2 Corinthians 9:13

King James Version (KJV)

Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men;

Adam Clarke
Bible Commentary

By the experiment of this ministration - In this, and in the preceding and following verses, the apostle enumerates the good effects that would be produced by their liberal almsgiving to the poor saints at Jerusalem.

The wants of the saints would be supplied.

Many thanksgivings would thereby be rendered unto God.

The Corinthians would thereby give proof of their subjection to the Gospel. And,

4. The prayers of those relieved will ascend up to God in the behalf of their benefactors.

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Albert Barnes
Notes on the Whole Bible

Whiles by the experiment … - Or rather, by the experience of this ministration; the proof ( δοκιμῆς dokimēs), the evidence here furnished of your liberality. They shall in this ministration have experience or proof of your Christian principle.

They glorify God - They will praise God as the source of your liberality, as having given you the means of being liberal, and having inclined your hearts to it.

For your professed subjection … - Literally, “For the obedience of your profession of the gospel.” It does not imply merely that there was a profession of religion, but that there was a real subjection to the gospel which they professed. This is not clearly expressed in our translation. Tyndale has expressed it better, “Which praise God for your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ.” There was a real and sincere submission to the gospel of Christ, and that was manifested by their giving liberally to supply the needs of others. The doctrine is, that one evidence of true subjection to the gospel; one proof that our profession is sincere and genuine, is a willingness to contribute to relieve the needs of the poor and afflicted friends of the Redeemer. And unto all people. That is, all others whom you may have the opportunity of relieving.

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Matthew Henry
Concise Bible Commentary

Money bestowed in charity, may to the carnal mind seem thrown away, but when given from proper principles, it is seed sown, from which a valuable increase may be expected. It should be given carefully. Works of charity, like other good works, should be done with thought and design. Due thought, as to our circumstances, and those we are about to relieve, will direct our gifts for charitable uses. Help should be given freely, be it more or less; not grudgingly, but cheerfully. While some scatter, and yet increase; others withhold more than is meet, and it tends to poverty. If we had more faith and love, we should waste less on ourselves, and sow more in hope of a plentiful increase. Can a man lose by doing that with which God is pleased? He is able to make all grace abound towards us, and to abound in us; to give a large increase of spiritual and of temporal good things. He can make us to have enough in all things; and to be content with what we have. God gives not only enough for ourselves, but that also wherewith we may supply the wants of others, and this should be as seed to be sown. We must show the reality of our subjection to the gospel, by works of charity. This will be for the credit of our profession, and to the praise and glory of God. Let us endeavour to copy the example of Christ, being unwearied in doing good, and deeming it more blessed to give than to receive. Blessed be God for the unspeakable gift of his grace, whereby he enables and inclines some of his people to bestow upon others, and others to be grateful for it; and blessed be his glorious name to all eternity, for Jesus Christ, that inestimable gift of his love, through whom this and every other good thing, pertaining to life and godliness, are freely given unto us, beyond all expression, measure, or bounds.

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SDA Bible Commentary (limited)
Volume 1-7

13. Experiment. Gr. dokimÃ„â€œ, “trial,” “proof.” DokimÃ„â€œ is rendered “trial” in ch. 8:2 “proof” in ch. 13:3 “approved” in Rom. 14:18; 16:10, “experience” in Rom. 5:4. The true results and ultimate consequences of the Corinthian liberality will be seen, not in the material relief and benefits given to needy Christians at Jerusalem, but in the glory they give to God as a result. An essential part of the everlasting gospel is to recognize and honor God (Rev. 14:6, 7). Through His people God purposes to display His power and grace in such a way as to exalt His name. The liberality of the Corinthians glorified God by providing an occasion for proving their sincerity.

Ministration. Or, “service,” that is, to the poor at Jerusalem.

Your professed subjection. Literally, “the obedience of your profession.” Their words would be confirmed by their deeds. Jewish converts to Christianity were suspicious that the conversion of Gentiles to the faithÃ¢â‚¬â€unless they first accepted JudaismÃ¢â‚¬â€was not genuine. A generous gift from the Gentile churches to their Jewish brethren would provide the latter with tangible evidence of the loyalty and sincere purpose of the former. Their adherence to Christianity would be proved to be more than a mere profession without practice. It is only when religion leads a man to take a practical interest in the happiness and welfare of his fellow men that his religion is worth anything. A professed love for God that is not reflected in selfless service for others is a worthless counterfeit (see on Matt. 25:31-46; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 4:20, 21). Professed Christians today will do well to measure themselves by this standard.

