2 Cor. 9:11. So that you would be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God.
Again he shows how one should use wealth, and says that one should not bury it in the ground, but have it "for all generosity," that is, share it generously. But since many find generosity in harlots and actors, he says: I mean that generosity which brings "thanksgiving" to God, and not only thanksgiving, but many other things, which he speaks of further, so that by showing the many good consequences of generosity, he might make them more zealous for it.
2 Cor. 9:12. For the ministry of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also abounds through many thanksgivings to God;
2 Cor. 9:13. For by the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the Gospel of Christ, and for the sincerity of your fellowship with them and with all,
2 Cor. 9:14. Praying for you, out of their affection for you, on account of the surpassing grace of God in you.
"The ministration of this service," he says, that is, assistance with possessions, accomplishes much, for it not only supplies the need of the brethren, but also "abounds," that is, provides them more than what is needed; and this service and testimony of the ministry of love for mankind calls forth many thanksgivings. They glorify God because you are so obedient to the Gospel, that you fulfill its commandments with generosity; for the Gospel teaches almsgiving. And in another way they glorify God — for your simplicity and goodness, poured out not only toward them, but also toward all the faithful poor. For they do not envy, as other beggars do, but give thanks that you give to others as well, which is a sign of their great virtue. Therefore, to those so free from envy and so virtuous, one ought to give with greater generosity. Moreover, they also pray for you, as though to be counted worthy of seeing you, not for the sake of possessions, but for the sake of the grace of God abundantly given to you. Again he calls the work of almsgiving grace, ascribing everything to God, so that they might not become proud. With the words "the exceeding grace of God" he urges them to make their generosity more abundant, so that others might not surpass and outdo them.
2 Cor. 9:15. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift!
He calls "gift" the blessings that come from almsgiving both to those who give and to those who receive. Or: he reminds us of the blessings of which we were deemed worthy through the incarnation of Christ, speaking as if to say: do not think that you are doing something great. The blessings we have received from God are unspeakable. What is so great about our giving what is small and perishable?