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2 Corinthians 9 · a question people ask

"the service to the saints" (9:1). Who are the saints here?

In the text

The chapter speaks of "the service to the saints" (9:1), and says the service "makes up for lack among the saints" (9:12). It doesn't name them or say where they are, and these notes don't fill that in from any other book. They apply none of it to any giving today.

The verses

“It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,”
2 Corinthians 9:1 · World English Bible
“For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,”
2 Corinthians 9:12 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of 2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9: A matter of generosity

Behind generous gift and generosity (9:5) and both bountifullys (9:6) is one Greek noun, the one the WEB most often gives elsewhere as blessing. And the chapter that speaks of sowing and reaping ends in thanks: "Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!" (9:15).

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Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions