Chapter 9
Additional Information Regarding the Collection
Paul continues regarding the collection for the believers in Jerusalem, like between chapters one and two, there probably should be not have been a chapter break at this location (remember Bible verses and chapter breaks were added nearly 1,300 years after the Bible was compiled).
9:1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, 2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
Paul knows it was unnecessary to write to them about collection for the believers in Jerusalem, as he knew they would be ready, but since he was boasting about them to the believers in Macedonia and that their zeal stirred them into action themselves, he was sending these men ahead so that they would indeed be ready.
9:4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.
He surmises that if some of the Macedonians came with Paul and saw that they weren’t ready, it would be embarrassing for everyone. So, Paul sent these men ahead to receive the gift they had promised to give, in order that it would be a willingly-given gift instead of one that is an exaction (Greek ‘pleonexion’, to take advantage of someone, usually motivated by greed, in context receiving something in return).
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
9:6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
To make sure they understand what lesson he is trying to teach, Paul makes a point that if some choose not to support the kingdom of God that they will not be fully blessed. But if they see a need and give accordingly, they will be fully blessed. The gift, regardless of amount, should be given willingly without reluctance. It should never be through compulsion or threat, as it needs to be cheerfully given. These verses are undoubtedly familiar to most believers, especially from pastors giving sermons on financial giving. Paul is not establishing some new concept or command, this premise has been taught throughout the Bible (see Deuteronomy 15:10; Proverbs 11:24-25; Malachi 3:10; Luke 6:38; Galatians 6:7-9; Philippians 4:19). Paul proclaims that God loves a cheerful giver.
9:8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
Paul begins to make the case that God is able to make grace abound for them (and us) so that their needs will be sufficiently met at all times and be fully blessed. He starts by quoting Psalm 112:9 which states that God gives freely to the poor. He adds that God supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, which will in turn will multiply the seed and increase the harvest due to their generosity. He notes that when they distribute the money to the people in need they will thank God. Therefore, this collection effort will have two major benefits, the needs for the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their gratitude and thanks to God.
9:13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
As a result of this service the recipients will not only glorify God, it will offer tangible evidence to demonstrate to the world that the giver’s confession of the gospel of Jesus is real. Those that will receive the money will pray for them with great affection due to the overflowing grace of God in them. Paul closes with the proclamation, “Thanks be to God for this gift that is too wonderful to describe!”
Considerations
Giving is an Act of Faith
When it comes to wealth management the idea of giving money away to make more money doesn’t make sense. Paul would have been laughed out of Wall Street! While it is true that Paul instructs us to give out of what we can afford (see 2 Corinthians 8:11-12), he also wrote, “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” If someone holds back due to doubt that they will be able to have enough money to pay the bills, Paul says they will receive back from God sparingly. What does that mean? I think that varies, often depending on one’s relationship with God. But note that whoever gives generously will receive bountifully. Again, I believe that result varies based on relationship, scenarios, situation, etc. Giving to God is an act of faith when we don’t have enough to get by, but give anyway. When we are saving for something special, but generously give it away. When we see a need and offer assistance without being asked knowing it will require cutting back on something else. And the list goes on.
The prophet Malachi was given insight regarding this principle, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3:10, ESV) This is the only time God allows us to test him, so test Him and see! He will indeed give back abundantly, He promised He would, and He doesn’t lie!
Give to what? For most that would be your church, but it doesn’t end there. If the Holy Spirit puts a burden on your heart, listen carefully as it may involve your time or other resources too (that He will also provide or replenish). But as always with every decision you make, pray about it. Remember, faith in action offers a visible and tangible testimony to the truth of the gospel message.