2 Corinthians 9:2

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while organizing the collection for the saints. He writes at a moment when he has already announced their readiness to the Macedonians and is preparing to send delegates to verify the gift.

The words — προθυμίαν (prothumian) renders literally as "readiness" or "eagerness," denoting their initial willingness. οἶδα (oida) means "I know," establishing Paul's confidence on the basis of their established conduct rather than assumption.

The thread — The pattern of boasting about a church's preparedness runs through 2 Corinthians 8:10, 2 Corinthians 8:8, and 2 Corinthians 8:24, where Paul repeatedly links financial readiness to the visible demonstration of love.

Why it lands — The text requires that public declarations of willingness be matched by private follow-through. It demands readers treat their commitments as binding obligations that must be fulfilled before the appointed time.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 8:10 And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.
2 Corinthians 8:8 I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others.
2 Corinthians 8:24 In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.
1 Corinthians 16:15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.
Acts 18:12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.
2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:
2 Corinthians 7:4 Great is my confidence in you; great is my pride in you; I am filled with encouragement; in all our troubles my joy overflows.
2 Corinthians 8:19 More than that, this brother was chosen by the churches to accompany us with the gracious offering we administer to honor the Lord Himself and to show our eagerness to help.
1 Thessalonians 1:7 As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.