This concern brings him, however, to a renewed consideration of the grace or liberality, and of the blessings attached to it. He touches in succession on the proper temper of such liberality (2 Corinthians 9:6 f.), viz. generous self-determination to sacrifice, such as meets with the Divine approval (quotation from Proverbs 22:8, LXX), the source both of the impulse and of the means for such liberality (2 Corinthians 9:8 ff.), and the ultimate issue of it in widespread thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:12-15). God it is who is able to make every kind of grace, including this of liberality, to abound; and it is He also who provides the means for their display of liberality, making this indeed its consequence and reward, so that their righteousness, i.e. beneficence (cf. Matthew 6:1) need know no end. Paul's thought here runs closely parallel to the teaching of Jesus on almsgiving. Liberality is the expression not only of love to the brethren, but of confidence in the liberality of God, a confidence which shall not be disappointed. This is the true ministry of Divine service (cf. James 1:27), issuing not only in the relief of God's people but in exulting recognition of the power of the gospel as an inspiration to sacrifice and service. That it is hardly possible to exaggerate the significance which Paul attached to the collection, and the grace of liberality of which it was the symbol, appears from the closing verse. The unspeakable gift is either that grace of brotherly love and unity among communities so diverse from one another of which the collection is the expression, or it is the gift of Jesus Christ as leading to, and interpreting itself in, that unity, generosity, and gratitude.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
9 (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever.
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness,b which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.