Wednesday, September 1, 2021
The apostle Paul writes to commend Christ-followers for their generosity.
II Corinthians 9:13 . . . they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution . . . (NASB)
The New Testament church of Corinth (modern day Greece) was started by the apostle Paul. Corinth was regarded as the “Las Vegas” of it’s day. There were people from all nationalities who were known for a level of sin and debauchery that was unique in their time. But slowly, the love of Christ began to have effect.
These were wealthy Christ-followers, and one of the ways they gave proof of their faith was to give financially to the multitudes of persecuted believers who had lost their jobs and their livelihoods. (Think of persecuted Christians today in the Middle East!) The Corinthian church showed it’s credibility by fully supplying the needs of the saints! The verse today says to the church at Corinth, because of this spiritual service of giving, others will now praise and thank God for their obedience! This young church wasn’t just talking the talk; they were walking the walk!!