2 Corinthians 9:1-5
1 For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints;
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.
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;
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.
5 So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers that they go on ahead to you and arrange in advance your previously promised generous gift, that the same would be ready as a generous gift, and not as one grudgingly given due to greediness.
The Need to Prepare the Offering in Advance
Paul’s worry
The subject of the offering for the believers in Jerusalem continues. (1) The Corinthian believers were the first to decide enthusiastically to carry out this offering. This had begun the previous year. (2) Paul was very proud of this, and when he visited Macedonia, he boasted about the Corinthian church to the churches there. The churches of Macedonia included the churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, and others. (3) When the Macedonian believers heard this, they were greatly inspired and began to give generously out of their extreme poverty. Paul himself was deeply moved by their sacrificial love. (4) However, the Corinthian believers, who had first initiated this plan, had not yet carried it out. Paul intends to visit Corinth in the future, bringing with him representatives of the churches of Macedonia. If the offering is not ready by then, Paul will be greatly embarrassed before the representatives from Macedonia. Not only Paul, but the Corinthian believers as well, will be put to shame.
The reason for sending the brothers
In order to avoid the embarrassment of having the offering unprepared, Paul is sending the brothers (the three men mentioned in chapter 8, including Titus) to make arrangements for the offering in advance. Paul’s prayer and desire is that the offering would not be given reluctantly under compulsion, but voluntarily, prompted by love. We too make many plans and promises before the Lord. However, even though we may be experts at making plans, we are often lazy when it comes to carrying them out. Our devoted way of life encourages many others. Are there any plans you made before the Lord that you have forgotten? If so, let us carry them out joyfully, not under compulsion, but prompted by love. The Lord will help those who act in this way.
Today's prayer
Almighty God, You know everything about me. Please give me strength so that I may complete to the end what I have planned. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.