2 Corinthians 9:6-15

March 30 – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Paul is raising funds throughout the churches of the Mediterranean Area in order to support the needs of the saints back in Jerusalem, who are going through hardship and pestilence.  His goal is on the way back to Jerusalem to stop by and collect the gifts that he will take to the Church there.

In this section of the letter, Paul is driving at the point of this generous service.  He sees this collection for the saints in Jerusalem as an opportunity for the church at large to respond to the grace and love shown in the Gospel that originated in Jerusalem.

Paul wants people to give not because of compulsion but out of generosity.  He encourages them that we reap what we sow. And that God loves a cheerful giver.  He notes that God will work through them in this and supply all things that are needful for them and that God will provide daily bread and that they are an answer to the Jerusalem Christians need for daily bread.
 
By this, the Church will show its oneness as it cares for brothers and sisters in the faith across the world and also together in service.  Paul concludes this section by noting that and praising God for what God accomplishes through them as a sign and mimicking of what Jesus did for all people.