John Wesley · 167 of 2131
IX
1. To write to you - Largely.
2. I boast to them of Macedonia - With whom he then was.
3. I have sent the above mentioned brethren before me.
5. Spoken of before - By me, to the Macedonians. Not as a matter of covetousness - As wrung by from covetous persons.
6. He that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly; he that soweth bountifully shall reap bountifully - A general rule. God will proportion the reward to the work, and the temper it proceeds.
7. Of necessity - Because he cannot tell how to refuse.
8. How remarkable are these words! Each is loaded with matter and increases all the way it goes. All - Every kind of blessing. That ye may abound to every good work - God gives us everything, that we may do good therewith, and so receive more blessings. All things in this life, even rewards, are, to the faithful, seeds in order to a future harvest. Prov. xxii, 9
9. He hath scattered abroad - (A generous word.) With a full hand, without any anxious thought which way each grain falls. His - His beneficence, with the blessed effects of it. Remaineth forever - Unexhausted, God still renewing his store. Psalm cxii, 9
10. And he who supplieth seed - Opportunity and ability to help others. And bread - All things needful for your own souls and bodies. Will continually supply you with that seed, yea, multiply it to you more and more. And increase the fruits of your - The happy effects of your love to God and man. Isaiah lv, 10
11. Which worketh by us thanksgiving to God - Both from us who distribute, and them who receive, your bounty.
13. Your avowed subjection - Openly testified by your actions. To all men - Who stand in need of it.
15. His unspeakable gift - His outward and inward blessings, the number and excellence of which cannot be uttered.