God cares for His children and feeds them in two ways: in the way of miracles, as shown by the manna, and in the way of natural law, as shown by sowing and reaping. Concerning both of these means of supply, God is the source. He is the One who sends the manna, and He is the One who supplies the seed for sowing and the bread for food. Having a deep realization of these facts and possessing a thorough knowledge of God's economy, the apostle had the assurance and the peace to encourage the impoverished saints in Macedonia (2 Cor. 8:2; 9:2) to give of what they had to meet the needs of others.

See note 2 Cor. 8:2^2b. So also in v. 13.

Generous giving is, on the one hand, a blessing to the receivers, and, on the other hand, righteousness in the eyes of both God and man.

The Greek word denotes one who is obliged to do menial work to eke out a living. It is not the common word for poor.

As in sowing (v. 6).

Every kind of grace. See note 2 Cor. 8:6².

Or, hilarious, gleeful.

From Prov. 22:8, where the Septuagint reads, "God blesses a cheerful and liberal man."

I.e., by being forced or pressed.

Bountiful harvests as blessings from God to the givers.

Bountiful givings as blessings to the receivers.

Willing and generous giving makes the gift a blessing to the receiver; unwilling and grudging giving, withheld by a covetous heart, makes the gift a matter of covetousness to the giver.

Or, bounty; a willing gift of generosity given as a blessing to others (Gen. 33:11; Judg. 1:15; Ezek. 34:26; Prov. 11:25, "soul of blessing" in KJV margin).

The Greek word denotes the groundwork on which some superstructure is founded; hence, foundation, ground; thence, confidence. The same Greek word as in 2 Cor. 11:17.

See note 2 Cor. 1:1^5d.

Priestly service. See note Phil. 2:25³.

The approving by the needy saints in Judea of the Gentile believers' ministry to them. The Greek word for approving means test, trial, experiment (see 2 Cor. 2:9 and note 2 Cor. 2:9¹); hence, approving, proof. This indicates that the ministry to the saints will be tested, tried, and approved by the saints to prove the generous character of the ministry.

Or, communication (cf. contribute in Rom. 12:13, and had fellowship in Phil. 4:15). Referring to the ministry of supply, which was a fellowship between the Gentile believers and those in Judea.

I.e., immeasurable.

See note 2 Cor. 8:1^1a and note 2 Cor. 8:6²⁸.

Lit., not to be told thoroughly.

I.e., the grace given to the believers.