2 Corinthians 9:1-2
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What Paul subtly reveals here is the deep trust and existing relationship he has with the Corinthians. He could write more, but he knows they're already on board and committed to helping others, making further instructions feel redundant. This speaks volumes about the maturity and generosity he already sees in them.
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)
Paul is continuing his argument about the importance of the collection for the believers in Jerusalem, a group facing hardship. He's already encouraged the Corinthians to be generous and has shared his pride in their readiness to give. This verse signals his transition to discussing the practicalities of their giving, assuring them he doesn't need to persuade them further of the need for the offering itself.
Paul starts this section by saying he doesn't need to write more about giving. Why? Because he knows the Corinthian believers already have a deep desire to give.
Paul's initial statement in 2 Corinthians 9:1 is striking. He says it's "superfluous" – unnecessary – to write more about the offering for the believers in Jerusalem. This isn't because the Corinthians were bad at giving, but because their giving was already established as a willing act.
The Motivation Matters
Paul has already laid the groundwork in chapter 8, praising their eagerness and love. He's not pushing them to give out of guilt or obligation, but reminding them of a genuine generosity that's already present. The true measure of giving isn't the amount, but the spirit in which it's offered. It's a response to God's grace, not a duty to be performed.
Paul sees the Corinthians' willingness to give not just as a financial act, but as evidence of God's work in their lives.
When Paul says writing more is "superfluous," he's implicitly pointing to a deeper reality. The Corinthians' readiness to give is already a fruit of God's grace at work within them. It’s not about Paul convincing them; it’s about them responding to what God has already done.
A Display of God's Work
This generosity is a testament to their transformation. It’s a practical outworking of their faith and a way they are participating in God's larger plan of blessing. Their giving is an overflow of the grace they've received, demonstrating a mature faith that extends beyond themselves.
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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
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.
The collection for the 'saints' (likely poor Jewish believers in Jerusalem) was a long-standing project Paul had initiated. By the time he writes 2 Corinthians, the Corinthians had promised to contribute, and Paul felt it unnecessary to remind them again, as their commitment and progress were evident.
c. AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem
A major early church council addressed issues of Gentile inclusion, particularly regarding the Law of Moses. This set precedents for later church unity and cooperation.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul established a significant church in Corinth during his second missionary journey. This church would later experience divisions and require substantial pastoral guidance from Paul.
c. AD 55
First Letter to the Corinthians
Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthian church, addressing their divisions, immorality, and questions about spiritual gifts. He also likely mentions the ongoing collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem.
c. AD 55-56
Severe Letter to the Corinthians
Following up on his first letter, Paul writes a more severe letter (now lost) expressing disappointment with the Corinthians' response and his own pain. He later refers to this in 2 Corinthians 2:3-5 and 7:8-12.
c. AD 56
The "Painful" Visit to Corinth
Paul makes a difficult, brief visit to Corinth. This visit, described as 'painful' (2 Corinthians 2:1), likely solidified the need for reconciliation and for the Corinthians to prove their repentance.
c. AD 56
Third Letter to the Corinthians (The "Letter of Tears")
Paul writes what is likely the 'severe' or 'letter of tears' (mentioned in 2 Corinthians 2:4, 7:8) to address ongoing issues and perhaps to prepare for his final visit. This letter seems to have been effective in bringing about repentance.
c. AD 56— this verse
Second Letter to the Corinthians Written
Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians, likely from Macedonia. This letter rejoices in their repentance, defends his apostolic authority, and concludes with instructions for the collection.
Paul also writes about collecting funds for the saints in Jerusalem, highlighting the practical aspects of this ministry.
Romans 15:26This passage explains the 'sharing' or 'ministry' of the church in Macedonia and Achaia to the poor among the saints in Jerusalem, mirroring the theme in 2 Corinthians.
Acts 11:29-30This shows the early church's response to a need, demonstrating the consistent practice of supporting fellow believers through gifts, which Paul is now formalizing.
Galatians 2:10James, Peter, and John asked Paul to 'remember the poor,' showing that this ministry to the saints was a significant concern for the apostles.
What Paul subtly reveals here is the deep trust and existing relationship he has with the Corinthians. He could write more, but he knows they're already on board and committed to helping others, making further instructions feel redundant. This speaks volumes about the maturity and generosity he already sees in them.
Paul is continuing his argument about the importance of the collection for the believers in Jerusalem, a group facing hardship. He's already encouraged the Corinthians to be generous and has shared his pride in their readiness to give. This verse signals his transition to discussing the practicalities of their giving, assuring them he doesn't need to persuade them further of the need for the offering itself.
Paul is continuing his argument about the importance of the collection for the believers in Jerusalem, a group facing hardship. He's already encouraged the Corinthians to be generous and has shared his pride in their readiness to give. This verse signals his transition to discussing the practicalities of their giving, assuring them he doesn't need to persuade them further of the need for the offering itself.
"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…" — What Paul subtly reveals here is the deep trust and existing relationship he has with the Corinthians. He could write more, but he knows they're already on board and committed to helping others…
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Last reviewed October 2026
