Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints…
2 Corinthians 9:1-5
Paul, here, addresses the collection of gifts for the poor, oppressed Christians in the church at Jerusalem. Paul had mentioned the collection in chapter 8, while referring to the churches in Macedonia (northern Greece) who were giving generously out their own poverty to the saints in Jerusalem. Paul was dealing with the Corinthian church, in Achaia (southern Greece), which had become influenced by false teachers in their midst. They had spread false teachings and lies about Paul and his ministry. So, Paul is simply calling the Corinthian Christians back to the eagerness and readiness to serve they once exhibited when they were first saved. The Corinthian church had pledged a large sum to be collected to be sent to Jerusalem. Paul wrote that the Corinthian Christians zeal for this collection had been noticed by the Macedonian Christians and Macedonia was eager to give even out of their poverty. So, Paul writes that, when the brothers, from Macedonia, arrive to collect the gift, they will not be disappointed by the gift of the Corinthian Christians. And, Paul is sending some brothers ahead of the ones to collect the gift so that the Corinthian Christians may not be embarrassed by the gift if it turns out to be small as they had boasted of a large gift. These brothers would help the Corinthians to keep their promise of a large gift and the Corinthians did not want to embarrass the Macedonian Christians by giving less than the Corinthian Christians had boasted of. Paul also writes that the Corinthian gift should be one coming from a willing congregation and not as an extortion, or exaction, as they had boasted of. This statement of Paul will lead Paul to write of being a cheerful giver which we will look at in our next devotion. By way of application of today’s Scripture, today’s Christians must understand that giving to God, whether it be our talents, time or, finances, must be from a willing heart and not from a sense of obligation. Everything belongs to God anyway and all we are asked to give back to Him is only a portion of all that God has graciously given to us. Are your gifts to God coming from a sense of gratitude or obligation? There is a difference, you know.
Source: S C Ball December 31, 2023
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