A folio of Papyrus 46 (written ca. AD 200), containing 2 Corinthians 11:33–12:9. This manuscript contains almost complete parts of the whole Pauline epistles.
This chapter continues "the topic of generous giving" [2] commenced in the previous chapter. The eighteenth-century German theologian Johann Salomo Semler suggested that this chapter was a separate letter later inserted into 2 Corinthians.[3] The Jerusalem Bible notes the possibility that chapter 9 was "a short note to the churches of Achaia, being inserted here subsequently to follow the instructions on the same subject ... in chapter 8.[4] The Pulpit Commentary rejects this suggestion.[5]
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.[7]
"not reluctantly or under compulsion" (NKJV: "not grudgingly or of necessity"): that is "of his own will and free choice", from one's very heart; not as directed and forced by others.[8]
"For God loves a cheerful giver": The Jewish phrase "with a cheerful countenance", or elsewhere "with a cheerful heart" is from the quotation: "He that doth the commandment, i.e. alms, let him do it "with a cheerful heart"."[8]
Proverbs 22:8inSeptuagint has "God blesses a cheerful man, and a giver", which may be what Paul refers to.[8]
Paul knew that all the magnificent promises of God were guaranteed through the perfect sacrifice of Christ (cf. 2 Corinthians 1:20). Thus, that "indescribable free gift" would include all the goodness and loyal love that God would extend to mankind through Jesus. Indeed, that gift is so awe-inspiring that it cannot be fully described in human terms.[12]
MacDonald, Margaret (2007). "66. 2 Corinthians". In Barton, John; Muddiman, John (eds.). The Oxford Bible Commentary (first (paperback) ed.). Oxford University Press. pp. 1134–1151. ISBN978-0199277186. Retrieved February 6, 2019.
