mh_parser/vol_split/47 - 2Corinthians/Chapter 9.xml

<div2 id="iiCor.x" n="x" next="iiCor.xi" prev="iiCor.ix" progress="53.50%" title="Chapter IX">
<h2 id="iiCor.x-p0.1">S E C O N D   C O R I N T H I A N
S.</h2>
<h3 id="iiCor.x-p0.2">CHAP. IX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="iiCor.x-p1">In this chapter the apostle seems to excuse his
earnestness in pressing the Corinthians to the duty of charity
(<scripRef id="iiCor.x-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.1-2Cor.9.5" parsed="|2Cor|9|1|9|5" passage="2Co 9:1-5">ver. 1-5</scripRef>), and proceeds
to give directions about the acceptable way and manner of
performing it, namely, bountifully, deliberately, and freely; and
gives good encouragement for so doing, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.6-2Cor.9.15" parsed="|2Cor|9|6|9|15" passage="2Co 9:6-15">ver. 6, to the end</scripRef>.</p>
<scripCom id="iiCor.x-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9" parsed="|2Cor|9|0|0|0" passage="2Co 9" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="iiCor.x-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.1-2Cor.9.5" parsed="|2Cor|9|1|9|5" passage="2Co 9:1-5" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.9.1-2Cor.9.5">
<h4 id="iiCor.x-p1.5">Charity Urged. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.x-p1.6">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.x-p2">1 For as touching the ministering to the saints,
it is superfluous for me to write to you:   2 For I know the
forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of
Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath
provoked very many.   3 Yet have I sent the brethren, lest our
boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said,
ye may be ready:   4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with
me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be
ashamed in this same confident boasting.   5 Therefore I
thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go
before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had
notice before, that the same might be ready, as <i>a matter of</i>
bounty, and not as <i>of</i> covetousness.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p3">In these verses the apostle speaks very
respectfully to the Corinthians, and with great skill; and, while
he seems to excuse his urging them so earnestly to charity, still
presses them thereto, and shows how much his heart was set upon
this matter.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p4">I. He tells them it was needless to press
them with further arguments to afford relief to their poor brethren
(<scripRef id="iiCor.x-p4.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.1" parsed="|2Cor|9|1|0|0" passage="2Co 9:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>), being
satisfied he had said enough already to prevail with those of whom
he had so good an opinion. For, 1. <i>He knew their forwardness</i>
to every good work, and how they had begun this good work a year
ago, insomuch that, 2. He had boasted of their zeal to the
Macedonians, and this had provoked many of them to do as they had
done. Wherefore he was persuaded, that, as they had begun well,
they would go on well; and so, commending them for what they had
done, he lays an obligation on them to proceed and persevere.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p5">II. He seems to apologize for sending Titus
and the other brethren to them. He is unwilling they should be
offended at him for this, as if he were too earnest, and pressed
too hard upon them; and tells the true reasons why he sent them,
namely, 1. That, having this timely notice, they might be fully
ready (<scripRef id="iiCor.x-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.3" parsed="|2Cor|9|3|0|0" passage="2Co 9:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), and not
surprised with hasty demands, when he should come to them. When we
would have others to do that which is good we must act towards them
prudently and tenderly, and give them time. 2. That he might not be
ashamed of his boasting concerning them, if they should be found
unready, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.3-2Cor.9.4" parsed="|2Cor|9|3|9|4" passage="2Co 9:3,4"><i>v.</i> 3, 4</scripRef>.
He intimates that some from Macedonia might <i>haply come with
him:</i> and, if the collection should not then be made, this would
make him, not to say them, ashamed, considering the boasting of the
apostle concerning them. Thus careful was he to preserve their
reputation and his own. Note, Christians should consult the
reputation of their profession, and endeavour to <i>adorn the
doctrine of God our Saviour.</i></p>
</div><scripCom id="iiCor.x-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.6-2Cor.9.15" parsed="|2Cor|9|6|9|15" passage="2Co 9:6-15" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:2Cor.9.6-2Cor.9.15">
<h4 id="iiCor.x-p5.4">Charity Urged. (<span class="smallcaps" id="iiCor.x-p5.5">a.
d.</span> 57.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="iiCor.x-p6">6 But this <i>I say,</i> He which soweth
sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully shall reap also bountifully.   7 Every man
according as he purposeth in his heart, <i>so let him give;</i> not
grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
  8 And God <i>is</i> able to make all grace abound toward
you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all <i>things,</i>
may abound to every good work:   9 (As it is written, He hath
dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness
remaineth for ever.   10 Now he that ministereth seed to the
sower both minister bread for <i>your</i> food, and multiply your
seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)  
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which
causeth through us thanksgiving to God.   12 For the
administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the
saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;  
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God
for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for
<i>your</i> liberal distribution unto them, and unto all
<i>men;</i>   14 And by their prayer for you, which long after
you for the exceeding grace of God in you.   15 Thanks
<i>be</i> unto God for his unspeakable gift.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p7">Here we have,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p8">I. Proper directions to be observed about
the right and acceptable manner of bestowing charity; and it is of
great concernment that we not only do what is required, but do it
as is commanded. Now, as to the manner in which the apostle would
have the Corinthians give, observe, 1. It should be bountifully;
this was intimated, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.5" parsed="|2Cor|9|5|0|0" passage="2Co 9:5"><i>v.</i>
5</scripRef>, that a liberal contribution was expected, a matter of
bounty, not what savoured of covetousness; and he offers to their
consideration that men who expect a good return at harvest are not
wont to pinch and spare in sowing their seed, for the return is
usually proportionable to what they sow, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.6" parsed="|2Cor|9|6|0|0" passage="2Co 9:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. 2. It should be deliberately
<i>Every man, according as he purposes in his heart,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.7" parsed="|2Cor|9|7|0|0" passage="2Co 9:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>. Works of charity, like
other good works, should be done with thought and design; whereas
some do good only by accident. They comply, it may be hastily, with
the importunity of others, without any good design, and give more
than they intended, and then repent of it afterwards. Or possibly,
had they duly considered all things, they would have given more.
Due deliberation, as to this matter of our own circumstances, and
those of the persons we are about to relieve, will be very helpful
to direct us how liberal we should be in our contributions for
charitable uses. 3. It should be freely, whatever we give, be it
more or less: <i>Not grudgingly, nor of necessity,</i> but
cheerfully, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.7" parsed="|2Cor|9|7|0|0" passage="2Co 9:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>.
Persons sometimes will give merely to satisfy the importunity of
those who ask their charity, and what they give is in a manner
squeezed or forced from them, and this unwillingness spoils all
they do. We ought to give more freely than the modesty of some
necessitous persons will allow them to ask: we should not only deal
out bread, but draw out our souls to the hungry, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:Isa.58.10" parsed="|Isa|58|10|0|0" passage="Isa 58:10">Isa. lviii. 10</scripRef>. We should give liberally,
with an open hand, and cheerfully, with an open countenance, being
glad we have ability and an opportunity to be charitable.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p9">II. Good encouragement to perform this work
of charity in the manner directed. Here the apostle tells the
Corinthians,</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p10">1. They themselves would be no losers by
what they gave in charity. This may serve to obviate a secret
objection in the minds of many against this good work who are ready
to think they may want what they give away; but such should
consider that what is given to the poor in a right manner is far
from being lost; as the precious seed which is cast into the ground
is not lost, though it is buried there for a time, for it will
spring up, and bear fruit; the sower shall receive it again with
increase, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.6" parsed="|2Cor|9|6|0|0" passage="2Co 9:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. Such
good returns may those expect who give freely and liberally in
charity. For, (1.) God loveth a cheerful giver (<scripRef id="iiCor.x-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.7" parsed="|2Cor|9|7|0|0" passage="2Co 9:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>), and what may not those hope to
receive who are the objects of the divine love? Can a man be a
loser by doing that with which God is pleased? May not such a one
be sure that he shall some way or other be a gainer? Nay, are not
the love and favour of God better than all other things, <i>better
than life</i> itself? (2.) God is able to make our charity redound
to our advantage, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.8" parsed="|2Cor|9|8|0|0" passage="2Co 9:8"><i>v.</i>
8</scripRef>. We have no reason to distrust the goodness of God,
and surely we have no reason to question his power; he is <i>able
to make all grace abound</i> towards us, and abound in us; to give
a large increase of spiritual and temporal good things. He can
cause us to have a sufficiency in all things, to be content with
what we have, to make up what we give, to be able to give yet more:
as it is written (<scripRef id="iiCor.x-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Ps.112.9" parsed="|Ps|112|9|0|0" passage="Ps 112:9">Ps. cxii.
