2 Corinthians 9:1
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul isn't saying the topic of helping the poor is unimportant, but rather that his readers already know it's important. They're so familiar with the concept and its necessity that he doesn't need to spend time convincing them why they should give; they're already on board. It reveals their shared understanding and existing commitment to caring for fellow believers in need.
Paul is following up on his previous letter, where he had already discussed the collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. He's now reminding them of this ongoing project, urging them to complete their commitment, and anticipating their generosity with praise for God. This passage highlights the importance of practical generosity as a visible expression of faith and unity within the early church.
Paul starts this section by saying he doesn't need to write more about helping God's people. Why? Because he already knows the Corinthian believers have a generous spirit.
The Corinthian Church's Generosity
Paul is addressing the collection for the struggling believers in Jerusalem. He’s been talking about it, and now he’s shifting gears. He tells them he doesn't need to say more because their eagerness to give is already well-known. This isn't about Paul making them give; it's about recognizing and encouraging the generosity that's already there.
Generosity Rooted in Love
True giving, as Paul sees it, comes from a willing heart, motivated by love for Christ and for fellow believers. It's not a chore or a burden, but a privilege and a joy. When we give out of obligation, it misses the mark. When we give because our hearts are full of God's love, it becomes a beautiful expression of faith.
The 'ministry for the saints' wasn't just charity; it was a vital act of unity and love within the body of Christ.
The Meaning of 'Ministry'
In this context, 'ministry' (Greek: diakonia) refers to service, a helping function. It's about actively meeting the needs of others within the community of faith. This wasn't a secular welfare program but a spiritual undertaking, demonstrating the love of God in practical ways.
Unity in the Body of Christ
This act of giving was intended to create tangible unity between the Gentile churches (like Corinth) and the Jewish believers in Jerusalem. It bridged cultural and economic divides, showing that all believers were one in Christ. Helping the 'saints' (meaning 'holy ones,' referring to all believers) was a sacred duty that strengthened the entire church.
Understand the original words
diakonia · Greek Noun
In a biblical context, ministry refers to service rendered to God or others. It often involves carrying out a specific task or mission, particularly regarding the needs of the church or the proclamation of the gospel.
hagios · Greek Noun
The term saints refers to those who have been set apart or sanctified by God. In the New Testament, it is the standard designation for all believers in Christ, highlighting their position as holy and dedicated to God's service.
Paul writes this in the context of a long-standing, often strained relationship with the Corinthian church. He had previously exhorted them to contribute to a collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem, and by this point, he feels it's almost unnecessary to remind them further, as their commitment should be evident.
c. AD 47-49
First Jerusalem Council
A council was held in Jerusalem to discuss the inclusion of Gentiles in the church and the requirements for them. This established foundational principles for Gentile believers.
c. AD 49-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and Greece, establishing churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth. He often faced significant opposition.
c. AD 52-55
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends an extended period ministering in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor. From here, he writes 1 Corinthians and likely plans his collection for Jerusalem.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's Difficult Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a painful visit to Corinth, which he describes as a 'visit of distress' (2 Cor 2:1). This difficult experience likely contributed to the tension in his later letters.
Paul provides specific instructions for collecting offerings for the needy believers in Jerusalem, detailing the practicalities of the ministry he's discussing in 2 Corinthians 9.
Acts 11:27-30This passage shows the early church responding to a prophecy of famine by sending aid to Judea, demonstrating the importance and practice of such 'ministries for the saints' from the very beginning.
Romans 15:25-27Paul explicitly states his current mission to carry a contribution to Jerusalem, directly relating to the 'ministry for the saints' he is writing about and highlighting the connection between Jewish and Gentile believers.
2 Corinthians 8:1-7This immediately preceding section describes the extraordinary generosity of the Macedonian churches, setting the stage for Paul's encouragement in 2 Corinthians 9 by showing the *spirit* behind the ministry he finds 'superfluous' to explain in detail.
Paul isn't saying the topic of helping the poor is unimportant, but rather that his readers already know it's important. They're so familiar with the concept and its necessity that he doesn't need to spend time convincing them why they should give; they're already on board. It reveals their shared understanding and existing commitment to caring for fellow believers in need.
Paul is following up on his previous letter, where he had already discussed the collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. He's now reminding them of this ongoing project, urging them to complete their commitment, and anticipating their generosity with praise for God. This passage highlights the importance of practical generosity as a visible expression of faith and unity within the early church.
Paul is following up on his previous letter, where he had already discussed the collection for the needy believers in Jerusalem. He's now reminding them of this ongoing project, urging them to complete their commitment, and anticipating their generosity with praise for God. This passage highlights the importance of practical generosity as a visible expression of faith and unity within the early church.
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c. AD 56— this verse
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Written from Macedonia after his difficult visit to Corinth, this letter addresses ongoing issues within the Corinthian church, including their response to Paul's apostolic authority and the collection for Jerusalem.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul visits Corinth again and stays for three months, solidifying relationships and completing the collection for the believers in Jerusalem. This is likely the period when the collection was finally delivered.
"Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints," — Paul isn't saying the topic of helping the poor is unimportant, but rather that his readers already know it's important. They're so familiar with the concept and its necessity that he doesn't nee…
