Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
back to: 2 Corinthians
Book: 2 Corinthians
Chapter: 9
Overview:
The reason for sending Titus to collect their Alms. (1-5) The
Corinthians to be liberal and cheerful, The Apostle thanks God
for his unspeakable Gift. (6-15)
1-5 When we would have others do good, we must act toward them
prudently and tenderly, and give them time. Christians should
consider what is for the credit of their profession, and
endeavour to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all
things. The duty of ministering to the saints is So Plain, that
there would seem No need to exhort Christians to it; yet
self-Love contends So powerfully against the Love of Christ,
that it is often necessary to stir up their minds By way of
remembrance.
6-15 Money bestowed in Charity, may to the Carnal mind seem
thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed
sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should
be given carefully. Works of Charity, like other good Works,
should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our
circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct
our Gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be
it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some
scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet,
and it tends to poverty. If we had more Faith and Love, we
should waste less On ourselves, and sow more in Hope of a
plentiful increase. Can a Man lose By doing that with which God
is pleased? He is able to make all Grace abound towards us, and
to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of
temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all
things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only
enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the
wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must
show the reality of our subjection to the Gospel, By Works of
Charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to
the praise and Glory of God. Let us endeavour to copy the
Example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it
more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the
unspeakable Gift of his Grace, whereby he enables and inclines
some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be
grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all
eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable Gift of his Love,
through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to Life
and Godliness, are freely given unto us, Beyond all expression,
Measure, or bounds.
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