9</scripRef>) concerning the charitable man, <i>He hath dispersed
abroad. He hath given to the poor. His righteousness,</i> that is,
his almsgiving, <i>endureth for ever.</i> The honour of it is
lasting, the reward of it eternal, and he is still able to live
comfortably himself and to give liberally to others. (3.) The
apostle puts up a prayer to God in their behalf that they might be
gainers, and not losers, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p10.5" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.10-2Cor.9.11" parsed="|2Cor|9|10|9|11" passage="2Co 9:10,11"><i>v.</i>
10, 11</scripRef>. Here observe, [1.] To whom the prayer is
made—to God, <i>who ministereth seed to the sower,</i> who by his
providence giveth such an increase of the fruits of the earth that
we have not only bread sufficient to eat for one year, but enough
to sow again for a future supply: or thus, It is God who giveth us
not only a competency for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may
supply the wants of others, and so should be as seed to be sown.
[2.] For what he prayeth. There are several things which he desires
for them, namely, that they may have <i>bread for their food,</i>
always a competency for themselves, <i>food convenient,</i>—that
God will <i>multiply their seed sown,</i> that they may still be
able to do more good,—and that there may be <i>an increase of the
fruits of righteousness,</i> that they may reap plentifully, and
have the best and most ample returns of their charity, so as to be
<i>enriched in every thing to all bountifulness</i> (<scripRef id="iiCor.x-p10.6" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.11" parsed="|2Cor|9|11|0|0" passage="2Co 9:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>),—that upon the whole
they may find it true that they shall be no losers, but great
gainers. Note, Works of charity are so far from impoverishing us
that they are the proper means truly to enrich us, or make us truly
rich.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p11">2. While they would be no losers, the poor
distressed saints would be gainers; for this service would
<i>supply their wants,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.12" parsed="|2Cor|9|12|0|0" passage="2Co 9:12"><i>v.</i>
12</scripRef>. If we have reason to think them to be saints, whom
we believe to be of the household of faith, whose wants are great,
how ready should we be to do them good! Our goodness can not extend
unto God, but we should freely extend it to these <i>excellent ones
of the earth,</i> and thus show that we delight in them.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p12">3. This would redound to the praise and
glory of God. Many thanksgivings would be given to God on this
account, by the apostle, and by those who were employed in this
ministration, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.11" parsed="|2Cor|9|11|0|0" passage="2Co 9:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>.
These would bless God, who had made them happy instruments in so
good a work, and rendered them successful in it. Besides these,
others also would be thankful; the poor, who were supplied in their
wants, would not fail to be very thankful to God, and bless God for
them; and all who wished well to the gospel would <i>glorify God
for this experiment,</i> or proof <i>of subjection to the gospel of
Christ,</i> and true love to all men, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.13" parsed="|2Cor|9|13|0|0" passage="2Co 9:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. Note, (1.) True Christianity is
a subjection to the gospel, a yielding of ourselves to the
commanding influence of its truths and laws. (2.) We must evince
the sincerity of our subjection to the gospel by works of charity.
(3.) This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the
praise and glory of God.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p13">4. Those whose wants were supplied would
make the best return they were able, by sending up many prayers to
God for those who had relieved them, <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.14" parsed="|2Cor|9|14|0|0" passage="2Co 9:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. And thus should we recompense
the kindnesses we receive when we are not in a capacity of
recompensing them in any other way; and, as this is the only
recompence the poor can make, so it is often greatly for the
advantage of the rich.</p>
<p class="indent" id="iiCor.x-p14"><i>Lastly,</i> The apostle concludes this
whole matter with this doxology, <i>Thanks be to God for his
unspeakable gift,</i> <scripRef id="iiCor.x-p14.1" osisRef="Bible:2Cor.9.15" parsed="|2Cor|9|15|0|0" passage="2Co 9:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>. Some think that by this unspeakable gift he means
the gift of grace bestowed on the churches, in making them able and
willing to supply the necessities of the saints, which would be
attended with unspeakable benefit both to the givers and receivers.
It should seem rather that he means Jesus Christ, who is indeed the
unspeakable gift of God unto this world, a gift we have all reason
to be very thankful for.</p>
</div></div2>