‘For the ministration of this service not only fills up the measure of the needs of the saints, but abounds also through many thanksgivings to God.’

For that is what the carrying out of such service as a ministry achieves. It not only supplies the physical needs of God’s people, but results in abounding thanksgivings to God, both from the recipients and from those who learn about it. So will God also rejoice and so will His purposes go forward. This is not to be seen as just ‘giving to charity’, it is a genuine ministry of giving which is an important part of God’s overall plan, and it involves in this case overseas aid.

Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett

Liberal giving brings the blessings of the recipients:

v. 12. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God,

v. 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,

v. 14. and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.

v. 15. Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable Gift!

Paul here adds a final motive for their cheerful contribution, namely, that of the material and moral benefits which the brethren at Jerusalem would derive there from. The word which the apostle uses for service is that which is otherwise used for the forms of Christian worship. By taking part in this collection according to the manner as outlined by him, the Corinthians would actually be active in the public worship of God, in their ministration for the Christian community at Jerusalem. They would not only be supplying or filling up the needs of the saints by giving them what they needed for their sustenance, but their service would also abound through many thanksgivings to God. The poor at Jerusalem would have reasons for a twofold thanksgiving to God: for the material aid which they would receive, and for the spirit which would thereby be manifested by the brethren at a distance. The latter point is emphasized by the apostle: Inasmuch as they glorify God through the proof afforded by this ministry of the obedience which flows from your confession of the Gospel of Christ. The receipt of this most welcome aid from the brethren at a distance would necessarily convince the Christians at Jerusalem of the fact that the former had in truth become obedient to the Gospel, that their faith in Jesus Christ was working in them the true fruits of love, of which fact their act of charity was a confession. It was a real obedience to the Gospel which the members of the Asian, Macedonian, and Achaian congregations professed by their act of charity, by the liberality of their contribution toward the poor in Jerusalem and to all; it showed the existence of a real communion of faith and spiritual interests, which was active in such a splendid manner, wherever the need of help became known. In other words: “They who receive such a proof as this ministration gives, will give glory to God for your obedience to the confession you have made with respect to the Gospel of Christ, and for the common fellowship with them and with all Christians which your single-hearted liberality displays.”

That the sense of fellowship would be strengthened by the presentation of this collection is a fact which Paul also does not overlook: While they also, with prayers for you, in your behalf, long after you on account of the surpassing grace of God upon you. The thankfulness of the Christians at Jerusalem would cause them to ask God’s blessings upon these friends in the distant countries, of whose love they had such abundant evidence. And, incidentally, they would yearn with an affection intensified by this display of love for those benefactors in whom the rich working of God’s grace had shown such extraordinary results. It is ever thus: When Christians send the free gifts of their love for the alleviation of the hardships and troubles of fellow-believers at a distance, the latter will be united with them in spirit more closely than before, mutual affection will be strengthened, mutual prayers will become more fervent. Continents and oceans may separate Christians, but the consciousness of the same faith, the same lore, as evidenced by some token of fellowship, will unite their hearts more closely than by the closest earthly relationship.

As Paul contemplates this wonderful result of the divine grace in the congregation at Corinth, there arises from the depth of his soul an outburst of holy thankfulness: Thanks be to God for His unspeakable Gift! If it had not been for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His redemption, such a result would not have been possible in this congregation, which, a few short years before, had not even heard of the poor believers in Judea. But the miraculous gift of Christ Himself, Joh 3:16; Isa 9:6, and of salvation in Him had worked this transformation in the hearts of the Corinthian Christians, had wrought this thankful appreciation which bore such rich fruit in their lives, which made them so willing to give evidence of their faith by the gifts of their hands. The same power is at work in the Christian Church today and should at all times be duly acknowledged in adoring gratefulness.

Summary

Paul reminds the Corinthians of their willingness to contribute their share of the collection, which has acted as a stimulus to others; he urges them to have their contribution ready by the time of his arrival in Corinth; he reminds them of the fact that liberal giving is blessed, and calls forth the blessing of the recipients.

Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann

2Co 9:12. The administration of this service This use of the word intimates, that it was to be considered not merely as an act of humanity, but of religion, pleasing to God, and suitable to the nature of the gospel dispensation. Comp. Heb 13:16 and see the note on Rom 15:25.

Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke

2Co 9:12 . Confirmation of what was just said . . . by the particular circumstances of the present collection. [291]

. ] i.e. the service, which you render by this . And the work of collection is called , in so far as it was to be regarded, according to its destined consecration to God, as a priestly bringing of offering (going to the benefit of the receivers). Comp. on Phi 2:17 ; Phi 2:25 ; Rom 13:6 ; Rom 15:16 . Most others take of the service of the apostle , who took charge of the collection ( ). But this is at variance with 2Co 9:13 , where is manifestly equivalent to . ., and must be understood of the service rendered by the contributors . Hence the activity of those conveying it is not even to be understood as included here (Hofmann).

. . .] The emphasis lies on . and ., in which case the expression with denotes how the is as regards its efficacy , not simply what it effects (this would be the simple present of the verb). The service, etc., has not only the supplementing quality, in that it makes up for what the saints lack, but also an abounding , exceedingly blissful quality, in that it calls forth many thanksgivings towards God. Others, like Piscator and Flatt, connect : “it contributes much to glorify God;” comp. Hofmann: “it makes for God a rich produce.” Against linguistic usage, since means: I have abundance or superfluity in something (Thuc. ii. 65. 9; Dion. Hal. iii. 11; Tob 4:16 ; Joh 6:13 ; Luk 9:17 ; comp. Luk 12:15 ; Mar 12:44 ). There must have been used or (Rom 5:15 ; 2Co 4:15 ).

On , to fill by adding to , comp. 2Co 11:9 ; Plat. Men. p. 84 D; Diod. v. 71; Athen. 14, p. 654 D; Wis 19:4 .

[291] Nowhere has Paul expressed with so deep fervour and so much fulness as here the blissful influence, which his collecting among the Greeks for the Jews was to have on the quickening of the religious fellowship between them.

Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary

DISCOURSE: 2036
THE BENEFIT ARISING FROM ATTENTION TO THE POOR

2Co 9:12-15. The administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 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; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

IN this happy country, benevolent institutions of every kind abound, insomuch that there is scarcely any distress to which human nature can be subjected, for which some appropriate provision is not made. But of all charities, there are none that deserve our support more, than those which have respect to the poor in an hour of sickness, and provide for their temporal and spiritual wants at the same time. Such is the institution to which we are to call your attention this day. We will briefly set before you,

I.

The nature of the institution

[It is called A Visiting Society. Its design is to find out the modest and industrious poor in a time of sickness, and to administer to them relief for their bodies, and, at the same time, instruction for their souls. For the better accomplishment of this design, the town and neighbourhood are divided into districts; in each of which, two persons, one of each sex, are appointed to superintend their immediate vicinity, to inquire into such cases of distress as may come within their knowledge, and to afford them such relief as their immediate necessities may seem to require. As in such seasons the ears of men are more open to instruction, the visitors are to avail themselves of the opportunity thus afforded them, to direct the attention of the poor to the concerns of their souls, and to lead them to that adorable Saviour, who calls himself The way, the truth, and the life. Of these visitors, there is a meeting once a month under the superintendence of their minister, to report what persons they have visited; and to be advised, in case of any difficulty, what is most fitting to be done. At those meetings also the accounts of every district are settled; and the book which contains them is kept open to the inspection of them all [Note: This records what has been done for about fifty years under the Authors ministry at Cambridge. Of course, this head must vary, according to the institution, in aid of which the Sermon is preached.].]

From this short view of the institution may be judged

II.

Its great utility

The words of our text refer to the contributions sent from Macedonia and Achaia to relieve the necessities of the saints at Jerusalem: and they mark with great distinctness the chief excellencies of the institution before us. Its obvious tendency is to advance,

1.

The comfort of the poor

[The poor in a time of health are happy; because their minds and habits are fitted to their state. But in a time of sickness their situation is truly pitiable; because they are unable to procure those comforts which their necessities require. Their very application for parochial relief sometimes subjects them to unkindness: and those, who have been familiar with them in a season of prosperity, too often neglect them in a time of need [Note: See Pro 19:7.]. Conceive then at such a season a visitor coming to them, and not only tendering to them that relief which they could not have obtained from any other source, but expressing the tenderest sympathy with them under their affliction: What a balm must this be to the wounded feelings of the poor sufferer! If the rich, who are accustomed to kindness from their friends, find it doubly acceptable at such a season, what must the poor man feel at the unexpected and unsolicited attentions of a perfect stranger!

But conceive the poor man now for the first time led to call upon his God; now instructed in the knowledge of a Saviour; now blessed with the first dawn of spiritual light, and begotten to a hope full of immortality: conceive him now saying with David, It is good for me that I have been afflicted: Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I learned thy law: How altered is his state! How peaceful is his mind! How exceeding joyful is he in all his tribulation!
Know ye then that such effects have frequently arisen from the exertions of those who are engaged in this good work; and it is the manifest tendency of the institution to produce them. This therefore may well recommend the institution itself to your support.]

