Fathers

2 Corinthians 9

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For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 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. 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: 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. 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 a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

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What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 9:12

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

What he says is this; 'in the first place ye not only supply the wants of the saints, but ye are abundant even;' that is, 'ye furnish them with even more than they need: next, through them ye send up thanksgiving to God, for they glorify Him for the obedience of your confession.' For that he may not represent them as giving thanks on this account solely, (I mean, because they received somewhat,) see how high-minded he makes them, exactly as he himself says to the Philippians, "Not that I desire a gift." (Philippians chapter 4, verse …

Homily 20 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

"The ministration of this service," he says, that is, assistance with possessions, accomplishes much, for it not only supplies the need of the brethren, but also "abounds," that is, provides them more than what is needed; and this service and testimony of the ministry of love for mankind calls forth many thanksgivings.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Cyprian

And again: "The administration of this service shall not only supply the wants of the saints, but shall be abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; ". Also in the same place: "The administration of this service has not only supplied that which is lacking to the saints, but has abounded by much giving of thanks unto God."

Treatise VIII On Works and Alms ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, for the rendering of this service, he explains the reason mentioned above, namely, how their abundance works thanksgiving to God. First he shows this; secondly, the reason for thanks (v. 13); thirdly, he breaks out in thanksgiving (v. 14). He says therefore: I say that your abundance works thanksgiving to God, for the rendering of this service of yours, by which you help the saints, has many good results: "As a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want" (2 Cor. 8:14). …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