As we continue on from the previous chapter, we ought to remember that when Paul wrote this letter there were no chapter or verse divisions. He has already taught the Corinthian and Achaian holy-people (sanctified-people, Christians, saints, children of the only true God) that they should firstly give themselves to God in the service category, receive from Him, and then carry-out God's will regarding giving-to and receiving-from other holy-people.
II Corinthians 9:1-4:
9:1For indeed concerning the ministry, the (ministry) into the holy-people, it is exceeding for me to write to you, .2for I knew2 your eagerness which I boast on your behalf to (the) Macedonians that Achaia was prepared2 from (the) past-year, and your zeal stimulated more-people, .3but I sent the brothers in order that our boast, the (boast) on your behalf, may not be emptied in this particular in order that you may be having been prepared2 according as I used-to-say (about you), .4lest-somehow if-ever (the) Macedonians may go together with me and they may find you unprepared, "we" may be brought-down-to-shame in order that I may not say "you" in this substance.
The word “ministry” means: the duty of service to benefit others, not 'being-subject' to them but doing work to bring profit to them, the day-by-day ministerial duties, the functions of service for God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul writes: In truth indeed about the ministry into (directed-to) the holy-people, it is abundant (over and above the number or measure already attained) for me to write to you. Why? For I knew and still know (perceive, see) your eagerness (readiness, your willing-enthusiasm, alacrity of a willing-mind beforehand) which I boast (speak justifiably loudly) in the interests of you to the Macedonian holy-people.
My boast is that Achaia (referring to the holy-people living in the whole area of Achaia which includes Corinth, the capital city of Achaia) was prepared and is still prepared (made itself ready by getting its implements or vessels beside itself) since last year, and your zeal (your boiling or vehement passion) stimulated (in the good sense of arousing, exciting, irritating or provoking into action) the bigger-portion (majority) of people to whom I spoke.
But I sent the brothers (refer to chapter 8:16-24)…
…lest in some manner (so that there would be no way) it would ever happen that the Macedonian holy-people would come in conjunction with me to you and they would find you unprepared (not made-ready) – then "we" (myself and those with me) would be put to shame (caused to have the feeling or emotion of disgrace and guilt bringing reproach having recognized and being sorry for our own performance of an improper, ignominious or dishonorable deed from God's point of view, made to feel shame before others).
And, I write "we" for the purpose and result that I would not lay it out that it would be "you" Corinthian and Achaian holy-people who would be brought-down to shame within the sphere of action of this substance.
The word translated “substance” means: that-which is standing-under, underlying, what is arranged underneath everything else, the substructure, subject, the essence of this matter in contrast to what manifestly appears.
[Reference: Acts 20:1-4; Romans 12:13, and 15:26; I Corinthians 16:2, 3; II Corinthians 8:4, 10-12, 19 and 24. Note: verbs with a superscript 2 (2) immediately following them indicate the "perfect" tense - details are provided in the "Relevant Notes" link of this study.].
A printed paperback book of the complete study of Second Corinthians may be purchased at:
or
True Bible Study - Second Corinthians