2.

The welfare of all engaged in it

[To enter cordially into a work of this kind is no small exercise of grace: it truly displays the exceeding grace of God in us: and where grace is so exercised, it will assuredly be strengthened and confirmed. God has said, that he who watereth, shall be watered also himself. And we will appeal to all who have ever visited the chambers of the sick, and laboured for the spiritual welfare of their fellow-creatures, whether they have not been richly repaid by the blessing of God poured out upon their own souls? We know assuredly, that in proportion as any have offered unto God these sacrifices of love, they have been made by him to feast upon their own sacrifice.
But further, we are told in our text, that the persons relieved will offer up their prayers to God in behalf of those who relieve them: and is this a small benefit? Possibly the prayers may be only devout aspirations to God, such as God bless you! but shall such prayers go forth in vain? If God hears the cries of the injured, and punishes their oppressors [Note: Jam 5:4.], will he not hear and answer the prayers of men when offered for their benefactors? No doubt he will; and will recompense into the bosoms of the benevolent every benefit they have conferred.

Nor is it a small benefit to such benevolent persons that their names are respected, and their company desired. True indeed, we are not to engage in such services with a view to the applause of man: but we are not to despise the approbation and love of our fellow-creatures, but rather to accept it as an expression of Gods kindness to our souls. See how Jobs exertions in this way were recompensed [Note: Job 29:11-13.]: and was this a despicable reward? But consider how such benefactors are loved by the objects whom they relieve; how greatly they are longed after for the exceeding grace of God in them. How do the poor people count the hours, and almost the minutes, when these kind friends are expected to arrive! Truly this is a great honour from the Lord, and an unspeakable comfort to those who have rendered themselves so respected and beloved.]

3.

The honour of the Gospel

[Of this also the text particularly speaks. These kind offices are regarded both by God and man as a professed subjection to the Gospel of Christ. The Gospel expressly requires these offices of love. Pure religion, we are told, is to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction: and again it is said, Bear ye one anothers burthens, and so fulfil the law of Christ [Note: Gal 6:2.]. When therefore these offices are performed, the Gospel appears, in its true light, a religion of love.

And here we cannot but observe, how such conduct in the professors of the Gospel is calculated to silence all its enemies. Many cry out against the Gospel as inculcating faith only, and leading its advocates to neglect good works. But where shall we find among the enemies of the Gospel such institutions as these? where shall we find that a regard for the souls of men forms a leading feature in any charity of theirs? It is under the Gospel only that these institutions flourish; and no sooner does any one receive the truth as it is in Jesus, than he delights to aid such institutions to the utmost of his power. Truly this is most honourable to the Gospel: and that which so adorns the doctrine of God our Saviour, must needs be itself worthy of universal support.]

4.

The glory of God

[Doubtless it is not in the power of man to add any thing to the glory of his God. Yet, inasmuch as these institutions lead men to acknowledge the providence of God, and to adore him for his gracious interposition in their behalf, they may be justly said to advance the glory of God. And this view of the subject is repeatedly mentioned both in the text and context [Note: See 2Co 8:19 and ver. 11.]. The visitor may possibly, in the first instance, be regarded as the sole source of the benefit conferred: but his instructions soon lead the grateful person to behold the hand of God, and to render thanks to Him as the true and only source of good. Then the benefactor is viewed in his true light, even like the angel sent by God to deliver Peter from his prison: but God is viewed as the Author and Giver of the gift. Then thanksgivings abound to Him; and the person who perhaps thought nothing of his God before, now adores him and magnifies him from his inmost soul. This is the only tribute that man can pay to his Maker: but it is a sacrifice most pleasing unto God.]

Conclusion

[We now call upon you all to adopt the language of our text, and say, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!
The true import of these words is not generally understood. It is supposed, that, because our blessed Lord and Saviour calls himself The gift of God, and is undoubtedly the greatest of all Gods gifts to man, the passage must relate to him: but, both from the text and context, it is evident that we must understand it as relating to the alms which were collected for the service of the Church at Jerusalem. Speaking of the part which Titus had taken in this measure, St. Paul says, Thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you [Note: 2Co 8:16.]: where it is observable, that he traces the blessing to God as its true Author, and returns thanks to God for it. So in our text he speaks of Thanksgivings to God occasioned by it, and God as glorified for it, and the exceeding grace of God as manifested in it. Hence the import of it undeniably is, that Thanks should be given by all to God for so unspeakable a gift.

