Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Corinthians 9:12

"For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God;" — 2 Corinthians 9:12 (ASV)

The believers at Corinth are now reminded of the encouraging results that will stem from their generous gift. Not only does “this service” of giving enrich the donor (vv.6–11) and help supply the needs of the recipients (v.12a), but above all, it promotes the glory of God by prompting “many expressions of thanks” to him. The saints at Jerusalem, as well as other Christians who heard of the collection, would praise God because this act of Christian service had proved the reality and vigor of the Corinthians’ faith (v.13a), which may have come under suspicion at Jerusalem through reports of certain irregularities in their church. Then there would be two items for thanksgiving: (1) the Corinthians’ obedience to the dictates of the Gospel that accompanied their “confession of the gospel of Christ”; (2) their sacrificial liberality demonstrated in sharing material benefits with the Jerusalem church and therefore in one sense with all Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 12:26). Praise is offered less for the gift itself than for the spiritual virtues of the donors expressed in the gift.