2 Corinthians 9:5

“Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness.”

Context:The book of 2 Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. In this particular chapter, Paul is addressing the topic of giving and generosity. He encourages the Corinthian believers to be cheerful givers and emphasizes the principle of sowing and reaping, highlighting the benefits of generous giving.

Explanation:

“Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren”: Paul is expressing his desire to encourage and advise the believers in Corinth regarding a specific matter.

“That they would go before unto you”: Paul is referring to a group of individuals who were chosen to go ahead of him to Corinth. Their purpose was to make preparations for a generous gift that the Corinthians had previously committed to.

“Make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before”: The phrase “make up beforehand” implies that the Corinthians had already made a commitment or pledge to give a certain amount of money or resources. Paul is urging the chosen individuals to ensure that the Corinthians’ gift is prepared in advance, as they had already been informed about it earlier.

“That the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness”: The purpose of preparing the gift in advance was to ensure that it was given willingly and cheerfully, motivated by a spirit of generosity rather than a sense of greed or covetousness. Paul wanted the Corinthians’ giving to be a genuine expression of their hearts and their willingness to bless others.

Key Themes:

• Generosity and Giving:This verse highlights the importance of generosity and giving willingly. Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to fulfill their commitment to give, emphasizing the value of cheerful and intentional giving.
• Preparedness:Paul stresses the need for the Corinthians to have their gift prepared in advance. This implies the importance of being organized and proactive in fulfilling their commitments.

• Motivation:Paul emphasizes that the motive behind their giving is crucial. He wants the Corinthians to give out of a genuine desire to bless others rather than being driven by selfishness or a desire for personal gain.

Application:

• Cultivate a generous heart:Just as Paul encouraged the Corinthians, we are also called to cultivate a spirit of generosity in our lives. We should be willing to share our resources, time, and talents with others, seeking to bless and uplift those in need.
• Fulfill commitments:It is essential for us to honor our commitments. When we make pledges or promises, whether in financial giving or other areas, we should strive to fulfill them diligently and in a timely manner.
• Examine motives:It is important to regularly examine our motives when giving or engaging in acts of service. We should seek to give with a genuine desire to bless others rather than being driven by selfish ambition or a desire for personal recognition.
• Be prepared and organized:This verse reminds us of the value of being prepared and organized in our giving and service. By planning ahead and being proactive, we can ensure that our acts of generosity are carried out effectively and efficiently.

Remember, studying the Bible in its entirety and exploring the surrounding verses and chapters can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the message and context.