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2Co_9:1. Since the γάρ connects the verse with what precedes, not only does the opinion of Semler, that chap. 9 contains a separate Epistle, fall to the ground, but also the hypothesis, that Paul writes as if he were beginning a new topic,—on the basis of which, e.g. Emmerling (comp. Neander) thinks that between the composition of chap. 8 and that of chap. 9 a considerable time had elapsed. Against this may be urged also the fact that in new sections he does not begin with περὶ μέν , but with περὶ δέ (1Co_7:1; 1Co_8:1; 1Co_12:1; 1Co_16:1). Estius is right in saying that the apostle specifies with γάρ the reason why he, in what goes before (2Co_8:24), had exhorted them not to collecting, but to affectionate receiving of the brethren. Comp. Fritzsche, Dissert. II. p 21: “Laute excipite fratres, id moneo (2Co_8:24); nam praeter rem ad liberalitatem denuo quidem provocarem ad eam jam propensos homines,” 2Co_9:2. So also Schott, Isag. p. 240; Billroth, Rückert, Olshausen, Osiander; but there is no indication of a contrast with the Gentile-Christian churches (as if the ἅγιοι were the ἐκκλησία κατʼ ἐξοχήν ), although Hofmann imports i.
μέν ] To this the δέ in 2Co_9:3 corresponds. See on that passage. The counter-remark of de Wette (who, with Osiander and Neander, takes the μέν as solitarium), that δέ in 2Co_9:3 makes a contrast with 2Co_9:2, does not hold good, since the contrast is quite as suitable to 2Co_9:1 (though having respect to what is said in 2Co_9:2). Even in classic writers (often in Thucyd.) the clauses corresponding to each other with μέν and δέ are found separated by intervening clauses. See Kühner, II. p. 428.
τῆς διακονίας τῆς εἰς τ . ἁγ .] as in 2Co_8:4. Beza is incorrect (see 2Co_9:2) in saying that the bringing over only is meant. The word itself corresponds to the idea of Christian fellowship in love, in which the mutual activity of love is a constant debitum ministerium (Rom_13:8; Heb_6:10; 1Pe_4:10), after the example of Christ (Mat_20:28; Luk_22:26 f.). Comp. Gal_5:13.
περισσὸν μοί ἐστι ] i.e. I do not need writing, namely, to effect my objec.
τὸ γράφειν ] with article, because the writing is regarded as actual subject.
REMARK.
Certainly Paul has written of the collection both in chap. 8 and again in what follows; and he meant it so, otherwise he would have ended the section with chap. 8 But he delicately makes a rhetorical turn, so that, in order to spare the readers’ sense of honour, he seems not to take up the subject again, but to speak only of the sending of the brethren; and he annexes to that what he intends still to insert regarding the matter itself. Σοφῶς δὲ τοῦτο ποιεῖ , ὥστε , μᾶλλον αὐτοὺς ἐπισπάσασθαι , Theophylact and Chrysostom. Probably, when he wrote 2Co_8:24, he meant to close the section with it, but—perhaps after reading over chap. 8 again—was induced to add something, which he did in this polite fashion ( τῇ τοιαύτῃ τῶν λόγων μεθόδῳ Theodoret). Hofmann’s idea—that recommendation of the collection itself was superfluous, but that there had been delay in carrying it out, etc.—is quite in accordance certainly with 2Co_9:1-5, but from 2Co_9:5 to the end of the chapter there again follow instructions and promises, which belong essentially to the recommendation of the collection itself.