Within Paul’s ongoing argument, 9:6–15 therefore serves to support 9:5, the main point of 9:1–5, by expressing the collection’s theological basis (God’s abundant grace) and purpose (the praise of God’s glory). In order to do so, the goal of 9:6–15 is to make clear why the Corinthians’ gifts must be an expression of “blessing” rather than being wrenched out of greedy hearts by the threat of God’s impending judgment. Paul’s argument begins in 9:6 with a proverbial statement, variations of which are