The Sowing of Seeds

Now He who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed for sowing [that is, your resources] and increase the harvest of your righteousness [which shows itself in active goodness, kindness, and love]. You will be enriched in every way so that you may be generous, and this [generosity, administered] through us is producing thanksgiving to God [from those who benefit].

For the ministry of this service (offering) is not only supplying the needs of the saints (God’s people), but is also overflowing through many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Because of this act of ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to the gospel of Christ which you confess, as well as for your generous participation [in this gift] for them and for all [the other believers in need],

and they also long for you while they pray on your behalf, because of the surpassing measure of God’s grace [His undeserved favor, mercy, and blessing which is revealed] in you.

Now thanks be to God for His indescribable gift [which is precious beyond words]! (2 Corinthians 9:10-15) And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.'

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

As you go into the house, give it your greeting [that is, ‘Peace be to this house’].

If [the family living in] the house is worthy [welcoming you and your message], give it your [blessing of] peace [that is, a blessing of well-being and prosperity, the favor of God]. But if it is not worthy, take back your blessing of peace.

Whoever does not welcome you, nor listen to your message, as you leave that house or city, shake the dust [of it] off your feet [in contempt, breaking all ties].

I assure you and most solemnly say to you, it will be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city [since it rejected the Messiah’s messenger].

Listen carefully: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; so be wise as serpents, and innocent as doves [have no self-serving agenda]. (Matthew 10:7-16) The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the LORD, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path].

For the LORD delights in justice And does not abandon His saints (faithful ones); They are preserved forever, But the descendants of the wicked will [in time] be cut off.

The mouth of the righteous proclaims wisdom, And his tongue speaks justice and truth.

The law of his God is in his heart; Not one of his steps will slip. (Psalm 37:23,28,30,31)