9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as [a matter of] bounty, and not as [of] {b} covetousness.
(b) As from covetous men.
9:5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren. Hence, he thought it needful to send the brethren that the work might surely be conducted to completion, and the collection ready.
As [a matter of] bounty. As a free gift, cheerfully bestowed.
And not as [of] covetousness. Not something extorted from them: and not of extortion (Revised Version).
9:5 Spoken of before - By me, to the Macedonians. Not as a matter of covetousness - As wrung by importunity from covetous persons.
9:1-5 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.
