“Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you” (2 Corinthians 9:1).
Although 2 Corinthians chapter nine is one of the shortest chapters in this Biblical letter, it carries more impact than its brevity might suggest. You see, this portion of Scripture represents the second installment of a two-part discussion on the subject of financial giving. That discussion began in 2 Corinthians chapter eight and continues into chapter nine in two distinct parts.
The opening five verses of 2 Corinthians chapter nine deal with the motivational efforts that Paul the Apostle used to encourage the Corinthians to follow through on their commitments. The second portion covers verses six through fifteen. Those verses provide us with a number of important insights that should direct our approach to financial giving.
The ministry referenced here in 2 Corinthians 9:1 involved a monetary offering for the members of the Christian community in Judea and Jerusalem. Paul also mentioned this relief effort in the Biblical book of Romans as he discussed his upcoming travel plans with the church at Rome…
“But before I come, I must go down to Jerusalem to take a gift to the Jewish Christians there. For you see, the Christians in Macedonia and Achaia have taken up an offering for those in Jerusalem who are going through such hard times. They were very glad to do this, for they feel that they owe a real debt to the Jerusalem Christians.
Why? Because the news about Christ came to these Gentiles from the church in Jerusalem. And since they received this wonderful spiritual gift of the Gospel from there, they feel that the least they can do in return is to give some material aid” (Romans 15:25-27 TLB).
These passages from Romans and 2 Corinthians are linked by their geographic references. Since Corinth was the leading city of Achaia and the Macedonians are mentioned several times within 2 Corinthians chapters eight and nine, this undoubtedly means that the passage from Romans quoted above refers to the very same offering that Paul will go on to discuss over the course of this chapter.
Nevertheless, it seems ironic for Paul to say that it was unnecessary (or superfluous) for him to write about this matter, especially since he will go on to do that very thing. Perhaps, as one commentator suspects, “…if the Corinthian Christians were really as ready and willing as Paul seems to indicate, he really wouldn’t need to write this at all.” (1)
(1) David Guzik, 2 Corinthians 9 – How God Wants Us To Give © Copyright – Enduring Word https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/2-corinthians-9/