2 Corinthians 8:7
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This verse doesn't just say to be good; it connects excellence in all areas of life—faith, knowledge, even how you speak—to the importance of excelling in generosity. It's as if Paul is saying that true spiritual maturity overflows into practical, tangible acts of giving.
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is continuing his appeal to the Corinthian church to generously contribute to a collection for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering from a famine. He's just praised them for their enthusiasm in other areas of Christian life, highlighting their strong faith, understanding, and affection for him and the other apostles. Now, he's challenging them to let that same excellence shine through in their practical generosity towards those in need.
The Apostle Paul is talking about giving, but he starts by highlighting the Corinthians' existing strengths. What does this tell us about the connection between our inner faith and our outward generosity?
Paul begins by affirming the Corinthians' strengths: their faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love. He doesn't scold them into giving; instead, he points to the abundance they already possess. This is key! True generosity isn't born from a lack, but from an overflow. When our faith is genuine, it naturally spills into all areas of our lives, including how we share what God has given us.
Paul calls generosity an 'act of grace.' What makes giving so special, and why does he want the Corinthians to 'excel' in it?
The Greek word translated here as 'grace' is the same word used throughout the New Testament to describe God's unmerited favor towards us. Paul is saying that generous giving isn't just a duty or a charitable act; it's a participation in God's own graceful nature. It's a way for believers to reflect the ultimate Giver. To 'excel' in this means to lead the way, to be outstanding examples in how they share resources, mirroring the abundant grace they have received.
Understand the original words
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pistis · Greek Noun
A firm conviction, belief, and trust in God and His promises; it is the fundamental response of a believer to the Gospel.
spoudē · Greek Noun
Refers to diligent, intense, or sincere effort/zeal in carrying out a task or pursuing a godly goal.
agapē · Greek Noun
A sacrificial, self-giving love that reflects the nature of God, often contrasted with human affection; it is the hallmark of the Christian life.
The Corinthian church was known for its spiritual gifts but also struggled with divisions and immaturity. Paul's letters to them, including 2 Corinthians, are deeply pastoral, addressing both their strengths and weaknesses as they were encouraged to grow in their generosity towards believers in Jerusalem.
c. AD 49-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, accompanied by Silas and Timothy, travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, establishing churches in cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Corinth.
c. AD 50-52
Founding of the Corinthian Church
Paul spends a significant amount of time in Corinth, founding and nurturing the church there, facing considerable opposition but also seeing many believe.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul writes his first letter to the Corinthians to address divisions, moral issues, and doctrinal misunderstandings within the church.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's Visit and the 'Painful Visit'
Paul makes a difficult, short visit to Corinth, which seems to have caused further strain in their relationship, leading to a 'tearful letter'.
c. AD 56— this verse
Paul Writes 2 Corinthians
Paul writes his second letter to the Corinthians, likely from Macedonia, as a follow-up to the 'tearful letter' and to discuss various matters, including a significant offering for the Jerusalem church.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul visits Corinth for the third time, where he spends three months, solidifying his relationship with the church and making arrangements for his future travels.
This passage highlights a similar concept of the Philippian church's generous giving and their partnership in the gospel, mirroring the Corinthians' excel lence in giving.
1 Timothy 6:17-19Paul encourages the wealthy to be generous and rich in good deeds, which connects to the idea of excelling in giving as a demonstration of faith and love.
2 Corinthians 9:2This verse speaks of the Corinthians' eagerness and pride in their willingness to give, reinforcing the theme of excelling in this act of grace.
Matthew 5:16Jesus teaches that good works should shine before others, prompting them to glorify God, which is the ultimate purpose behind excelling in acts of grace like generosity.
This verse doesn't just say to be good; it connects excellence in all areas of life—faith, knowledge, even how you speak—to the importance of excelling in generosity. It's as if Paul is saying that true spiritual maturity overflows into practical, tangible acts of giving.
Paul is continuing his appeal to the Corinthian church to generously contribute to a collection for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering from a famine. He's just praised them for their enthusiasm in other areas of Christian life, highlighting their strong faith, understanding, and affection for him and the other apostles. Now, he's challenging them to let that same excellence shine through in their practical generosity towards those in need.
Paul is continuing his appeal to the Corinthian church to generously contribute to a collection for believers in Jerusalem who are suffering from a famine. He's just praised them for their enthusiasm in other areas of Christian life, highlighting their strong faith, understanding, and affection for him and the other apostles. Now, he's challenging them to let that same excellence shine through in their practical generosity towards those in need.
"But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also." — This verse doesn't just say to be good; it connects excellence in all areas of life—faith, knowledge, even how you speak—to the importance of excelling in generosity. It's as if Paul is saying that…
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Last reviewed October 2026
