2 Corinthians 9:13 - God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Because of the proof this ministry provides
This phrase highlights the tangible evidence of the ministry's effectiveness. In the context of 2 Corinthians, Paul is referring to the collection for the Jerusalem church, which serves as a testament to the unity and love among believers. The "proof" is not just in words but in action, demonstrating the sincerity of their faith (James 2:18). This act of giving is a practical expression of the gospel's transformative power, showing that faith without works is dead (James 2:26).

The saints will glorify God
The term "saints" refers to the believers, particularly those in Jerusalem who are receiving the aid. The act of glorifying God is a central theme throughout Scripture, as seen in passages like Psalm 115:1 and Matthew 5:16. The generosity of the Corinthians leads to thanksgiving and praise, fulfilling the purpose of good works as a testimony to God's grace and provision.

For your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ
This phrase underscores the importance of obedience in the Christian faith. The "confession of the gospel" implies a public declaration and living out of one's faith in Jesus Christ. Obedience is a recurring theme in the New Testament, as seen in John 14:15, where Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands." The Corinthians' actions are a direct response to the gospel, showing that true faith results in obedience (Romans 1:5).

And for the generosity of your contribution to them
Generosity is a hallmark of Christian living, reflecting the character of God who gives abundantly (James 1:5). The Corinthians' contribution is not just financial but also a symbol of their love and solidarity with the broader body of Christ. This act of giving is reminiscent of the early church's practice of sharing resources (Acts 2:44-45), demonstrating the unity and mutual care among believers.

And to all the others
This phrase indicates that the impact of the Corinthians' generosity extends beyond the immediate recipients. It suggests a ripple effect, where their actions inspire and encourage others within the Christian community. This aligns with the principle found in 2 Corinthians 8:14, where Paul speaks of equality and mutual support among churches. The broader implication is that acts of kindness and generosity have far-reaching effects, promoting unity and strengthening the church as a whole.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, addressing the church in Corinth regarding their generosity and the impact of their ministry.

2. The Corinthian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, encouraged to continue their generous support for the saints in Jerusalem.

3. The Saints in Jerusalem
The beneficiaries of the Corinthian church's generosity, facing hardship and in need of support.

4. God
The ultimate recipient of glory through the obedience and generosity of believers.

5. The Gospel of Christ
The message of salvation and the foundation for the Corinthians' obedience and generosity.

Teaching Points

Obedience to the Gospel
Our actions should reflect our commitment to the teachings of Christ. The Corinthians' generosity was a testament to their obedience to the gospel.

Generosity as Worship
Giving is not just a financial transaction but an act of worship that brings glory to God. Our contributions should be made with a heart of worship.

Impact of Ministry
The ministry of giving has a ripple effect, leading others to glorify God. Our generosity can inspire faith and gratitude in others.

Community Support
The church is called to support one another, especially in times of need. Our contributions can provide relief and encouragement to fellow believers.

Eternal Perspective
Our earthly resources are tools for eternal purposes. By investing in God's kingdom, we store up treasures in heaven.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from 2 Corinthians 9What are spiritual disciplines?Why does God appear silent or absent?1 Corinthians 16:19 - Is there any credible extra-biblical source confirming Aquila and Prisca's house church, or is this couple's ministry only found in Scripture?What is the role of church ushers?

(13) Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God.--The construction of the Greek sentence is again that of a participle which has no direct grammatical connection with what precedes, but the English version sufficiently expresses the meaning. Test would, perhaps, be a better word than "experiment." The word is the same as that rendered, with a needless variation, "experience" in Romans 5:4, "trial" in 2Corinthians 8:2, "proof" in 2Corinthians 13:3.

Your professed subjection.--The English version makes the not unfrequent mistake of merging the genitive in a somewhat weak adjective. Literally, in your obedience to the confession of faith. The latter noun is used in this sense in 1Timothy 6:12-13; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14. The word seems to have acquired a half-technical significance, like that which attaches to "faith" and "religion" used objectively. . . .

Verse 13. - By the experiment of this ministration; rather, by the test (of your love) furnished by this ministration (2 Corinthians 8:2). For your professed subjection; literally, for the submission of your confession to the gospel of Christ. And for your liberal distribution unto them; rather, and for the simplicity of your fellowship towards them. A large contribution would prove two things; namely,

(1) that the Corinthians showed due subjection to the truths and duties which they theoretically accepted as resulting from the gospel; and

(2) that they were united to their Jewish-Christian brethren and to all others in single-hearted fellowship. It is very doubtful whether haplotes ever means "liberality," and koinonia is here better understood of "communion" than of "communication." Unto all men. For if the Corinthians behaved with such brotherly kindness to the once-despised Jews, who were now their Christian brethren, they would be not likely to refuse fellowship with any others. Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

Because of
διὰ (dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

proof
δοκιμῆς (dokimēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1382: A trial, proof; tried, approved character. From the same as dokimos; test; by implication, trustiness.

this
ταύτης (tautēs)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

ministry {provides},
διακονίας (diakonias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1248: Waiting at table; in a wider sense: service, ministration. From diakonos; attendance; figuratively aid, service.

[the saints] will glorify
δοξάζοντες (doxazontes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1392: To glorify, honor, bestow glory on. From doxa; to render glorious.

God
Θεὸν (Theon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

for
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

your
ὑμῶν (hymōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

obedient
ὑποταγῇ (hypotagē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5292: Subjection, submission, obedience. From hupotasso; subordination.

confession
ὁμολογίας (homologias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3671: A profession, confession. From the same as homologeo; acknowledgment.

of
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gospel
εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.

of Christ,
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[for the] generosity
ἁπλότητι (haplotēti)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 572: Simplicity, sincerity, purity, graciousness. From haplous; singleness, i.e. sincerity, or generosity.

of [your]
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

contribution
κοινωνίας (koinōnias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2842: From koinonos; partnership, i.e. participation, or intercourse, or benefaction.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

them
αὐτοὺς (autous)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

all [the others].
πάντας (pantas)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

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2 Corinthians 9:13 Catholic BibleNT Letters: 2 Corinthians 9:13 Seeing that through the proof given (2 Cor. 2C iiC 2Cor ii cor iicor)