9:1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the ①saints;
▷ ①Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
9:2 for I know your willingness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, namely, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
9:3 But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you will be prepared;
9:4 otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame by this confidence.
9:5 So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers that they go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised ①generous gift, that the same would be ready as a ②generous gift, and not as one grudgingly given due to greediness.
▷ ①Lit blessing ②Lit blessing
9:6 Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows ①generously will also reap ②generously.
▷ ①Lit with blessings ②Lit with blessings
9:7 Each one must do just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
9:8 And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
9:9 as it is written:
“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE POOR,
HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS ①ENDURES FOREVER.”
▷ ①Lit remains
9:10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
9:11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
9:12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the ①saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
▷ ①Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
9:13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your ①contribution to them and to all,
▷ ①Or sharing with them
9:14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
9:15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!