9:1 ministry to the saints Refers to the collection of financial relief Paul is gathering for the poor believers in Jerusalem. Since the Corinthians already knew about this project (1 Cor 16:1–4), Paul did not need to explain it to them again. See note on 2 Cor 8:4.

9:2 Macedonians See note on 8:1.

ready to help since last year Paul advised the Corinthians to set aside money for this collection last year (1 Cor 16:1–3). Their enthusiasm for this project inspired other churches to participate, even though the Corinthians had not yet contributed.

9:3 sending the brothers A team of believers would have collected the offering the Corinthian believers set aside for this project (1 Cor 16:1–3; 2 Cor 8:16–24). Paul presents this as an opportunity for the Corinthians to demonstrate the authenticity of their faith and love for the saints.

9:4 would be humiliated Paul risked his reputation by commending the Corinthians’ eagerness and generosity to the Macedonians. He presents their example as motivation to have their gift ready when Titus and the others arrive.

9:5 generous gift In the first century, the city of Corinth was renowned for its prosperity. Although some believers were not wealthy (1 Cor 1:26–29), the church as a whole possessed more than other churches. Paul wants to ensure that they give their generous gift with the right attitude and motivation; he sends some believers to help organize the gift to remove any sense of compulsion.

promised previously See 2 Cor 8:10 and note; compare 8:11.

9:7 cheerful giver Paul echoes Prov 22:9 and other ot passages to emphasize God’s delight in those who give with the right attitude (compare Exod 25:2; 35:5; Deut 15:10).

9:8 God is able to cause all grace The Corinthians may have felt concerned about giving money because of the uncertainty of life in the ancient world. Paul does not want this to be reason for them to withhold their generosity. Paul affirms that God can provide everything they need, just as He is doing for the church in Jerusalem.

9:9 his righteousness remains forever Paul quotes Psa 112:9 to suggest that giving alms and being generous are expressions of God’s righteousness.

9:10 supplies seed Paul alludes to Isa 55:10—a song of joy celebrating Israel’s promised restoration (see note on 2 Cor 1:3)—as further support that God provides for His creation. For this reason, the Corinthian believers should feel free to give generously to the collection, without fear that their own needs will go unmet.

9:11 generosity Paul wants the Corinthians to understand that their abundance exists for the sake of generosity and thanksgiving. See 8:14–15.

9:12 service of this ministry Paul points out that the Corinthians’ generosity would not only benefit the church in Jerusalem, it would also be a gift of thanksgiving to God (see note on v. 7). See note on v. 1.

9:14 grace of God Paul’s use of charis refers to the kindness expressed in generosity, but it may also include knowledge of God for salvation (see also 8:1).

9:15 his indescribable gift Refers to Christ, who brought about salvation through His life, death, and resurrection. It may also refer to His generosity: He became poor so that those who believe in Him might become rich (8:9). Paul appropriately closes his appeal for the Corinthian church to give generously by thanking God for His generous gift.