2 Corinthians 9:1

Even though Paul said he felt no need to go on writing about the importance of this collection, he did so in this chapter. This is the rhetorical device called paraleipsis (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:1). Saying one is not going to mention a subject and then proceeding to do so has the effect of emphasizing it in an understated way that is less offensive than if one would simply speak on the subject. The emphasis in the verses that follow is primarily on Paul’s plan to come to them. It is only secondarily on the additional motivation this visit placed on the readers to get the collection ready (cf. Philemon 1:21-22).