2 Corinthians 8:7
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)
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Notice how Paul links excelling in "faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love" to this "act of grace." It’s not just about giving money; it’s about letting God’s grace overflow through all areas of your life, including generosity, so that it becomes a tangible expression of your faith and love.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to generously contribute to a collection for believers suffering in Jerusalem. He’s just praised their eagerness and faith, but he’s urging them to match their spiritual gifts with practical generosity, reminding them that true faith is demonstrated through action, especially when it comes to caring for others in need. This appeal builds on his previous arguments and sets the stage for further instructions on how to manage the offering properly.
Paul praises the Corinthians for their abundance in spiritual gifts. But he directs them to channel that overflowing abundance into a specific, practical expression of God's love.
Paul sees the Corinthian church as already rich in spiritual blessings: faith, speech, knowledge, and earnestness. He doesn't doubt their spiritual depth. Instead, he calls them to excel in giving, framing it as a 'grace' – a gift from God that flows through them. This isn't about obligation; it's about letting their already abundant spiritual lives spill over into generosity towards others, especially the needy believers in Jerusalem. Their giving should be as outstanding as their other spiritual gifts.
Why does Paul call giving an 'act of grace'? It’s more than just a donation; it’s a divine enablement and expression of God’s own generous nature.
The Greek word translated as 'grace' is the same one used throughout Paul's letters to describe God's unmerited favor. Here, Paul highlights that generous giving isn't just a human effort; it's empowered by God's grace. When believers give generously, they are participating in God's own generous character. This act reflects His love and kindness. Therefore, excelling in giving means recognizing it as a divine opportunity to reflect God’s grace to the world, making it a beautiful outflow of their transformed lives.
Understand the original words
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.
Paul's exhortation for the Corinthians to excel in giving is set against the backdrop of their known spiritual gifts and potential, but also their past divisions and Paul's own complex relationship with them.
c. AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem convenes
The early church wrestled with whether Gentile converts needed to follow Jewish law. This council affirmed that salvation was by grace through faith, not works of the law.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent significant time establishing the church in Corinth, facing many challenges and divisions among believers.
c. AD 53-55
First Corinthians written
Paul wrote his first letter to the Corinthians to address ongoing problems within the church, including issues of spiritual gifts, order, and divisions.
c. AD 55-56
Paul's difficult visit to Corinth
Paul made a painful visit to Corinth, which was fraught with tension and further strained his relationship with some in the church.
c. AD 56
This passage highlights the Corinthians' generosity, similar to how Paul calls them to excel in giving, showing a pattern of their active faith expressed through material support.
1 Corinthians 1:5Paul commends the Corinthian believers for being enriched in all their words and knowledge, echoing the same areas of excellence mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:7 and setting the stage for his exhortation.
1 Timothy 6:17-19This passage speaks about the rich being charged to do good, to be rich in good works, and ready to share, which directly relates to the 'act of grace' of giving that Paul is encouraging.
2 Corinthians 9:11This verse promises that the Corinthians will be enriched in every way for their generosity, further reinforcing the spiritual benefits and purpose behind the 'act of grace' mentioned in 2 Corinthians 8:7.
Notice how Paul links excelling in "faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love" to this "act of grace." It’s not just about giving money; it’s about letting God’s grace overflow through all areas of your life, including generosity, so that it becomes a tangible expression of your faith and love.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to generously contribute to a collection for believers suffering in Jerusalem. He’s just praised their eagerness and faith, but he’s urging them to match their spiritual gifts with practical generosity, reminding them that true faith is demonstrated through action, especially when it comes to caring for others in need. This appeal builds on his previous arguments and sets the stage for further instructions on how to manage the offering properly.
Paul is encouraging the Corinthian church to generously contribute to a collection for believers suffering in Jerusalem. He’s just praised their eagerness and faith, but he’s urging them to match their spiritual gifts with practical generosity, reminding them that true faith is demonstrated through action, especially when it comes to caring for others in need. This appeal builds on his previous arguments and sets the stage for further instructions on how to manage the offering properly.
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Second Corinthians written
Paul pens his second letter to the Corinthians, likely from Macedonia, seeking to mend their relationship and address various issues, including a plea for a collection for the suffering believers in Jerusalem.
c. AD 56
Collection for Jerusalem believers
A significant initiative during this period was a collection Paul organized among Gentile churches, like Corinth, to aid the predominantly Jewish believers in Jerusalem who were facing hardship.
"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." — Notice how Paul links excelling in "faith, speech, knowledge, earnestness, and love" to this "act of grace." It’s not just about giving money; it’s about letting God’s grace overflow through all ar…