And truly it is the gift of God: it is God alone that has put it into the heart of so many persons to unite in so good a work. It is to his grace alone that we can trace this tender concern for the temporal and eternal welfare of our fellow-creatures. Man, by nature, has it not: and those who are ignorant of the Gospel have it not: they may talk about good works; but this is a work in which they never engage. We must therefore glorify God for it, as being the only true source from whence it proceeds.
And it may well be called an unspeakable gift. It is unspeakable, whether as existing in the visitors, or as operating on those who are visited. No grace can justly be considered as a light matter, since the smallest portion of it that can exist in the soul is of more value than the whole world. Of what value then must such exceeding grace be, such grace as most assimilates us to God himself! Was the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ most displayed in this, that when he was rich, he for our sakes became poor, that we through his poverty might be rich [Note: 2Co 8:9.]? This is the pattern which the visitors desire to imitate, so far at least as, by the most self-denying offices of love, to contribute to the utmost of their power to the happiness of their afflicted brethren.

If we look at the effects which have followed from their exertions, these are unspeakable indeed: for, in addition to the temporal comfort administered to Christ himself in many of his poor members [Note: Mat 25:40.], I doubt not but that there are at this very hour before the throne of God several, whose first thoughts about religion originated altogether in the instructions received from this society. Had there been but one soul brought out of darkness into the marvellous light of the Gospel by means of this institution, the labours of all connected with it would have been richly recompensed: but we say again, that several, we doubt not, will have to bless God for it to all eternity.

Let all then give thanks to God that such an institution exists; and let all contribute liberally to its support We beg to remind you all, that the contributors, no less than the visitors, are accessary to all the good that is done by it; and may expect a blessing on their own souls: and we close our subject with that admonition of the Apostle, He who soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he who soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully [Note: ver. 6.].]

Fuente: Charles Simeon’s Horae Homileticae (Old and New Testaments)

12. ] Explanation of the last clause . Because the ministration (not on our part who distribute, though it might at first sight seem so: the next verse decides to mean, ‘ your administering by contribution ,’ as in 2Co 9:1 ) of this public service ( . here seems to approach more nearly to its proper sense, serving the public by furnishing the means of outfit for some necessary purpose) not only serves the end of supplying by its help the wants of the saints, but of abounding ( . may be transitive as in 2Co 9:8 , not only filling up, but ‘ causing to overflow ,’ what were . But the usual intransitive sense is preferable. The emphasis is on . and ) by means of many thanksgivings to God ( with ., as in 2Co 9:11 , not with , which would not, as Meyer observes, give the sense of abounding towards God , this would be . , see Rom 5:15 , or . . , as in ch. 2Co 4:15 , but the objection able one of , as Joh 6:13 ; Luk 9:17 );

Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament

2Co 9:12-15 . LIBERAL GIVING WILL CALL FORTH THE BLESSINGS OF THE RECIPIENTS.

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

2Co 9:12 . . . . . .: for the ministration of this service ( , which originally stood for any public service, came to be restricted to the service of God; is used in Rom 15:27 of this very contribution; cf. Num 8:22 , Heb 8:6 ; Heb 9:21 ) is not only filling up (note the constr. with a participle) the wants of the saints, but is abounding also through many thanksgivings unto God ( cf. 2Co 4:15 ).

Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson

administration. Same es “ministering”, 2Co 9:1.

service. Greek. leitourgia. App-190.

not, Greek. to. App-106.

supplieth = fully supplies. Greek. prosanapleroo. Only here and 2Co 11:9.

by = through, as 2Co 9:11.

unto = to

Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics

12.] Explanation of the last clause. Because the ministration (not on our part who distribute, though it might at first sight seem so: the next verse decides to mean, your administering by contribution, as in 2Co 9:1) of this public service (. here seems to approach more nearly to its proper sense, serving the public by furnishing the means of outfit for some necessary purpose) not only serves the end of supplying by its help the wants of the saints, but of abounding (. may be transitive as in 2Co 9:8, not only filling up, but causing to overflow, what were . But the usual intransitive sense is preferable. The emphasis is on . and ) by means of many thanksgivings to God ( with ., as in 2Co 9:11, not with , which would not, as Meyer observes, give the sense of abounding towards God,-this would be . , see Rom 5:15, or . . , as in ch. 2Co 4:15,-but the objection able one of , as Joh 6:13; Luk 9:17);

Fuente: The Greek Testament

2Co 9:12. ) the administration of this service, a becoming appellation. is the function itself, [service to be discharged,] , the act.-, still further supplies [supplies in addition]) a double compound. Their wants were also supplied from other quarters.-, by many) feminine [not thanksgivings of many.]

Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament

2Co 9:12

2Co 9:12

For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints,-The distribution of this service not only supplied the wants of the needy, but caused the thanksgivings of many to abound to God. [These results were evident, for by thus showing their liberality to the Jewish Christians they proved to them that they were indeed true and obedient believers in Christ.]

but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;-It carried the thought that the gifts ascended to God through the thanksgiving of those helped. [Unfeigned generosity is in its very nature a sacrifice of praise to God-the answer of our love to his; and it has its best effects when it evokes the thanksgivings to God of those who are the recipients of it. Wherever love is, he must be first and last.]

Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary

the administration: 2Co 9:1, 2Co 8:4

only: 2Co 8:14, 2Co 8:15, Phi 2:25, Phi 4:18, Phi 4:19, Phm 1:4-7, Jam 2:14-16, 1Jo 3:17

Reciprocal: Lev 25:35 – then 2Ch 9:8 – Blessed Job 29:13 – The blessing Psa 145:7 – abundantly Luk 16:9 – Make Rom 12:13 – Distributing Rom 15:26 – the poor 1Co 16:1 – the saints 1Co 16:15 – to the 2Co 1:11 – that 2Co 4:15 – the abundant 2Co 8:19 – to the 2Co 9:11 – which 2Co 11:9 – wanted Eph 4:28 – give 2Ti 1:16 – Lord Tit 3:8 – good Phm 1:6 – the communication Heb 1:14 – ministering Heb 13:16 – communicate Rev 7:12 – thanksgiving

Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2Co 9:12. This expression of thanksgiving that would be caused by the help bestowed upon the poor saints, was as much valued by Paul as the actual relief of their needs by administration of the financial service.

Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary

2Co 9:12. For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

2Co 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. The grammatical construction of this verse is somewhat irregular, and the sense of this clause not quite clear; but the import of it appears to be this: They glorify God for the evidence which your liberality gives of the genuineness of your Christian confession or profession,

and for the liberality of you contribution onto them and unto all;for (says Meyer) by their beneficence towards the Jews, the Corinthians showed that they excluded no Christian from the sincere fellowship of love;

Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament

Still our apostle proceeds, by way of motive, farther to excite and stir up the Corinthians to this charitable contribution, from sundry considerations; namely,

1st. That it would be a very seasonable supply to the church’s wants, who were at this time in great want of it: Now, the seasonableness of any mercy, adds greatly to the worth and value, to the pleasure and sweetness of it.

2ndly, That it would occasion repeated praises and incessant thanksgivings to God, for many persons, and upon many accounts.

3rdly, This distribution of yours, says the apostle, will be a convincing experiment, evidence and demonstration of your professed subjection to the gospel, and that your faith is not barren and ineffectual. No better evidence of our real; subjection to the gospel of Christ, than a cheerful compliance, not with the cheap, but with the costly duties of Christianity.

Lastly, For your alms, you will engage a stock of prayers going for you: This will procure, yea, provoke them to pray night and day for you, nay, not only engage prayer for you, but it will also draw forth their love and fervent affection towards you, make them very desirous of your acquaintance, having received such an experiment of the grace of God that is in you.

Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament

Verse 12 Then, the gift not only provides for the needs of the saints, but also goes up to God in the form of thanks given.

Fuente: Gary Hampton Commentary on Selected Books

For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;

Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)

Verse 12

Of this service; that is, the contribution.–But is abundant also, &c.; that is, it promotes the giving of glory to God by thanksgiving and praise in the manner specified in the 2 Corinthians 9:13-15.

Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament

9:12 {3} For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

(3) Another excellent and double fruit of liberality towards the saints is this, that it gives occasion to praise God, and that our faith also is by it made manifest.

Fuente: Geneva Bible Notes

Their gift would not only meet the needs of their Jewish brethren and cause them to thank God (2Co 9:11 b), but it would also cause many other people to thank God. Paul viewed the benefits of their gift as spilling over onto others who would also praise God for the Corinthians’ generosity. The abundant grace that God has given us will overflow into the lives of many others too if we pass it on.

Fuente: Expository Notes of Dr. Constable (Old and New Testaments)