:9