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 9:13

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

They glorify God because you are so obedient to the Gospel, that you fulfill its commandments with generosity; for the Gospel teaches almsgiving. And in another way they glorify God — for your simplicity and goodness, poured out not only toward them, but also toward all the faithful poor. For they do not envy, as other beggars do, but give thanks that you give to others as well, which is a sign of their great virtue. Therefore, to those so free from envy and so virtuous, one ought to give with greater generosity.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

This thanksgiving is given for three reasons. First, for their faith, which they have received; hence he says: I say that they abound in thanksgiving, the faithful glorifying God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ, i.e., the confession of your faith, by which you confess and believe in Christ: "Let your light so shine before men" (Matt. 5:16); "The word of a man who hears will endure" (Prov. 21:28). …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