For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto 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;
- BSB 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.
- 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 8:14–15But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:
- Phlm 1:4–7I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,
- Phil 2:25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
- Jas 2:14–16What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
- 1 Jn 3:17But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
- Phil 4:18–19But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
- 2 Cor 8:4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
- 2 Cor 1:11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
- 2 Cor 9:1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous 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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