2 Corinthians 9

The Collection for Christians in Jerusalem

1 Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry for the saints,2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.3 But I am sendingt the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be.4 Otherwise, if some Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated—to say nothing of you—for being so confident.5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the giftt you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction.t

The Cheerful Giver

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifullyt will also reap bountifully.7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiencyt in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

9 As it is written,
"He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."

10 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.11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.13 By their approval of this service, theyt will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

2 Corinthians 9

1 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.3 But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,4 so that I won’t by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confident boasting.5 I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.6 Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.7 Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.

9 As it is written,

“He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains forever.”t
10 Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;11 you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.12 For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;13 seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all;14 while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!