Paul was holding the Corinthians accountable to their volunteer engagement to contribute financially to the church of Jesus Christ. The apostle informed the believers in Corinth of Titus’ eagerness to fulfill the mission of collecting the Corinthians’ contribution, to be taken to the impoverished Christians in Jerusalem.
Titus had an existing relationship with the Corinthians and would prove himself a trustworthy laborer, years later ordained by Paul as bishop of Gortyn, in Crete.
“1 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; 2 for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.” (2 Corinthians 9:1-2)
Paul refers to financial assistance to the poor Christians in Jerusalem as “ministering” to them, which had already been assigned as Corinth’s responsibility toward God almighty as they return to Him what was already His to begin with. Leaders of the Corinthian church, who once considered it a blessing to give in ways where they had been prosperous.
Though the apostle felt there was no need to remind the Corinthians once again of the importance of the issue, he never the less reinforces his point by mentioning the fulfillment of the commitment by surrounding churches throughout Achaia as well as Macedonian churches. The Macedonians had been lifted up by the fact collection had begun in Achaia over a year prior, but the Corinthians’ contribution was not yet counted as part of the collection.
“3 Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready; 4 lest if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.” (2 Corinthians 9:3-4)
The brethren here are appointed believers sent out to prepare the Corinthians for Paul’s forthcoming visit upon the conclusion of his current mission in Macedonia. The apostle reminds the Corinthians of his upcoming trip which is certain to include Macedonian believers who would not be impressed by an incomplete Corinthian collection.
Paul was been speaking so favorably of the Corinthian church until this issue, the result of a seed planted by Judaizers, false teachers went to war against the Christian movement by attacking the apostle.
“5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation.” (2 Corinthians 9:5)
Paul inspired the brethren to leave ahead of him so the Corinthians’ offering could be gathered and prepared as previously agreed upon. It would not be accounted for by the men appointed by Paul which is the fulfillment of a promise made by the Corinthians as an act of generosity.
Tithing is explained as the firstfruits, the best of what He blesses us with should be given back onto the divine provider.
Those blessed with the opportunity to give should consider themselves anointed in that area of their lives. Too many believers today either do not give back to the Lord what is already His or worse yet, skeptics only give an insignificant amount compared to their income. Both are missing out on the fulfillment of God’s promise, that those who trust in Him with our finances will be blessed beyond measure… Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
