(Vss. 1-2). Though the Apostle had written to the assembly at Corinth to awaken their care for the needy among God's people, he felt that it was somewhat superfluous, seeing he knew their readiness of mind to help in this service. Indeed, in this respect, he had boasted of them to those in Macedonia, even as he had just used the saints in Macedonia as an example for those to whom he was writing in Achaia. Their zeal had been used to provoke others to this good work.
(Vss. 3-5). Nevertheless, he had thought it well to send the brethren, of whom he had been writing, that the gift, which the assemblies in Achaia had proposed to send to their poor brethren in Jerusalem and Judaea, might be ready when he came, accompanied by some from Macedonia. The gift being ready beforehand, he would feel no shame in having spoken so well of the Corinthian saints to those of Macedonia. He desired that their gift might be a matter of true bounty and not something obtained from them, as if their wealth was coveted.
(Vs. 7). This leads the Apostle to speak of the spirit of giving, which, in God's sight, is more important than the gift. Let each give "according as he is purposed in his heart" (JND), not influenced by outward pressure, and not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loveth a cheerful giver.
(Vss. 8-9). Moreover, to those who, in a right spirit, give to the needy, God can make all grace abound, so that the giver shall have all sufficiency in all things, and thus be able to abound in every good work. This, indeed, is according to the unchanging principles of God's governmental ways, as it is written, "He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth forever; his horn shall be exalted with honor" (Psa. 112:99He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honor. (Psalm 112:9)).
(Vss. 10-12). In this confidence in the grace of God, the Apostle looks to God to multiply their means, so that they may be able to give with all bountifulness, and thus become an occasion for thankfulness to God. For this service of giving not only meets the needs of poor saints, but becomes the occasion of turning many hearts to God in thankfulness.
(Vss. 13-14). Moreover, this gift from Gentile converts to Jewish believers becomes an occasion for glorifying God that the Gentiles had received the gospel of Christ, as well as for their liberality. Further, it drew out their prayers on behalf of these saints, as well as thanksgiving to God.
(Vs. 15). But, above all temporal gifts, for which we may rightly be thankful, the Apostle reminds us never to forget to thank God for His unspeakable gift. "For whatsoever may be the fruits of grace, we have the proof and the power in that which God has given" — John Darby.