For the administration of this service not only supplies the need of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Read Chapter 9
Ambrosiaster
AD 400
It is not only those who have been delivered from beggary to the service of God who rejoice but all those who see the want being supplied. Thus it is that what is given to a few redounds in praises given by the many to God. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints. Ή διακονία τη̃ς λειτουÏγίας, literally, "the ministry of this liturgy." In this collection of alms there Isaiah , as it were, a liturgy, a mystic sacrifice of the Mass, in which the Corinthians, as offering the victim of alms, are the priests; the poor make the altar; the sacrifice is the alms. Paul may be the deacon, the minister exhorting, collecting, and distributing the alms, through whom the poor who receive and the rich who give, seeing and rejoicing at the grace of Christ, are stirred up to give thanks unto the Lord. S. Cyprian says (Tract. Deuteronomy 0pere et Eleemos.): "Since thanksgiving is directed to God in the prayers of the poor for our alms and good deeds, the total is increased by the reward given by God, who works in us." S. Chrysostom (Hom20) says: "When you see a poor Prayer of Manasseh , think that you see the body of Christ, the altar of Christ, and do reveren...
And again: "The administration of this service shall not only supply the wants of the saints, but shall be abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; ".
Also in the same place: "The administration of this service has not only supplied that which is lacking to the saints, but has abounded by much giving of thanks unto God."
What he says is this; 'in the first place ye not only supply the wants of the saints, but you are abundant even;' that is, 'ye furnish them with even more than they need: next, through them ye send up thanksgiving to God, for they glorify Him for the obedience of your confession.' For that he may not represent them as giving thanks on this account solely, (I mean, because they received somewhat,) see how high-minded he makes them, exactly as he himself says to the Philippians, Not that I desire a gift. Philippians 4:17 'To them too I bear record of the same thing. For they rejoice indeed that you supply their wants and alleviate their poverty; but far more, in that you are so subjected to the Gospel; whereof this is an evidence, your contributing so largely.' For this the Gospel enjoins.
And for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all. 'And on this account,' he says, 'they glorify God that you are so liberal, not unto them only, but also unto all.' And this again ...
