2 Corinthians 9:4

They of Macedonia. At the time of writing this epistle Paul was on his way to Corinth. Within a few weeks he would see the Corinthians face to face, and spend the winter with them (Acts 20:1-3). Apparently it had already been planned that several of the Macedonian believers should accompany him. On frequent occasions believers escorted him from one city to another (Acts 17:14, 15; Romans 15:24; 1 Corinthians 16:6; see on 2 Corinthians 1:16). If the Corinthians were still not ready when the Macedonian representatives arrived, the occasion would be one of embarrassment for all — for Paul, for the Macedonians, and for the Corinthians themselves.

Paul had done everything to assure their success. He had carefully organized and planned the collection. He had pointed to their zeal and interest in order to encourage the Macedonians. He was now sending them further instructions, by letter. And finally, he was dispatching three representatives to assist the Corinthians in bringing the project to completion. After all of this, failure would mean disgrace and humiliation indeed.

That we say not, ye. That is, not to say you yourselves.

Confident boasting. Literally, “confidence of boasting,” though textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the omission of the word “boasting.” The last phrase of the verse would then read “in this confidence.” The basis for Paul’s boasting would be completely shattered should the Corinthians be unprepared when he arrived.