2 Corinthians 9

1. For. I boast of your readiness (viii. 24); for I know well that any urgent exhortations are unnecessary.

2. Achaia. See note on i. 1.

a year ago. See note on viii. 10.

very many. Rather, “the majority”; implying that however willing the Macedonians were of themselves “the greater part” were stirred up by the zeal of the Corinthians.

3 the brethren. The bearers of this Epistle.

4 if they of Macedonia come with me. Rather, “if [any] Macedonians should come with me.” Jason, a Thessalonian, and Sopater, a Bercean, accompanied Paul: cp. Rom. xvi. 21; Acts xvii. 5; xx. 4.

5 your bounty, whereof ye had notice before. Rather, “your fore-announced blessing”: cp. Gen. xxxiii. 11; Josh. xv. 19; Prov. xi. 25, 26, and notes. It is the opposite of one wrung from covetous hands: see vers. 6, 7.

7 grudgingly. Only the cheerful giver is acceptable to God.

8 all grace. Particularly the spirit and the means to be charitable (see viii. 1, and note); so that the words of Psa. cxii. 9 will be verified in you. For generosity is one evidence of abiding “righteousness.”

10 increase the fruits of your righteousness. “Cause the fruits of your good conduct to increase” (Lange).

11 to all bountifulness. See note on Rom. xii. 8.

12-14. “Your discharge of this public duty not only most thoroughly supplies the need of the saints. It also abounds in many expressions of gratitude to God. [For they], by occasion of their experience of this your ministration, [first], glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberality to them and to all; and [further, they honour Him] by their prayers for you, being drawn in love to you on account of the grace of God resting eminently upon you.”

15. His unspeakable gift. “His indescribable gift”: the redemption that is in Christ.