2 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 9
Paul’s Final instructions concerning the Collection. 2 Cor. 9, 1-15.
The example set by the readiness of the Corinthians: V.1. For as touching the ministering of the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. V.2. 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. v.3. 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, v.4. 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.
Paul’s kind diplomacy and pastoral tact is evident in every line of this admonition. In an almost apologetic manner he writes: For so far as the ministry which is intended for the saints is concerned, it is superfluous for me to be writing to you.
Of the need of the brethren in Judea and of the necessity of the collection for them the Corinthians had been convinced long ago, aside from the fact that they were fully aware of their Christian duty to help all such as were suffering. That fact, therefore, the apostle did not feel called upon to stress; on that point they needed no further instruction. His suggestions concerned only the time and the manner of making the offering.
The apostle takes this opportunity of acknowledging with proper praise their stand in the matter of this collection: For I know your willingness, which I praise of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was fully prepared a year ago; and your zeal has provoked the majority.
It was a source of the greatest pleasure and gratification to Paul whenever he could make a favorable report concerning any person, particularly when such information would tend to encourage and incite others to make progress in sanctification.
And here was a splendid opportunity, since, as he had stated above, chap. 8, 10. 11, the Christians of Corinth had accepted the obligation and stated their readiness to take part in the proposed collection for the poor at Jerusalem when he first laid the matter before them. '
The Corinthian congregation, as we here learn, had not been alone in passing favorable resolutions with regard to the project, but the other congregations of the province had declared their willingness to join them in their charitable undertaking, and Paul could make his boast accordingly.
The result had been that the churches of Macedonia and the majority of their members had been inspired to a like zeal; they had come to the front all the more promptly and liberally, as Paul had written above, chap. 8, 1-4; they had even, in turn, proved an example to the Corinthians by forging ahead of them in the actual execution of the ministry.
For that reason Paul, feeling that the Corinthians only needed encouragement to complete the work as soon as possible, tells them: At the same time I have sent the brethren, that our glorying about you might not be rendered void in this respect, in order that, even as I said, you may be fully prepared, lest, if any Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared, be brought to shame we (that we say not, you) in this confidence.
As the apostle had said, the Corinthian Christians indeed knew their duty and had declared their willingness to perform the same, but he was anxious for them to carry out their intention soon.
That was the reason why he sent Titus and his two companions with this letter, to remind them of their promise, and to urge them to have their collection finished by the time he himself could come. For it was probable that some of the brethren of Macedonia might make the journey to Corinth with him.
If it appeared then, upon his arrival with these brethren, who knew of his confident boasting concerning the Corinthians, that the collection had not yet been completed, the situation would be most embarrassing. It would bring shame upon the apostle, who had spoken so confidently of their eagerness to help in this emergency; but still more would it redound to the shame of the Corinthians, not only because they had not lived up to his expectations, but also because they would stand before the Macedonian brethren as negligent in their Christian duty. Paul felt sure, incidentally, that their love for him was stronger than their solicitude for their own honor.
Note: Though the love of Christ should always be the supreme motive of a Christian congregation with regard to all works of holiness, the fact that their pastor, too, may suffer in his good name on account of their remissness may also be urged under circumstances.