Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:1

περὶ μὲν γὰρ τῆς διακονίας. The μέν looks forward to the second point, which comes in 2 Corinthians 9:3 (δέ): the γάρ looks back to the end of 8—the reception of the three delegates. But, as μέν and δέ cover 2 Corinthians 9:1-4, this shows that the explanation implied in γάρ is to be looked for in 2 Corinthians 9:1-4, not in 2 Corinthians 9:1 only. Thus understood, the connexion between 8 and 9 is natural enough. To say that 2 Corinthians 9:1 does not explain 2 Corinthians 8:24 is to state the case incorrectly. See the note at the end of this chapter. For the use of εἰς in τῆς εἰς τοὺς ἁγίους see on 2 Corinthians 8:4 and comp. 2 Corinthians 9:13. For διακονία see on 2 Corinthians 9:12.

περισσόν μοί ἐστιν τὸ γράφειν. It is superfluous for me to write, because he is sending men who are competent, and because the Corinthians do not need to be told their duty. Nevertheless, in his intense anxiety, he does write about it. He must take every means to secure a good result. περιττὴν ἐκάλεσε τὴν περὶ τῆς φιλοτιμίας παραίνεσιν· οὐ περιττὴν ὅντως ὑπολαμβάνων, ἀλλὰ τῇ τοιαύτῃ τῶν λόγων μεθόδῳ πρὸς πλείω διεγείρων φιλοτιμίαν (Theodoret).

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

2 Corinthians 9:1

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