For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.
Parallel translations
- WEB For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;
- KJV For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
- NKJV For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God,
- NASB For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God.
- NLT So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
This service both meets the material needs of the saints and overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Giving accomplishes a double good: relief and worship.
Overview
Paul highlights two effects of the collection: it supplies what the Jerusalem saints lack, and it multiplies expressions of gratitude to God. Practical aid and spiritual worship are intertwined. Christian charity is never merely social; it draws hearts upward in praise to the Lord who prompts and supplies it.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- 2 Cor 8:14–15At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.
- Phlm 1:4–7I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers,
- Phil 2:25But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.
- Jas 2:14–16What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
- 1 Jn 3:17If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?
- Phil 4:18–19I have all I need and more, now that I have received your gifts from Epaphroditus. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, well-pleasing to God.
- 2 Cor 8:4they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
- 2 Cor 1:11as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the favor shown us in answer to their prayers.
- 2 Cor 9:1Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
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Christ at the center
In Christ all God's promises are 'Yes and Amen'; though rich, he became poor to make us rich, and in him God reconciles the world, making us new creations.
How 2 Corinthians 9:12 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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