For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you.

For concerning the ministration which is for the saints, it is superfluous my writing to you.

For as concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

As to the services which are being rendered to God's people, it is really unnecessary for me to write to you.

But there is no need for me to say anything in my letter about the giving to the saints:

Now, concerning the ministry that is done toward the saints, it is not necessary for me to write to you.

With reference, indeed, to the Fund for your fellow Christians, it is quite superfluous for me to say anything to you.

Ministering. This term seems not very applicable to those that give of their substance to the poor, inasmuch as liberality is deserving of a more splendid designation. [1] Paul, however, had in view, what believers owe to their fellowmembers. [2] For the members of Christ ought mutually to minister to each other. In this way, when we relieve the brethren, we do nothing more than discharge a ministry that is due to them. On the other hand, to neglect the saints, when they stand in need of our aid, is worse than inhuman, inasmuch as we defraud them of what is their due.

Footnotes

1 - "Ou vous espargner en leur endroit;" -- "Or to spare yourselves as to what you owe them."

2 - "Vn titre plus magnifique et honorable;" -- "A more magnificent and honorable designation."

3 - "Ceux qui sont membres d'vn mesme corps auec eux;" -- "Those that are members of the same body with themselves."

For as touching the ministering to the saints - In regard to the collection that was to be taken up for the aid of the poor Christians in Judea; see the notes on Romans 15:26; 1-Corinthians 16:1; 2 Cor. 8.
It is superfluous - It is needless to urge that matter on you, because I know that you acknowledge the obligation to do it, and have already purposed it.
For me to write to you - That is, to write more, or to write largely on the subject. It is unnecessary for me to urge arguments why it should be done; and all that is proper is to offer some suggestions in regard to the manner in which it shall be accomplished.

It is superfluous for me to write to you - I need not enlarge, having already said enough. See the preceding chapter, (2-Corinthians 8 (note)).

For (1) as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:
(1) He wisely answers the suspicion which the Corinthians might conceive, as though the apostle in urging them so carefully was doubting of their good will. Therefore he witnesses that he does it not to teach them that they ought to help the saints, seeing that he had become surety for them to the Macedonians. But only to stir those up who were labouring by themselves, to the end that all things might both be in a better readiness, and also be more plentiful.

For as touching the ministering to the saints,.... It looks at first sight as if the apostle was entering upon a new subject, though by what follows it appears to be the same; for by "ministering to the saints", he does not mean the ministry of the Gospel to them; nor that mutual assistance members of churches are to give each other; but either the fellowship of ministering to the saints, which the churches had entreated him, and his fellow ministers, to take upon them, namely, to take the charge of their collections, and distribute them to the poor saints at Jerusalem; or rather these collections themselves, and their liberality in them: with respect to which he says,
it is superfluous for me to write to you; that is, he thought it unnecessary to say any more upon that head, because he had used so many arguments already to engage them in it, in the foregoing chapter; and because he had sent three brethren to them, who well understood the nature of this service, and were very capable of speaking to it, and of enforcing the reasonings already used; and more especially he judged it needless to dwell on this subject, for the reasons following.

When we would have others do good, we must act toward them prudently and tenderly, and give them time. Christians should consider what is for the credit of their profession, and endeavour to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. The duty of ministering to the saints is so plain, that there would seem no need to exhort Christians to it; yet self-love contends so powerfully against the love of Christ, that it is often necessary to stir up their minds by way of remembrance.

REASONS FOR HIS SENDING TITUS. THE GREATER THEIR BOUNTIFULNESS, THE MORE SHALL BE THE RETURN OF BLESSING TO THEM, AND THANKSGIVING TO GOD. (2-Corinthians 9:1-15)
For--connected with 2-Corinthians 8:16 : "Show love to the messengers of the churches; for as concerns the ministration for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you who are so forward already."
write--emphatical: It is superfluous to "write," for you will have witnesses present [BENGEL].

The ministering to the saints. Contributions to supply their needs.
It is superfluous. They were fully instructed, and had begun the work. Yet he does write and explain why in 2-Corinthians 9:2.
I know the forwardness of your mind. This is why it seemed superfluous to write.
Achaia was ready a year ago. The churches of the province of Achaia, of which Corinth was the capital. The province embraced all southern Greece, including Athens and CenchreÃ&brvbr;. They had begun the collection "a year ago" (2-Corinthians 8:10).

To write to you - Largely.