2 Corinthians 9:12

Administration. Or, “ministration,” “rendering” (RSV).

Service. Greek leitourgia (see on Luke 1:23), whence comes our word “liturgy.” In classical Greek it designated one who rendered public service to the state or who held public office, usually at his own expense. In the LXX it refers to the services of the priests in the Jewish sanctuary (Numbers 4:24; cf. 1 Chronicles 26:30). In the New Testament it generally denotes the service of Christ and His representatives on earth (Luke 1:23; Hebrews 8:6; 9:21). Here it refers specifically to the gift of the Corinthians for the relief of the poor in Jerusalem. Christian charity has two aspects, one Godward and the other manward.

Supplieth. Literally, “to fill up by adding to,” here, by meeting the needs of the poor.

The want of the saints. The needs of the poor at Jerusalem.

Is abundant. Or, “overflows,” This expresses the Godward aspect of their gift, which will result in praise and thanksgiving to God, on the part of the recipients and on the part of other Christians who learn of their generosity. The gift is made to God as well as to man (Matthew 25:40).