John Calvin Commentary 2 Corinthians 1:11

"ye also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf." — 2 Corinthians 1:11 (ASV)

That the gift bestowed upon us through many persons. Since there is some difficulty in Paul’s words, interpreters differ regarding the meaning. I will not spend time refuting the interpretations of others, nor indeed is there any need for this, provided we are satisfied with the true and proper meaning.

He had said that the prayers of the Corinthians would be an assistance to him. He now adds a second advantage that would accrue from it—a higher manifestation of God’s glory. “For whatever God will confer upon me,” he says, “being, as it were, obtained through many persons, will also, by many, be celebrated with praises.” Or in this way — “Many will give thanks to God on my behalf because, by affording help to me, he has favorably regarded the prayers, not merely of one but of many.”

In the first place, while it is our duty to allow no favor from God to pass without rendering praise, it is fitting for us, nevertheless, especially when our prayers have been favorably regarded by him, to acknowledge his mercy with thanksgiving, as he commands us to do in Psalm 50:15.

Nor should this be merely where our own personal interest is concerned, but also where the welfare of the Church in general, or that of any one of our fellow believers, is involved. Hence, when we mutually pray for one another and obtain our desire, the glory of God is even more set forth, since we all acknowledge with thanksgiving God’s benefits—both those conferred publicly upon the whole Church and also those bestowed privately upon individuals.

In this interpretation, there is nothing forced. For concerning the fact that in Greek the introduction of the article between the two clauses by many persons and the gift conferred upon me appears to separate them, that has no force, as it is frequently found introduced between connected clauses. Here, however, it is properly introduced in place of an adversative particle, for although it had come from many persons, it was nevertheless peculiar to Paul. To take the phrase διὰ πολλῶν (by means of many) in the neuter gender, as some do, conflicts with the connection of the passage.

It may, however, be asked why he says From many persons, rather than From many men, and what is the meaning of the term person here? I answer, it is as though he had said—With respect to many. For the favor was conferred on Paul in such a way that it might be given to many. Hence, since God had regard for many, he says on that account that many persons were the cause of it. Some Greek manuscripts have ὑπὲρ ὑμῶν—on your account; and although this appears to conflict with Paul’s design and the connection of the words, it may, nevertheless, be properly explained in this manner: “When God will have heard you on behalf of my welfare, and that also for your own welfare, thanks will be given by many on your account.”