Liberal distribution. Or, “openhearted contribution.” The proposed collection will demonstrate that the Corinthians have a spirit of true fellowship with their Jewish brethren. Paul hopes to prove that Jew and Gentile are one in Christ. The work of true Christianity is to draw men together in the fellowship of the gospel (John 17:9-11, 20-23).

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, 735

Paul lays down a rule for giving to God's cause, and tells us what the result will be both in regard to ourselves and to God. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” “This I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” “God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (... Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.” 5T 735.1

We are not to feel that we can do or give anything that will entitle us to the favor of God. Says the apostle: “What hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?” When David and the people of Israel had gathered together the material they had prepared for the building of the temple, the king, as he committed the treasure to the princes of the congregation, rejoiced and gave thanks to God in words that should ever dwell in the hearts of God's people. “David blessed the Lord before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be Thou Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Thine.... And in Thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank Thee, and praise Thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee. For we are strangers before Thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding. O Lord our God, all this store that we have prepared to build Thee an house for Thine holy name cometh of Thine hand, and is all Thine own. I know also, my God, that Thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of mine heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy Thy people, which are present here, to offer willingly unto Thee.” 5T 735.2

It was God who had provided the people with the riches of earth, and His Spirit had made them willing to bring their precious things for the temple. It was all of the Lord; if His divine power had not moved upon the hearts of the people, the king's efforts would have been in vain, and the temple would never have been erected. 5T 736.1

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 481-2

The enemy will invent every device in his power to prevent the light from shining in new places. He does not want the truth to go forth “as a lamp that burneth.” Will our brethren consent that he shall succeed in his plans for hindering the work? 6T 481.1

Time is rapidly passing into eternity. Will any now keep back from God that which is strictly His own? Will any refuse Him that which, though it may be given without merit, cannot be denied without ruin? The Lord has given to every man his work, and the holy angels want us to be doing that work. As you shall watch and pray and work, they stand ready to co-operate with you. When the understanding is worked upon by the Holy Spirit, then all the affections act harmoniously in compliance with the divine will. Then men will give to God His own, saying: “All things come of Thee, and of Thine own we freely give Thee.” May God forgive His people that they have not done this. 6T 481.2

Brethren and sisters, I have tried to set things before you as they are, but the attempt falls far short of the reality. Will you refuse my plea? It is not I who appeal to you; it is the Lord Jesus, who has given His life for the world. I have but obeyed the will, the requirement, of God. Will you improve the opportunity of showing honor to God's work and respect for the servants whom He has sent to do His will in guiding souls to heaven? 6T 481.3

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Ellen G. White
Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, 139

“This I say,” Paul wrote: “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work;” “being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God. For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men; and by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be unto God for His Unspeakable Gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 11-15. 8T 139.1

God's law is fulfilled only as men love Him with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves. It is the manifestation of this love that brings glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men. The Lord is glorified when the great end of His law is attained. It is the work of the Holy Spirit from age to age to impart love to human hearts, for love is the living principle of brotherhood. 8T 139.2

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Ellen G. White
Counsels on Stewardship, 344

It is through the exercise of this practical love that the churches draw nearer together in Christian unity. Through the love of the brethren, love to God is increased, because He has not forgotten those who were in distress, and thus thank offerings ascend to God for His care. “For the ministration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God.” The faith of the brethren is increased in God, and they are led to commit their souls and bodies unto God as to a faithful Creator. “Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men.”—The Review and Herald, August 21, 1894. CS 344.1

Christ will keep the names of all who count no sacrifice too costly to be offered to Him upon the altar of faith and love. He sacrificed all for fallen humanity. The names of the obedient, self-sacrificing, and faithful will be engraven upon the palms of His hands; they will not be spewed from His mouth, but be taken in His lips, and He will specially plead in their behalf before the Father. When the selfish and proud are forgotten, they will be remembered; their names will be immortalized. In order to be happy ourselves, we must live to make others happy. It is well for us to yield our possessions, our talents, and our affections in grateful devotion to Christ, and in that way find happiness here and immortal glory hereafter.—Testimonies for the Church 3:250, 251. CS 344.2

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