2 Corinthians 9:1-2
Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul is actually saying it's unnecessary to write about this, not that he won't write. He's implying that the Corinthians already understand the importance and practice of sharing resources with believers in need, so he can jump straight to the practical details of their gift. This shows a deep trust in their existing spiritual maturity and generosity.
Paul has just spent several chapters explaining his apostolic authority and the depth of his love for the Corinthians. Now, he's shifting gears to discuss the practical matter of collecting an offering for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering. He's confident they're already on board, so he can move quickly to the details of how they should give.
Paul starts this chapter saying he doesn't need to write about helping God's people. Why not? Because the Corinthians were already doing a fantastic job!
A Community of Giving
Paul's opening in 2 Corinthians 9:1 is striking. He's about to launch into instructions and encouragement about giving, but he starts by saying it's 'superfluous' – unnecessary – for him to write about the 'ministry for the saints.'
This tells us something profound about the Corinthian church. Despite their struggles and immaturity in other areas Paul addressed, their generosity towards fellow believers was well-established and evident. Paul didn't need to persuade them to start; their hearts were already inclined to give. Their reputation for giving preceded his letter, making any further exhortation on the need to give redundant.
The 'ministry for the saints' isn't just about donating money. It's about actively serving and supporting all of God's people, wherever they are.
Beyond the Offering Plate
The phrase 'ministry for the saints' refers to the practical support and care provided to fellow believers, particularly those in need. In this context, Paul is referring to a collection intended for the 'saints' in Jerusalem who were facing hardship.
This isn't merely about sending a financial gift. It speaks to a broader principle: the church's responsibility to care for its own. 'Saints' are not just perfect people; they are those set apart by God. This ministry is about embodying Christ's love through tangible acts of service, ensuring that the body of Christ is strengthened and supported, especially in times of need.
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.
prothymia · Greek Noun
Readiness indicates a state of being prepared, eager, or willing. It describes a heart attitude of promptness to act in obedience to God or in response to an opportunity for service.
zēlos · Greek Noun
The 'ministry for the saints' refers to the collection Paul organized for impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This wasn't just a casual offering but a significant, carefully managed project undertaken during a time of tension between Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting the importance of unity and mutual care in the early church.
c. AD 49-50
First Jerusalem Council
A crucial meeting where early church leaders addressed the inclusion of Gentiles and their obligations, setting precedents for church unity and practice.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent a significant time in Corinth, establishing the church and dealing with the various issues that arose within this diverse and sometimes fractious community.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Collections for Jerusalem
During his third missionary journey, Paul diligently organized and gathered financial contributions from Gentile churches to aid the suffering Jewish believers in Jerusalem.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
In response to issues within the Corinthian church, Paul wrote his first letter, addressing divisions, moral issues, and spiritual gifts. This letter likely preceded his discussion of the collection.
This passage shows the early church's concern for the needs of believers in other regions, highlighting the ongoing practice of supporting saints that Paul is referring to.
Romans 15:26Paul explicitly states the purpose of the collection for the saints was a sharing or partnership between Jewish and Gentile believers, underscoring the 'ministry for the saints' as a unifying act.
1 Corinthians 16:1-4Here, Paul gives detailed instructions for the collection for the saints, demonstrating the practical organization and importance he placed on this ministry, which he finds 'superfluous' to elaborate on further in 2 Corinthians 9.
2 Corinthians 8:4This verse speaks of the eagerness of the Macedonian churches to share in the 'ministry of the saints,' showing that the response Paul is writing about in 2 Corinthians 9 was already a vibrant reality for some.
Paul is actually saying it's unnecessary to write about this, not that he won't write. He's implying that the Corinthians already understand the importance and practice of sharing resources with believers in need, so he can jump straight to the practical details of their gift. This shows a deep trust in their existing spiritual maturity and generosity.
Paul has just spent several chapters explaining his apostolic authority and the depth of his love for the Corinthians. Now, he's shifting gears to discuss the practical matter of collecting an offering for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering. He's confident they're already on board, so he can move quickly to the details of how they should give.
Paul has just spent several chapters explaining his apostolic authority and the depth of his love for the Corinthians. Now, he's shifting gears to discuss the practical matter of collecting an offering for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering. He's confident they're already on board, so he can move quickly to the details of they should give.
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Zeal refers to intense enthusiasm, earnestness, or fervor in pursuing a goal or cause. Biblically, it often denotes a heart on fire for God, His righteousness, or the practical needs of His people.
c. AD 55-56
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Paul penned his second letter to the Corinthians, likely in multiple parts, addressing ongoing tensions, defending his apostleship, and providing further instructions, including detailed guidance on the collection.
"Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred…" — Paul is actually saying it's unnecessary to write about this, not that he won't write. He's implying that the Corinthians already understand the importance and practice of sharing resources with…
