2 Corinthians 9
Lutheran reading notes
In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, the message of the gospel develops the theme of Paul’s defense of ministry and encouragement to believers. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
2 Corinthians 9:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 9:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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:
2 Corinthians 9:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
2 Corinthians 9:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
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. {bounty: Gr. blessing} {whereof...: or, which hath been so much spoken of before}
2 Corinthians 9:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
6
But this {I say}, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
2 Corinthians 9:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, {so let him give}; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
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:
2 Corinthians 9:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
(As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
2 Corinthians 9:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
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;)
2 Corinthians 9:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. {bountifulness: or, liberality: Gr. simplicity}
2 Corinthians 9:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
2 Corinthians 9:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
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};
2 Corinthians 9:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
2 Corinthians 9:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
15
Thanks {be} unto God for his unspeakable gift.
2 Corinthians 9:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.