2 Corinthians 9:10-14 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower By making the earth fruitful; and bread for your food (So Bengelius reads,) namely, all things needful for your souls and bodies. May he supply and multiply (χορηγησαι και πληθυναι) your seed sown Your ability to help others; and increase the fruits of your righteousness The happy effects of your love to God and man: or may he make an ample return for what you have liberally bestowed on the indigent, and abundantly increase and reward your works of mercy and charity. Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness Plentifully furnished with all things that may enable you to exercise the greatest bounty, 1 Timothy 6:18. Which causeth through us thanksgiving to God Both from us who distribute, and them who receive your bounty. For the administration of this service Which we have undertaken, and in which we do as it were officiate for you, in the presentation of this acceptable offering; not only supplieth the wants of the saints In their present exigency; but is abundant by many thanksgivings Which it occasions, to the glory of God. The word λειτουργια, rendered service, in the first clause of the verse, intimates that their contributing to the relief of the poor saints in Judea, was to be considered not merely as an act of humanity, but of religion, most pleasing to God, and suitable to the nature of the gospel. See Hebrews 13:16. While by the experiment Or proof by experience; of this ministration This generous contribution; they glorify God Giving him praise; for your professed subjection This open testimony of your sincere obedience; to the gospel of Christ Which so strictly enjoins works of charity; for your liberal distribution Or communication of your goods to them in their present distress; and to all men In the like circumstances. And by their prayers for you It also produces many prayers to God for you from the poor saints; who long after you Have a great affection for you, and are very desirous of your welfare; for the exceeding grace of God in you Which produces fruits so much for the glory of God, the good of your fellow-creatures, and so highly ornamental to Christianity. The reader will observe, that in this passage, the apostle mentions four different fruits of alms-giving: the relief of the poor, thanksgiving to God from the poor for that relief, the honour done to God by good works, and lastly, the prayers of the poor for their benefactors, proceeding from gratitude and love.